If you’re looking for a delicious, easy-to-make meal that combines the savory flavors of deli meats, cheese, and crispy dough, look no further than Italian Stromboli. This dish is a perfect fusion of flavors and textures, offering a satisfying experience with every bite. Whether you’re preparing a quick weeknight dinner or making something special for a gathering, this Stromboli recipe is sure to please everyone.

What is Stromboli?

Stromboli is a type of rolled pizza, typically filled with a combination of meats, cheese, and sometimes vegetables, all wrapped in pizza dough. While it’s often served with marinara sauce on the side for dipping, this version forgoes the sauce inside the roll, instead opting for a flavorful garlic butter topping that enhances the savory fillings.

This particular recipe uses Pillsbury pizza dough for convenience, making it an excellent choice for busy evenings when you still want a homemade meal with minimal effort. The result is a crispy, golden-brown crust surrounding a warm, melty center filled with ham, salami, pepperoni, and cheese.

Ingredients for Italian Stromboli

To make this delicious Italian Stromboli, you will need the following ingredients:

• 1 tube of Pillsbury pizza crust: The base for your Stromboli, which provides a soft and chewy texture that crisps up beautifully during baking.
• 8 slices of deli ham: A mild and slightly sweet ham that adds richness to the filling.
• 10 slices of Genoa salami: A flavorful, slightly tangy salami that pairs well with the other meats.
• 12 slices of sandwich pepperoni: Adds a bit of spice and zest to the Stromboli.
• 8 slices provolone cheese or mozzarella: The melted cheese binds everything together and creates that irresistible gooey texture. Shredded cheese works as well, depending on your preference.
• 2 tablespoons of butter: For the garlic butter mixture that will be brushed on top of the Stromboli for extra flavor and a golden, crispy crust.
• 2 minced garlic cloves: Provides a fragrant garlic flavor that complements the meats and cheese.
• 2 teaspoons chopped parsley: Fresh parsley adds a hint of color and freshness.
• 3 tablespoons of Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty flavor to the garlic butter topping.

Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Italian Stromboli

Step 1: Prepare the Garlic Butter Mixture

Start by melting the butter in the microwave. Once melted, stir in the minced garlic, chopped parsley, and Parmesan cheese. Mix well and set the garlic butter mixture aside. This will be brushed on top of the Stromboli for extra flavor once it’s baked.

Step 2: Prepare the Pizza Dough

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Open the tube of Pillsbury pizza dough and unroll it onto the baking sheet. Stretch the dough out until it almost covers the entire baking sheet. This will help create a larger Stromboli and allow the ingredients to roll up neatly inside.

Step 3: Layer the Meats and Cheese

Now it’s time to layer your fillings. Start by laying out the deli ham on the pizza dough. Then add the Genoa salami and pepperoni on top of the ham. Finally, layer the cheese slices over the meats. You can use provolone or mozzarella, depending on what you have on hand or prefer. For a gooey, cheesy center, you can even mix the two cheeses!

Step 4: Roll the Stromboli

Once your filling is evenly spread, carefully roll the pizza dough from one end to the other, making sure to seal the edges and ends tightly. This helps prevent the filling from spilling out while baking. Pinch the seams of the dough well and mold any excess dough underneath the Stromboli to create a neat, even roll.

Step 5: Score the Stromboli

Using a serrated knife, score the top of the rolled Stromboli a few times. This allows steam to escape while the Stromboli bakes, preventing it from becoming soggy inside. The scores also add a decorative touch to the finished dish.

Step 6: Top with Garlic Butter

Brush the top of the Stromboli generously with the garlic butter mixture you prepared earlier. This will give the crust a beautiful golden-brown color and infuse the dough with garlic and Parmesan flavor.

Step 7: Bake the Stromboli

Bake the Stromboli at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until the dough is golden and crispy. The cheese inside should be melted, and the crust should be firm and flaky. You can check the Stromboli by tapping it lightly with a knife – if it sounds hollow, it’s done.

Step 8: Slice and Serve

Once baked, remove the Stromboli from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing it into thick pieces. The cheese will be melty and the filling warm and satisfying. Serve the Stromboli with a side of marinara sauce for dipping if you like, or enjoy it as is.

Why You’ll Love This Italian Stromboli

Quick and Easy to Make

This Italian Stromboli is not only incredibly flavorful but also very easy to prepare. With Pillsbury pizza dough, you don’t have to worry about making dough from scratch, which saves both time and effort. The filling is straightforward, and the assembly is simple, making this a fantastic option for a quick meal or an impressive appetizer.

A Crowd-Pleasing Dish

Whether you’re serving it for dinner or as a party snack, Stromboli is always a hit. Its hearty filling of deli meats and cheese wrapped in a crispy crust is sure to please guests of all ages. Plus, it’s easy to slice into individual portions, making it perfect for sharing.

Customizable to Your Taste

One of the best parts of making Stromboli is that it’s highly customizable. While this recipe uses ham, salami, and pepperoni, you can easily swap in other meats like Italian sausage, chicken, or even vegetables for a vegetarian version. You can also try different cheeses such as cheddar or mozzarella for variation.

Perfect for Dipping

While this version of Stromboli does not include red sauce inside, it pairs wonderfully with a side of marinara or pizza sauce for dipping. If you’re a fan of the traditional, you can always add the sauce inside the roll before baking, though the garlic butter topping provides a unique twist.*

Conclusion

Italian Stromboli is a delicious and versatile dish that brings all the flavors of your favorite pizza ingredients into a rolled-up, easy-to-serve format. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner, a party, or a special occasion, this dish is sure to impress. With a crispy, golden crust, gooey melted cheese, and savory deli meats, it’s a meal everyone will enjoy.

Try this recipe today, and elevate your dinner game with the perfect Stromboli!