Forfoodiefriends

  • Quick and Easy Recipes
  • Recipe Roundups
  • Browse Recipes
  • About Sana Umer | Home Cook Behind For Foodie Friends
  • Newsletter
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Quick and Easy Recipes
  • Recipe Roundups
  • Browse Recipes
  • About Sana Umer | Home Cook Behind For Foodie Friends
  • Newsletter
search icon
Homepage link
  • Quick and Easy Recipes
  • Recipe Roundups
  • Browse Recipes
  • About Sana Umer | Home Cook Behind For Foodie Friends
  • Newsletter
×
Home » Snacks Recipes

STROMBOLI RECIPE

Updated: May 3, 2026 · Published: Jul 6, 2025 by Sana Umer · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

4 shares
  • Facebook
  • X
↓ Jump to Recipe

Stromboli is the ultimate comfort food—rolled dough filled with meats, cheese, and savoury extras, baked until golden and sliced into delicious, cheesy pieces. Once rolled and baked, it slices easily into tidy pieces that are perfect for sharing.

You can use store-bought pizza dough and fill it with your favourite ingredients: pepperoni, salami, ham, mozzarella, parmesan, marinara sauce, and more. It's like a pizza roll, but better, with a crisp exterior that makes every bite delicious.

It's a fantastic option for casual dinners, game-day snacks, or packed lunches. You can even prepare it ahead of time and bake it fresh just before serving. With just a few steps, this recipe gives you maximum flavour with minimal effort.

Whether you're cooking for family, hosting friends, or just treating yourself to something extra satisfying, Stromboli delivers. Stromboli is cheesy, savoury, and shareable—a fun twist on pizza that’s easy to love!

Crispy on the outside, gooey inside, and bursting with classic italian flavour—this dish will quickly become a go-to favourite for every occasion. Slice and serve with marinara or garlic butter dipping sauce for extra flavour.

WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE

  • Ultimate Cheesy Centre: Gooey mozzarella and parmesan melt beautifully for an indulgent, stretchy, irresistible centre in every slice.

  • Crispy Golden Crust: Brushed with egg wash and baked to perfection, the crust is flaky, golden, and absolutely delicious.

  • Customisable Filling: Use any combo of deli meats, cheeses, or veggies to match your cravings or clear out the fridge.

  • Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for sharing—slice and serve as an appetiser, snack, or main course for parties or family meals.

  • Easy Store-Bought Dough: Using premade pizza dough keeps this recipe simple, fast, and suitable even for beginner cooks.

  • Freezer-Friendly: Make ahead, freeze unbaked, and pop it in the oven when you're ready for fresh, hot stromboli.

  • Perfect Meal Prep: Great for lunches or dinners—just slice and pack for the week with a side of sauce.

INGREDIENTS

  • 1 pound pizza dough (homemade or store-bought)
  • ½ cup marinara or pizza sauce (plus extra for dipping)
  • 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
  • ½ cup sliced pepperoni
  • ½ cup sliced salami or ham
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
  • Flour (for dusting)

DIRECTIONS

  • Step No.1: Preheat the oven
    Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.

  • Step No.2: Roll out the dough
    Lightly flour a clean surface. Roll out the dough into a large rectangle about 10x14 inches, about ¼-inch thick.

  • Step No.3: Add the filling
    Spread marinara sauce over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border. Add mozzarella, parmesan, pepperoni, and salami evenly over the sauce.

  • Step No.4: Roll the stromboli
    Starting from one long edge, tightly roll the dough into a log. Pinch the seam and ends to seal well.

  • Step No.5: Prepare for baking
    Place the stromboli seam-side down on the baking sheet. Brush with beaten egg and sprinkle with Italian seasoning and garlic powder.

  • Step No.6: Bake to perfection
    Bake for 20–25 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Let it rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing with a sharp knife.

TIPS FOR SUCCESS

  • Seal edges well: Prevent fillings from oozing out by pinching seams tightly and tucking in the ends securely.

  • Don't overfill: Keep the layers thin to ensure the dough can roll easily and bake evenly without bursting.

  • Use parchment paper: It prevents sticking and makes cleanup super easy after baking.

  • Cool before slicing: Letting it rest keeps the cheese from spilling and helps slices hold their shape.

  • Add egg wash: This gives the crust a glossy, bakery-style golden finish and helps seasoning stick.

  • Try venting: Cut 2–3 small slits on top before baking to let steam escape and avoid soggy centres.

  • Reheat in oven: For leftovers, avoid microwaving—use the oven or air fryer cooking to keep the crust crisp.

VARIATIONS

  • Veggie version: Use sautéed spinach, mushrooms, bell peppers, and onions for a meatless, flavour-packed alternative.

  • Meat lovers' style: Add sausage, ground beef, or bacon for a daily protein needs-packed feast inside your stromboli.

  • Spicy kick: Sprinkle red pepper flakes or use spicy marinara and pepper jack cheese for extra heat.

  • Cheese explosion: Mix in provolone, cheddar, or gouda for an even cheesier, more decadent filling.

  • Breakfast twist: Fill with scrambled eggs, cooked bacon, and cheddar for a brunch-style stromboli.

  • Pesto stromboli: Swap marinara with pesto and fill with mozzarella, tomatoes, and grilled chicken for a fresh flavour.

  • Mini strombolis: Divide the dough and make smaller, handheld versions—perfect for lunchboxes or parties.

SERVING AND STORAGE

Serving

Slice into 1-inch pieces and serve warm with marinara or ranch on the side for dipping and extra flavour.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3–4 days. Reheat in oven or air fryer to maintain crispiness.

FAQ

Can I make Stromboli ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble it, refrigerate unbaked for up to 8 hours, then bake fresh when ready to serve.

Can I freeze Stromboli?

Absolutely. Freeze before baking for best texture. Thaw overnight in fridge, then bake as directed.

What's the difference between Stromboli and calzone?

Stromboli is rolled and sliced, while calzones are folded like a pocket and sealed completely.

Can I use different sauces?

Yes! Try Alfredo, pesto, or spicy marinara depending on the flavour profile you're aiming for.

Do I have to pre-cook any fillings?

Yes, especially for raw meats or watery vegetables—cook and drain before adding to avoid soggy dough.

It turns simple ingredients like dough, sauce, and cheese into something exciting, sharable, and packed with flavour.

It's ideal for feeding a crowd, packing for lunch, or just making an ordinary dinner feel a bit more special.

You can prep it ahead, freeze extras, and always count on it tasting amazing no matter the variation.

With its crispy crust, cheesy interior, and customisable fillings, Stromboli is truly the best of all worlds.

Whether you're new to baking or a seasoned cook, this recipe delivers impressive results every time with minimal effort.

STROMBOLI RECIPE

Sana Umer
This classic Stromboli is a delicious rolled sandwich filled with Italian meats, melty cheese, and savoury seasonings. Baked until golden and crisp, it’s perfect for parties, family dinners, or as a make-ahead freezer meal.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes mins
Cook Time 30 minutes mins
Total Time 45 minutes mins
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian-American
Servings 6 people
Calories 380 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb pizza dough homemade or store-bought
  • ½ cup pizza or marinara sauce plus extra for dipping
  • 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ½ cup sliced pepperoni
  • ½ cup sliced salami or ham
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 egg beaten (for egg wash)
  • 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese optional
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder optional

Instructions
 

Preheat Oven:

  • Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Assemble Stromboli:

  • Roll out pizza dough into a large rectangle on a lightly floured surface. Spread a thin layer of sauce, leaving a 1-inch border. Layer with meats and cheese. Sprinkle with Italian seasoning.

Roll & Seal:

  • Starting from a long edge, tightly roll up the dough like a jelly roll. Pinch the seam and tuck in the ends to seal. Place seam-side down on baking sheet.

Add Toppings:

  • Brush the top with beaten egg. Sprinkle with Parmesan and garlic powder if using. Cut 4–5 small slits on top for steam to escape.

Bake:

  • Bake for 25–30 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.

Serve:

  • Cool slightly before slicing. Serve with warm marinara for dipping.

Notes

  • Make Ahead: Assemble and refrigerate raw Stromboli for up to 24 hours.
  • Variations: Add sautéed veggies, olives, or banana peppers for extra flavor.
  • Serving Suggestions: Serve with salad or soup for a complete meal.
  • Allergy-Friendly: Contains gluten and dairy; use suitable alternatives if needed.
Keyword baked sandwich, bbq party food, easy stromboli, Italian stuffed bread, rolled pizza, stromboli recipe

  • FOOLPROOF GRILLED CORN ON THE COB FOR NERVOUS FIRST-TIME GRILLERS
  • GRILLED PIZZA RECIPE (CRISPY, SMOKY, AND BETTER THAN THE OVEN)
  • COTTAGE CHEESE FLATBREAD PIZZA (EASY HIGH PROTEIN 2-INGREDIENT CRUST)
  • COTTAGE CHEESE COOKIE DOUGH (HIGH-PROTEIN EDIBLE COOKIE DOUGH IN 5 MINUTES)
4 shares
  • Facebook
  • X

About Sana Umer

I'm Sana Umer — the home cook behind every recipe on For Foodie Friends. I'm a Pakistani-American mom of two based in the US, and I've been cooking seriously for about a decade now, mostly because feeding a family every day is the fastest way to learn how to actually cook.

I'm completely self-taught. I learned by watching my mother in Pakistan, by burning a lot of food in my early years, and by paying attention to which recipes worked and which ones needed fixing. I don't specialize in just one cuisine — I cook the Pakistani dishes I grew up with, the American desserts my kids request, weeknight dinners, holiday roasts, and everything in between.

Every recipe is personally tested in my own kitchen, every word is written by me, and every photo is taken of food I actually made.

Comments

No Comments

Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




for-foodie-frends-logo-1

Hi, I'm Sana Umer — the home cook, recipe tester, and writer behind For Foodie Friends.

I'm a Pakistani-American mom based in the US. I learned to cook in two kitchens — my mother's in Pakistan, where I grew up watching whole spices bloom in oil, and my own kitchen now, where I cook for my husband and kids.

Every recipe on this site has been tested in my own kitchen, often more times than I'd like to admit, before it ever made it here. I cook a little bit of everything: the Pakistani comfort food I grew up with, the American desserts my kids beg for, weeknight dinners that need to come together fast, and the holiday spreads that take all day.

If a recipe is on this site, it earned its place. No ghostwriters, no AI shortcuts, no copy-paste from somewhere else — just real recipes from a real kitchen, written to actually work the first time you make them.

Welcome to my corner of the internet.

— Sana

More about me →

Popular

  • 23 BUDGET CHICKEN RECIPES FOR THE WHOLE WEEK
  • 25 PANTRY STAPLE RECIPES WHEN THE FRIDGE IS EMPTY
  • 31 CHEAP FAMILY DINNERS THAT FEED 4 FOR UNDER $15
  • 27 BUDGET-FRIENDLY MEAL PREP RECIPES FOR THE WHOLE WEEK
  • 29 DINNERS UNDER $5 PER SERVING (REAL RECIPES, REAL MATH)
  • 19 EASY TILAPIA RECIPES THAT DON'T TASTE BLAND
  • 23 SEAFOOD PASTA DISHES FOR COASTAL-INSPIRED DINNERS
  • 21 HEALTHY WHITE FISH RECIPES THE FAMILY WILL LOVE

Footer

↑ back to top

About

  • Privacy Policy
  • Disclaimer
  • Terms & Conditions
  • Editorial Principles
  • Corrections Policy
  • Affiliate Disclosure

Newsletter

  • Sign Up! for emails and updates

Contact

  • Contact

Resources

  • Kitchen Essentials
  • Pantry Essentials

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Copyright © 2024 For Foodie Friends

  • Facebook
  • Pinterest