Classic Stromboli Recipe from The Food Charlatan (2024)

This easy stromboli recipe is basically rolled up pizza. The classic ingredients include mozzarella, ham, and salami. It’s so good dipped in marinara! A perfect quick dinner (that kids love) or appetizer for football-watching. I will show you just how to make it! Originally posted September 5, 2017.

Classic Stromboli Recipe from The Food Charlatan (1)
Table of Contents
  1. What is Stromboli?
  2. What you’ll need to make the Best Stromboli Recipe
  3. How to make Homemade Stromboli
  4. How to roll a Stromboli Sandwich
  5. Easy Stromboli Recipe filling suggestions
  6. Leftover Stromboli Sandwich storage
  7. Stromboli Recipe FAQs
  8. More delicious dinners that are appetizers!
  9. Stromboli Sandwich Recipe

How was your Labor Day weekend?? Today Eric and I were doing yard work (okay, mostly Eric. I was making Stromboli ☝) and he said he was about to take down the 4th of July bunting that I put up way back in June. Then he remembered it was Labor Day and decided to leave it up in the name of patriotism. He also pointed out that September 11 is coming up, as well as Veteran’s Day in November, so really we HAVE to keep it.

I’m the worst at taking down decorations. We still have a string of homemade snowflakes hanging up high in our living room from Christmas. IT’S SEPTEMBER GUYS. May as well just leave it up til December I guess. (Yes, I realize this is how old ladies who leave their Christmas villages up all year are born. Send help.)

There were some killer sales this weekend, was anyone else doing some shopping? I love that shopping these days consists of me sitting on my couch googling promo codes. We’re so spoiled.

My task is to find a desk chair that is ergonomic and somehow not hideous. Anyone have any suggestions? The two requirements seem to be mutually exclusive.

Classic Stromboli Recipe from The Food Charlatan (2)

I need a decent desk because right now I’m typing this on my couch, and my lower back is crying real tears. Did you know it takes me several hours to write a blog post? (way too much time on the couch!) I know food blogging is this weird new industry that’s a little misunderstood. (“oh, you have a blog? That’s so cute!”)

Anyway, that’s why I need a desk space with a decent chair that is designed to be used for hours at a time. Also I need a physical therapist probably, but I can’t buy that online in my pajamas, so it will have to wait. I’ll find one right after I take down my 4th of July bunting and Christmas snowflakes.

On to the recipe! Raise your hand if you’ve had stromboli?? No, not the bad guy on Pinocchio (remember him?), I’m talking about dinner. It’s so good.

Classic Stromboli Recipe from The Food Charlatan (3)

What is Stromboli?

Stromboli is basically pizza that’s rolled up like a cinnamon roll. Minus cinnamon and sugar, plus pepperoni, cheese and marinara sauce. Pizza dough is layered with all your favorite toppings, rolled up, baked until golden, then sliced into rounds. It makes a delicious lunch, dinner, or appetizer served with marinara sauce for dipping. Yes please.

My kids loved this stuff. It makes a great quick dinner or would be an awesome appetizer for football watching this fall. If you make it for a meal it would serve about 4 (with a couple sides, I’m thinking broccoli and a big salad) or if you make it as an appetizer then it serves 6-8, depending on how hungry your guests are.

What you’ll need to make the Best Stromboli Recipe

Here’s a quick shopping list, full instructions can be found in the recipe card below!

  • Pizza dough
  • Butter
  • Garlic
  • Mozzarella
  • Ham
  • Pepper jack cheese
  • Salami slices
  • Pepperoni
  • Parsley
  • Egg
  • Parmesan cheese
  • Black pepper
  • Chopped parsley
  • Marinara sauce

How to make Homemade Stromboli

It’s so easy. Here’s the basic idea, but I have photos and the full recipe below.

  1. Roll out pizza dough, store bought or homemade.
  2. Add all the toppings
  3. Roll it up and seal the edges
  4. Bake for a half hour, EAT!
Classic Stromboli Recipe from The Food Charlatan (4)

How to roll a Stromboli Sandwich

Don’t worry guys. If I can do this, so can you.

I love my recipe for Homemade Pizza Dough, but if you want to buy pre made dough at the store, that will work great too!

Classic Stromboli Recipe from The Food Charlatan (5)

Make sure that when you layer everything onto the pizza dough that you leave a 1-2 inch border around one of the long edges and the two short ends. Brush the egg wash onto the three exposed edges. Next, roll the stromboli up starting with the long edge that didn’t get egg wash. Make sure you roll it up nice and tight so it doesn’t unravel. You can be too gentle, but it’s hard to do it too tightly.

Classic Stromboli Recipe from The Food Charlatan (6)

Seal the stromboli up by wetting your fingers and sealing the end of the dough. Then roll over the stromboli so that the seam is facing down. Seal the ends of the stromboli with wet fingers, folding the dough underneath if there is extra.

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That’s it. Now you can bake it! Remember, it will taste incredible, no matter how it looks.

Easy Stromboli Recipe filling suggestions

The fillings for Stromboli are as limitless as pizza toppings. You could literally put anything in. BBQ chicken and red onions, Hawaiian with pineapple, sky is the limit. Next time I think I’m going to try a combination style one: green peppers, sausage, pepperoni, mushrooms, olives. Yum!

Leftover Stromboli Sandwich storage

Finished stromboli will last in the fridge for up to 3 days. Or seal it well and toss in the freezer for up to 3 months.

To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge if frozen, then warm in the oven until heated all the way through. You can pop individual slices in the microwave, but they won’t be as crispy on the edges (just like pizza!)

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Stromboli Recipe FAQs

Stromboli vs Calzone

While stromboli and calzones are both variations on classic pizza, they are slightly different.
A calzone is a circle of dough that’s filled with pizza toppings, then folded over to form a crescent of dough. A stromboli is a rectangular piece of dough that’s layered with pizza toppings, then rolled up lengthwise to create a long loaf.

Do Stromboli have sauce in them?

Usually not! Instead the final slices are dipped in warm marinara sauce when it is served. This ensures a perfectly cooked stromboli and plenty of delicious sauce in every bite–since you’re scooping it up yourself, you can choose the amount you want. And of course, you want allll the sauce.

Is a stromboli baked or fried?

Baked! And it’s so good that way. Baking the stromboli heats everything up perfectly but still gives the exterior its golden color and slightly crisped texture. But seriously if someone tried frying this goodness, invite me over for dinner.

Is Stromboli considered a sandwich?

This is a lot like that “is a hot dog a sandwich?” debate. While stromboli is technically more of a rolled-up turnover, it is also known as a stromboli sandwich. Call it what you like. It’s pizza-y goodness and it’s a party in your mouth.

Classic Stromboli Recipe from The Food Charlatan (9)

More delicious dinners that are appetizers!

  • << One of my favorite meals in a mini-individual serving!
  • Chicken Mushroom and Cream Cheese Stuffed Rolls << my mom used to make these all the time!
  • Bacon Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers << I perfected this classic party food!
  • Carol’s Legendary 7-Layer Dip << This is the bean dip of your life.
  • Chicken Flautas (Taquitos) << Another great dinner or appetizer that I love.
  • Easy Cheeseburger Sliders << Watch these disappear so quickly.
  • Pepperoni Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls << Pizza and a yummy dough – so good.
  • Jalapeno Popper Cheesy Bread with Bacon << Bacon, Cheese, Jalapeño. Yummmmm.
  • Baked Potato Skins from Small Town Woman
  • Toasted Ravioli from Chef Savvy

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Classic Stromboli Recipe from The Food Charlatan (10)

Stromboli Sandwich

4.90 from 19 votes

Prep: 10 minutes mins

Cook: 25 minutes mins

Total: 35 minutes mins

Servings: 4 for dinner, 8 for appetizers

Classic Stromboli Recipe from The Food Charlatan (11)

Stromboli is basically pizza that's been rolled up like a cinnamon roll. The classic ingredients include mozzarella, ham, and salami. I threw in some pepperoni and pepper jack cheese just for fun. It's so good dipped in marinara! Perfect quick dinner (that kids love) or appetizer for football-watching.

Ingredients

  • 1 pizza dough
  • 1 tablespoon butter, melted
  • 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup mozzarella, shredded (I like to shred fresh mozz.)
  • 12 thin slices ham
  • 4 ounces Pepper Jack cheese, sliced
  • 15-17 salami slices
  • 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella
  • 15 slices pepperoni
  • 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella
  • 1/4 cup parsley, chopped fine
  • 1 egg, beaten
  • 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheee
  • cracked black pepper, to taste
  • more chopped parsley, to garnish
  • marinara sauce, for dipping

Instructions

  • Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F.

  • Lightly flour a work surface or a square of parchment paper. Roll yourpizza doughinto a rectangle about 12 by 14 inches. I prefer to roll out my pizza dough onparchment paper, because you can just put the paper straight into the oven without trying to transfer it.

  • Brush the top of the dough with melted butter.

  • Sprinkle garlic over the top. You can either use fresh garlic or the kind in the jar.

  • Sprinkle the top with 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese. Leave a 1-2 inch border around 1 long edge and the two short ends.

  • Top with 12 slices of ham.

  • Layer slices of Pepper jack cheese on top of the ham.

  • Layer salami on top of the Pepper jack.

  • Add another 1/2 cup mozzarella.

  • Layer on the pepperoni.

  • Sprinkle the last 1/2 cup mozzarella on top, then sprinkle with parsley.

  • In a small bowl, beat the egg with a fork. Add 1 tablespoon water. Use a brush to coat the 3 exposed edges of your stromboli (short, short, and 1 long edge) with egg wash.

  • Carefully roll up the long edge of your stromboli, starting with the one edge that didn’t get the egg wash. Roll it tightly so that it stays together.

  • Seal the seam with wet fingertips, then roll over the stromboli so that the seam is facing down. Seal the ends with wet fingers, folding the dough underneath if there is extra.

  • Transfer the stromboli to a baking sheet orpizza stone.

  • Brush with melted butter or the extra egg wash. Whatever is most handy. I actually used a little of both.

  • Sprinkle the stromboli with Parmesan cheese, then sprinkle with black pepper. Use a sharp serrated knife to make shallow diagonal cuts on top of the stromboli.

  • Bake at 375 for 25-30 minutes, until the top is brown. If you are nervous that it’s not done, lift an edge with a spatula and make sure the bottom is brown.

  • Let sit for a few minutes so you don’t burn your fingers off. Use a sharp serrated knife to chop into 8-10 slices.

  • Sprinkle with fresh parsley and dip in warm marinara sauce to serve.

Notes

*This links to a pizza crust that will make TWO 10-12 ounce pizza doughs. So clearly the answer is to double this recipe and make 2 Strombolis :)

**You will need a total of 1 and 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella for the whole recipe.

One more thing, I don’t think this recipe is overly spicy with the pepper jack cheese, but if you are very sensitive then just use all shredded mozzarella.

Nutrition

Calories: 1145kcal | Carbohydrates: 96g | Protein: 61g | Fat: 58g | Saturated Fat: 25g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 6g | Monounsaturated Fat: 20g | Trans Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 195mg | Sodium: 3806mg | Potassium: 485mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 13g | Vitamin A: 984IU | Vitamin C: 5mg | Calcium: 478mg | Iron: 7mg

Course: Appetizer, Main Course

Cuisine: Italian

Calories: 1145

Keyword: classic, easy dinner, quick appeitzer, stromboli

Did you make this? I’d love to see it!Mention @thefoodcharlatan or tag #thefoodcharlatan!

Categorized as , Back to School Recipes, Dinner, Game Day Recipes, , Pork, Quick and Easy Dinners

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Classic Stromboli Recipe from The Food Charlatan (2024)

FAQs

What is a real stromboli? ›

Stromboli is a type of baked turnover filled with various Italian cheeses (typically mozzarella) and usually Italian cold cuts (typically meats such as salami, capocollo and bresaola) or vegetables, served hot. The dough used is either Italian bread dough or pizza dough.

Do strombolis have sauce in them? ›

You'll sometimes find a little sauce in a stromboli, but it's often left out or served on the size for dipping like a calzone.

Is pizza dough the same as stromboli dough? ›

A stromboli is an Italian-American dish that features a rectangle of pizza dough or yeasted bread dough that's topped with mozzarella (sometimes Parmesan or other cheeses) and add-ons such as cured meats and veggies, and sometimes tomato sauce too.

What is the difference between a calzone and a stromboli? ›

The major difference between a calzone and a stromboli is how they are folded and sealed before they are baked. Here's the best explanation I can find, courtesy of Bon Appétit: A calzone is a taco, while a stromboli is a burrito. Calzones and tacos are folded into a half moon shape. Stromboli and burritos are rolled.

Is stromboli actually Italian? ›

Despite its distinctly Italian flavours of mozzarella, ham, tomatoes, and its close resemblance to the calzone from Naples, stromboli is actually an American creation that comes from Philadelphia. Find out how to make this classic Italian-American fusion dish and discover the story of its beginnings.

What does stromboli mean in English? ›

An Italian-American dish consisting of meat, cheese, etc. rolled into flattened bread dough, baked, and served typically in slices.

Does a stromboli have ricotta? ›

traditional Stromboli is ham salami pepperoni and mozzarella cheese. the difference between a calzone and Stromboli is a calzone has ricotta cheese and a Stromboli does not have ricotta cheese. you can fill a calzone or Stromboli with whatever fillings you want just like a pizza.

What do you serve with stromboli? ›

What to Serve with Stromboli. Stromboli is a bit heavy with all that meat and cheese, so make sure to lighten up your plate with a simple side salad, or if you're feeling ambitious, go all out with an Antipasto Salad. You can even use some of the ingredients in the Antipasto inside of your stromboli!

What comes in a stromboli? ›

Stromboli is a pizzeria menu staple where I grew up in Philly and I usually make it with Genoa salami, deli pepperoni, provolone, and mozzarella cheese. I love brushing the dough with melted butter, garlic, and fresh parsley for added flavor.

Can you prepare stromboli the night before? ›

You can build your stromboli up to 24 hours in advance of baking and keep it tightly wrapped on a baking sheet in the fridge until baking time. Once you're ready to bake, let the stromboli sit at room temperature while the oven heats. Bake the stromboli until golden-brown, 20 to 25 minutes.

Who invented stromboli? ›

The original stromboli sandwich was invented in 1950 by “Grandpop” Nazzereno Romano and has been featured on The Today Show, The Travel Channel and ABC's Action News.

What is the typical size of stromboli? ›

You will end up with a large stromboli that measures about 12 inches in length and about 4 inches across. After baking, let the stromboli cool down for several minutes. Slice on the bias and it is ready to serve. For the second option, which is an individual serving, I will roll the dough to about 9 inches x 6 inches.

What's a Panzerotto? ›

A panzerotto (Italian: [pantseˈrɔtto]; pl. : panzerotti, Italian: [pantseˈrɔtti]), also known as panzarotto ( Italian: [pantsaˈrɔtto]), is a savory turnover, that originated in Central and Southern Italian cuisine, which resembles a small calzone, both in shape and dough used for its preparation.

Do you pronounce the E in calzone? ›

If you are noticing a pattern here, a number of mispronounced Italian words are actually food items. Calzone is one of those frequent offenders. In order to not mix up your meanings, be sure to pronounce the E at the end of the word. Just like with grazie, the E has more of an A sound like ay.

Is calzone more unhealthy than pizza? ›

Did you know that a standard calzone has over 1000 calories? On the other hand, a slice of pizza is around 300 calories. So just because they're technically the same in terms of ingredients and taste, they're not! A calzone can equal 3 slices of pizza so choose wisely!

Is stromboli just a rolled up pizza? ›

After all, it's basically a rolled up pizza so you have LAYERS of pizza in each cheesy, meaty, saucy, garlic, Parmesan crust mouthful. They long cylinder is baked to golden perfection then sliced into individual rolls.

What is stromboli meat made of? ›

Some meat suggestions are capicola, salami, soppressata, prosciutto, deli ham/turkey/roast beef, and/or pepperoni. Avoid using small pizza pepperoni slices. For best results (and flavor), use large pepperoni slices from the deli counter. You want about 1/2 pound of cheese per stromboli as well.

What is stromboli dough made from? ›

Ingredients
  1. 3-1/4 to 3-3/4 cups all purpose flour.
  2. 1 (2-1/4 tsp.) envelope Fleischmann's® Pizza Crust Yeast.
  3. OR Fleischmann's® RapidRise® Instant Yeast.
  4. 1-1/2 teaspoons sugar.
  5. 1-1/2 teaspoons salt.
  6. 1 cup very warm water (120° to 130°F)*
  7. 3 tablespoons Mazola® (Canadian)
  8. Favorite fillings.

References

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