Italian Stromboli is a delectable and versatile dish that combines the rich flavors of Italian meats and cheeses, all wrapped up in a crispy, golden crust. This recipe is perfect for a family dinner, a game day snack, or a party appetizer. With its layers of ham, salami, pepperoni, and cheese, this stromboli is sure to become a favorite in your household. Let’s dive into the details of how to make this mouthwatering dish.
Ingredients
To make the perfect Italian Stromboli, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 refrigerated pizza dough
- 1 tablespoon butter, melted
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 1/2 cups mozzarella, shredded and divided
- 12 slices of ham
- 4 ounces pepper jack cheese, sliced
- 15 slices of salami
- 15 slices of pepperoni
- 1/4 cup parsley
- 1 egg, beaten
- 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese
Instructions
Preparing the Dough and Ingredients
- Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. This ensures that the oven is hot enough to bake the stromboli evenly, giving it a golden, crispy crust.
- Prepare the Work Surface: Lightly flour a work surface or a square of parchment paper. This prevents the dough from sticking and makes it easier to roll out.
- Roll Out the Dough: Roll your refrigerated pizza dough into a rectangle. The dough should be thin but not so thin that it tears. Aim for a rectangle approximately 12 by 14 inches.
- Add the Garlic and Butter: Brush the top of the dough with melted butter, then sprinkle the minced garlic evenly over the top. The butter and garlic combination infuses the dough with rich flavor.
Layering the Fillings
- Add the Mozzarella: Sprinkle 1/2 cup of the shredded mozzarella cheese over the dough, leaving a 1-2 inch border around one long edge and both short edges. This border will help seal the stromboli later.
- Layer the Ham: Arrange the slices of ham evenly over the mozzarella. Make sure the ham slices overlap slightly to cover the cheese completely.
- Add the Pepper Jack Cheese: Layer the slices of pepper jack cheese on top of the ham. The pepper jack adds a nice kick to the stromboli.
- Layer the Salami: Place the slices of salami on top of the pepper jack cheese, ensuring they are evenly distributed.
- More Mozzarella: Sprinkle another 1/2 cup of mozzarella over the salami layer. The mozzarella helps bind the layers together as it melts.
- Add the Pepperoni: Arrange the slices of pepperoni on top of the mozzarella. Pepperoni adds a bold, spicy flavor to the stromboli.
- Final Mozzarella Layer: Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of mozzarella cheese over the pepperoni, then sprinkle the chopped parsley on top. The parsley adds a fresh, herby note to the dish.
Rolling and Baking
- Prepare the Egg Wash: In a small bowl, beat the egg with a fork and add 1 tablespoon of water. Use a brush to coat the 1-2 inch border of the dough with the egg wash. This helps seal the edges and gives the crust a beautiful golden color when baked.
- Roll the Stromboli: Carefully roll up the stromboli from the long edge that did not get the egg wash. Roll it tightly to ensure the filling stays inside. Seal the seam with wet fingertips, then roll the stromboli over so that the seam is facing down. Seal the ends with wet fingers, folding the dough underneath if there is extra.
- Transfer to Baking Sheet: Transfer the stromboli to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased.
- Final Touches: Brush the stromboli with the remaining egg wash, then sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and a dash of black pepper. Use a sharp serrated knife to make shallow diagonal cuts on top of the stromboli. These cuts allow steam to escape and prevent the dough from getting soggy.
- Bake: Bake the stromboli in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown. If you’re unsure if it’s done, lift an edge with a spatula to check if the bottom is brown as well.
- Serve: Once baked, sprinkle with fresh parsley for garnish. Serve the stromboli sliced with warm marinara sauce for dipping.
Tips for the Perfect Stromboli
- Dough: Use refrigerated pizza dough for convenience, but if you have time, homemade dough can take your stromboli to the next level.
- Cheese: Shredding your own mozzarella instead of using pre-shredded cheese can improve the melting quality and texture of the stromboli.
- Filling: Feel free to customize the filling to your taste. You can add other ingredients like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach for additional flavor and texture.
- Rolling: Rolling the stromboli tightly is crucial to prevent the filling from spilling out during baking.
- Egg Wash: Don’t skip the egg wash. It gives the stromboli a beautiful golden color and helps to seal the dough.
Variations
- Vegetarian: For a vegetarian version, substitute the meats with a variety of roasted vegetables like bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms. Add extra cheese to keep it satisfying.
- Different Meats: Experiment with different meats like turkey, roast beef, or prosciutto to create your own unique stromboli.
- Cheese Lovers: Add different types of cheese such as provolone, cheddar, or gouda to make a cheesy stromboli.
Conclusion
Italian Stromboli is a delightful and versatile dish that is sure to please any crowd. Its layers of savory meats and cheeses, wrapped in a crispy, golden crust, make it a perfect choice for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it as a main dish for dinner, a snack for a game day, or an appetizer for a party, this stromboli is guaranteed to be a hit. With its simple preparation and delicious flavors, it’s a recipe that you’ll come back to time and time again. Enjoy making and eating this Italian classic!
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Italian Stromboli: A Delicious Twist on a Classic
- Total Time: 50 minutes
Description
Italian Stromboli is a savory rolled pastry filled with a variety of Italian meats, cheeses, and sometimes vegetables, all wrapped in pizza dough and baked to a golden perfection. It’s a delicious and convenient dish that’s perfect for parties, casual dinners, or as a hearty snack.
Ingredients
1 Refrigerated Pizza Dough
1 Tbsp. Butter, Melted
2 Garlic Cloves, Minced
1-1/2 Cup Mozzarella, Shredded & Divided
12 Ham Slices
4 oz. Pepper Jack Cheese, Sliced
15 Salami Slices
15 Pepperoni Slices
1/4 Cup Parsley
1 Egg, Beaten
2 Tbsp. Parmesan cheese
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F.
Lightly flour a work surface or a square of parchment paper. Roll your pizza dough into a rectangle.
Brush the top of the dough with melted butter.
Sprinkle garlic over the top.
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.
Brush with extra egg wash. Whatever is most handy.
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.
Sprinkle with fresh parsley and dip in warm marinara sauce to serve.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 1200mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 80mg