Golden, Crispy Pepperoni Stromboli Recipe: A Fun Twist on Pizza

Baking a mouthwatering pepperoni stromboli that promises explosive flavor and crispy perfection will have everyone at the table craving more.

This rolled Italian-style delight combines savory pepperoni with melted cheese in a golden, flaky crust.

Layers of rich ingredients nestle inside a tender dough, creating a handheld masterpiece that screams comfort food.

Each slice reveals a stunning spiral of meaty, cheesy goodness that’s impossible to resist.

The aroma of baking stromboli will draw hungry guests from every corner of your home.

Packed with classic Italian-inspired ingredients, this recipe transforms simple components into a crowd-pleasing sensation.

Dive into this easy-to-make stromboli and watch it become an instant favorite at your next gathering.

Cheesy Pepperoni Stromboli Ingredient Essentials

• Pizza Dough: Soft, elastic canvas that creates the perfect vessel for our flavor-packed filling.
• Olive Oil: Adds golden crispiness and rich, smooth flavor to the exterior.

• Pepperoni: Zesty, spicy meat that brings classic pizza-style punch and savory depth.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Melty, stretchy star that creates those irresistible cheesy pulls.
• Provolone Cheese: Sharp companion cheese that intensifies the overall cheese experience.
• Parmesan Cheese: Nutty, aged cheese that adds complex, tangy undertones.

• Italian Seasoning: Aromatic herb blend that infuses authentic Mediterranean warmth.
• Garlic Powder: Subtle, pungent kick that elevates the entire flavor profile.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Optional spicy sprinkle for those who love a fiery touch.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential flavor enhancers that balance and brighten all ingredients.

Tools That Help You Roll the Perfect Stromboli

• Large mixing bowl: Perfect for combining dough ingredients and mixing fillings.
• Rolling pin: Essential for stretching and shaping pizza dough evenly.
• Baking sheet: Helps create a crispy golden crust and prevents mess in the oven.
• Parchment paper: Prevents stromboli from sticking and makes cleanup easy.
• Sharp knife: Needed for slicing stromboli and cutting pepperoni.
• Pastry brush: Useful for applying egg wash for a shiny, golden finish.

How to Make Cheesy Pepperoni Stromboli With Ease

• Prepare Dough Spread out pizza dough on a clean surface, creating a large rectangular shape.
• Layer Toppings Evenly spread shredded mozzarella cheese across the dough's surface, leaving a small border around the edges. Arrange pepperoni slices on top of the cheese in a single layer.
• Roll Stromboli Carefully fold the long sides of the dough inward, then begin rolling the dough from one end to the other, creating a tight cylinder. Pinch the seams and ends to seal in the fillings.
• Seal and Decorate Transfer the rolled stromboli to a parchment-lined baking sheet. Use a sharp knife to make a few diagonal slits across the top to allow steam to escape.
• Bake and Brown Place the stromboli in the preheated 400F (200C) oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the dough turns golden brown and crispy.
• Rest and Slice Remove from the oven and let the stromboli rest for 5-10 minutes. This helps the cheese set and makes cutting easier. Slice into thick sections and serve warm.

Flavor Options to Add Into Your Stromboli

• Dough Stretching Secrets: Gently stretch pizza dough on a floured surface to prevent tearing and ensure an even thickness for perfect rolling.
• Cheese Selection Freedom: Swap mozzarella with provolone, fontina, or a blend of Italian cheeses to create your own unique flavor profile.
• Low-Carb Twist: Replace traditional pizza dough with a cauliflower or almond flour crust for a gluten-free and lower-carbohydrate version of the stromboli.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the stromboli up to 24 hours in advance, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate. Remove from refrigerator 30 minutes before baking to bring to room temperature.
• Spice Level Control: Add red pepper flakes inside the filling or sprinkle on top before baking for those who enjoy an extra kick of heat, or keep it mild for kids and spice-sensitive eaters.

Serve Stromboli Fresh Out of the Oven

• Pizza Night Centerpiece: Slice this stromboli into thick, golden wedges and serve as the star attraction during family movie nights or casual gatherings with friends.
• Dipping Delight: Pair with marinara sauce, ranch dressing, or garlic aioli for extra flavor and create an interactive eating experience that everyone will love.
• Side Companion Magic: Complement the stromboli with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetable medley to balance the rich, cheesy goodness and add nutrition to the meal.
• Game Day Crowd-Pleaser: Cut into smaller appetizer-sized portions perfect for sharing during sports watch parties, game nights, or potluck events where finger foods shine.

Storage Tips for Leftover Cheesy Stromboli

• Quick Refrigeration Trick: Store leftover stromboli in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Smart Reheating Method: Warm slices in a preheated oven at 350F for 10-12 minutes to restore crispy edges and melty cheese texture, avoiding soggy results from microwave heating.
• Freezer-Friendly Approach: Wrap individual stromboli slices tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bags to maintain quality for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.
• Portion Control Strategy: Cut stromboli into smaller sections before storing, making it easier to grab a quick meal or snack without defrosting the entire batch.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Calories: 290 kcal

Servings: 4

Crispy Pepperoni Stromboli Recipe

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4.6 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Savory cheesy pepperoni stromboli delivers a classic Italian-American comfort dish packed with melted cheese and spicy pepperoni. Rolled dough embraces zesty fillings, promising a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 oz pepperoni, sliced
• ½ cup (60 grams) mozzarella cheese, shredded
• ½ cup (60 grams) cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
• 1 lb (454 grams) pizza dough
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
• ¼ cup (60 milliliters) marinara sauce
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tsp olive oil
• ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Align parchment paper on a baking sheet and heat oven to 400°F (200°C) for optimal cooking conditions.
2. Dough Layering: Stretch pizza dough into a rectangular canvas, creating a foundation for ingredient assembly.
3. Sauce and Protein Distribution: Spread marinara sauce across dough, leaving minimal edge clearance, then arrange pepperoni slices in an even, overlapping pattern.
4. Cheese Enhancement: Generously scatter mozzarella and provolone cheeses over pepperoni, ensuring comprehensive coverage and flavor integration.
5. Rolling Technique: Fold long dough edges inward, then meticulously roll from one end to create a compact, sealed cylindrical shape, pinching seams and extremities to secure filling.
6. Surface Preparation: Delicately coat stromboli exterior with olive oil and create diagonal steam vents to promote even browning and prevent moisture buildup.
7. Baking Process: Position stromboli on prepared sheet and bake for 22-25 minutes until crust achieves a deep golden hue and crisp texture.
8. Resting and Serving: Allow stromboli to settle for 5 minutes post-baking, enabling cheese stabilization, then slice into substantial portions and present with optional marinara dipping sauce.

Notes

• Prevent Soggy Crust: Pat pepperoni dry with paper towels to remove excess oil, which can make the dough soggy and compromise the stromboli’s structural integrity.
• Cheese Melt Mastery: Allow cheese to reach room temperature before adding to ensure even melting and a smooth, consistent texture throughout the dish.
• Seal Like a Pro: Use a fork to crimp edges tightly, creating a hermetic seal that prevents cheese and filling from leaking during the baking process.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Substitute traditional pizza dough with a gluten-free alternative, ensuring to add xanthan gum for better structural support and elasticity.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 450 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg