Description
Enjoy Homestyle Italian Stromboli, a Sunday-Table Comfort classic. Filled with savory meats and cheese, it’s a warm, easy meal for family gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
- Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb store-bought pizza dough, at room temperature
- 8 oz provolone cheese, thinly sliced or shredded
- 8 oz low-moisture, part-skim mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 6 oz thinly sliced deli ham
- 4 oz sliced pepperoni
- Flavor Boosters:
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, adjust to taste)
- Finishing Touches:
- 1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup marinara sauce, warmed (for dipping)
Instructions
- Prep Dough & Preheat:: First things first, get that pizza dough out of the fridge and let it hang out on the counter for at least an hour. Seriously, don’t rush this part! A cold, stiff dough is a nightmare to roll, and you’ll end up with thin spots and maybe a few frustrated tears, speaking from experience. While it’s getting cozy, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This parchment paper is your best friend here, preventing any cheesy melty goodness from sticking, which, let’s be real, has happened to me more times than I care to admit.
- Roll & Layer Cheese:: Next, gently roll out your dough into a rectangle, roughly 12×16 inches. Don’t go crazy trying to make it perfectly symmetrical; mine always ends up a bit wonky, and that’s part of its charm! Think rustic, not rigid. Now, leave a 1-inch border clear on all sides—this is crucial for sealing. Spread your provolone, then mozzarella, leaving that border untouched. I find layering the cheeses first helps them melt evenly and creates a nice barrier for the other fillings. It smells so good already, doesn’t it?
- Add Meats & Seasonings:: Time for the good stuff! Layer your ham and pepperoni over the cheese, again, staying within that invisible border. This is where I sometimes get a little heavy-handed with the pepperoni—oops! Then, sprinkle your garlic powder, oregano, and red pepper flakes evenly over the meats. This is where the magic happens, infusing every bite of your Sunday-Table Comfort Italian Stromboli with those classic Italian flavors. Don’t be afraid to adjust the seasonings to your taste; if you love garlic, add a little extra!
- Roll & Seal:: Now, for the slightly tricky part, but you’ve got this! Starting from one of the long sides, carefully roll the dough up tightly, like you’re making a giant cinnamon roll. Make sure it’s snug, but not so tight you’re tearing the dough. Once it’s rolled, pinch the seam closed securely along the bottom. This is where I always get a little flour on my nose, it’s just part of the process! Then, tuck in the ends and pinch them closed too, forming a neat, sealed log. You want to make sure no cheese escapes during baking, trust me on that one.
- Egg Wash & Vent:: Carefully transfer your stromboli to the prepared baking sheet, seam-side down. Now, grab that beaten egg and brush it all over the top and sides. This egg wash is what gives your Sunday-Table Comfort Italian Stromboli that beautiful golden, glossy crust, making it look all fancy even if it was a bit of a kitchen scramble. Then, sprinkle generously with grated Parmesan cheese. Finally, take a sharp knife and cut a few slits (about 3-4) across the top. These vents are super important, allowing steam to escape and preventing your stromboli from bursting open. I once forgot this, and it looked like a cheesy explosion happened!
- Bake to Golden Perfection:: Pop that gorgeous creation into your preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until it’s beautifully golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and melted inside. Every oven is a little different, so keep an eye on it! When it comes out, the smell will be incredible—a mix of savory meats, melted cheese, and warm bread. Let it rest for about 5-10 minutes before slicing. This resting time is key; it allows the cheese to set a bit, making for cleaner slices. I know, it’s hard to wait, but it’s worth it for a perfect slice of Sunday-Table Comfort Italian Stromboli!