How to Make Delicious Italian Stromboli with Homemade Dough
If you’ve ever wanted to make a fun, flavorful Italian dish that’s perfect for sharing, we’ve got just the recipe for you! Stromboli is a delicious stuffed bread that’s filled with savory meats, cheeses, and spices, and it’s surprisingly simple to make at home. Whether you’re preparing it for a family dinner or a weekend treat, this step-by-step guide will show you how to create the perfect Stromboli with homemade dough.
What is Stromboli?
Stromboli is an Italian-American dish similar to a rolled pizza or calzone. It’s filled with tasty ingredients like pepperoni, ham, mozzarella cheese, and spices, then baked until golden and crispy. The beauty of Stromboli is that you can customize it with the fillings you love—you can go traditional or experiment with different flavors!
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make a Stromboli from scratch, you’ll need two main components: the homemade dough and the fillings. Here’s what you’ll need:
For the Dough:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1 cup warm water (not too hot, about 110°F or 43°C)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Filling:
- 1 cup marinara or pizza sauce (optional for dipping)
- 6-8 slices of deli-style ham
- 6-8 slices of pepperoni
- 1-2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (oregano, basil, etc.)
- Any additional fillings you like, such as spinach, cooked mushrooms, or cooked sausage
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- A pinch of garlic powder (optional)
Step 1: Make the Dough
Homemade dough is the foundation of Stromboli, so we’ll start there. Don’t worry—it’s easier than it sounds!
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Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, mix the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy. This means the yeast is working.
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Mix the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Slowly add the yeast mixture and olive oil while stirring. Once it starts coming together, switch to kneading the dough with your hands.
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Knead the Dough: On a clean surface dusted lightly with flour, knead the dough for about 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
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Let it Rise: Place the dough in a clean, lightly oiled bowl and cover it with a kitchen towel. Let it rise for 1 hour in a warm place, or until it doubles in size.
Step 2: Prepare the Filling
While your dough is rising, it’s time to get the filling ready. This step is quick and fun, so gather your ingredients and start layering!
- Slice or shred your cheese, meats, and vegetables.
- Mix a pinch of garlic powder and Italian seasoning into your grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.
- Set everything aside until the dough is ready.
Step 3: Roll Out the Dough
Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release any air bubbles, then move to the next steps.
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Shape the Dough: On a floured surface, roll out the dough into a large rectangle. Aim for a size around 10×14 inches. The dough should be thin but sturdy enough to hold the fillings.
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Add the Fillings: Spread your shredded mozzarella cheese first, leaving about an inch of dough around the edges. Then layer the ham, pepperoni, and any optional ingredients like spinach or mushrooms. Sprinkle the Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning over the top.
Step 4: Roll and Seal
Now comes the fun part—rolling up your Stromboli! Follow these steps to make sure it bakes nicely without any leaks.
- Start at the long side of the dough. Carefully roll it up into a tight log, similar to rolling up a cinnamon roll.
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Pinch the seams and fold the ends over to seal everything inside. Flip the Stromboli so the seam is on the bottom.
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Prepare for Baking: Transfer the Stromboli to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Beat the egg in a small bowl, then brush it over the top of the dough for a golden crust. Sprinkle a little garlic powder or Italian seasoning on top if desired.
Step 5: Bake!
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the Stromboli for 25-30 minutes or until the crust turns golden brown and crispy. Be sure to keep an eye on it—your kitchen will quickly fill with mouthwatering smells!
Step 6: Slice and Serve
Once it’s out of the oven, allow the Stromboli to cool for 5-10 minutes before slicing. Use a serrated knife to cut it into pieces, then serve with warm marinara or pizza sauce for dipping. Each bite will be cheesy, flavorful, and absolutely delicious.
Tips for Success:
- Don’t overload the filling—too much can make it hard to roll and bake evenly.
- Experiment with other ingredients like roasted vegetables, pesto, or even barbecue chicken for a fun twist.
- If you’re short on time, you can use store-bought pizza dough, but homemade always tastes better!
Final Thoughts
Making Stromboli is easier than you think, and it’s always a hit with family and friends. The homemade dough adds a fresh, soft texture, while the fillings bring all the flavor. Plus, there’s so much room for creativity—you can tailor it to suit your tastes. Try this recipe the next time you’re craving Italian food, and enjoy the satisfaction of creating a delicious dish from scratch!
Buon appetito!
