Cheesy Pepperoni Stromboli is a delicious, easy-to-make dish featuring golden-brown dough filled with gooey cheese and savory pepperoni. This Italian-inspired classic is perfect for parties, game nights, or a comforting family dinner.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple ingredients and easy preparation.
- Crispy, golden crust with a cheesy, pepperoni-filled center.
- Perfect for appetizers, snacks, or a main meal.
- Customizable with different fillings and cheeses.
- Great for meal prep and leftovers.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- Pepperoni slices
- Mozzarella cheese, shredded
- Parmesan cheese, grated
- Marinara sauce (for dipping)
- Olive oil or melted butter
- Garlic powder
- Italian seasoning
- Egg wash (optional, for a golden crust)
Directions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll out the pizza dough into a large rectangle on a floured surface.
- Layer mozzarella cheese and pepperoni evenly over the dough, leaving a small border.
- Sprinkle Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning over the filling.
- Carefully roll the dough into a log, tucking in the edges as you roll.
- Place seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet and brush with olive oil or egg wash.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
- Let cool for a few minutes before slicing.
- Serve with marinara sauce for dipping.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4-6
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add crushed red pepper flakes or jalapeños.
- Meat Lovers: Include sausage, ham, or bacon.
- Vegetarian: Use mushrooms, bell peppers, and spinach.
- Cheese Blend: Mix in cheddar, provolone, or ricotta for extra creaminess.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pizza dough.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes or in the microwave for 30 seconds.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought dough?
Yes! Store-bought pizza dough works great and saves time.
What dipping sauces go well with stromboli?
Marinara, ranch, garlic butter, or spicy aioli are excellent choices.
How do I prevent the dough from becoming soggy?
Avoid overfilling and ensure the dough is sealed tightly before baking.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble and refrigerate before baking for a quick meal later.
How do I get a crispy crust?
Brushing with egg wash or butter and baking at high heat ensures a crispy crust.
Can I use different meats?
Absolutely! Try salami, ham, or cooked sausage for variety.
How do I make it extra cheesy?
Increase the cheese quantity and add a mix of different cheeses.
What sides pair well with stromboli?
A fresh salad, garlic knots, or roasted vegetables complement it perfectly.
Can I make mini strombolis?
Yes! Divide the dough into smaller portions and follow the same process.
Is stromboli the same as a calzone?
Not quite! Stromboli is rolled, while a calzone is folded and sealed like a pocket.
Conclusion
Cheesy Pepperoni Stromboli is an easy, crowd-pleasing dish packed with gooey cheese and savory pepperoni. Whether served as an appetizer or main dish, it’s sure to be a favorite. Try this recipe today and enjoy a homemade Italian classic!
PrintCheesy Pepperoni Stromboli
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
A golden, flaky dough stuffed with melted cheese, zesty pepperoni, and Italian herbs—perfect for a fun and easy meal or snack!
Ingredients
- 1 lb pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup marinara or pizza sauce (plus extra for dipping)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded provolone cheese (or more mozzarella)
- 1/2 cup sliced pepperoni
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions
Preheat the Oven – Set to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Roll Out the Dough – On a lightly floured surface, roll the pizza dough into a 10×14-inch rectangle.
Assemble the Filling – Spread marinara sauce over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges. Sprinkle mozzarella and provolone evenly over the sauce, then layer with pepperoni slices.
Season & Roll – Sprinkle Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes over the filling. Carefully roll up the dough from the long side, tucking in the edges to seal. Place seam-side down on the baking sheet.
Brush & Bake – Brush the top with beaten egg, then sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
Cool & Serve – Let cool for 5 minutes before slicing. Garnish with parsley and serve with extra marinara for dipping!
Notes
- Add cooked sausage, ham, or veggies for extra flavor.
- Use crescent roll dough for a softer version.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat in the oven for best texture.
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