Indulge in the rich flavors of Italy with this delectable stromboli recipe, a creative twist on the classic dish that will transport your taste buds to the Tuscan countryside. This effortless recipe yields an authentic Italian flavor profile, expertly balancing savory meats, melted cheeses, and fragrant herbs within a convenient pizza roll. Perfect for shaking up your usual pizza nights, this homemade stromboli is sure to become a staple in your culinary repertoire.
This flavorful pizza roll is crafted with love using pizza dough, an assortment of Italian deli meats, cheeses, seasonings, and herbs, guaranteeing a satisfying and filling meal that’s perfect for any occasion. If you’re hooked on this recipe, be sure to explore more mouthwatering Italian-inspired creations like my hot Italian sliders, pressed Italian picnic sandwiches, and Italian chicken pesto sandwich for endless possibilities of culinary delight.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe embodies the essence of classic Italian flavors by combining rich deli meats, melted cheeses, and a medley of herbs. Every bite is a testament to the timeless appeal of this flavor profile. Beyond its authentic taste, this handheld delight offers the comfort of pizza in a portable form, making it an ideal choice for any time of year. Its versatility makes it perfect for sharing with family, friends, or as part of a larger gathering. Whether served hot off the press or at room temperature, this dish is sure to please, making it a great option for a buffet-style event.
How to Make Homemade Stromboli
To bring your stromboli to life, start by rolling out the pizza dough. Next, combine the melted butter with the garlic purée and brush this flavorful mixture onto the dough. Now it’s time to add the fillings – arrange the meat and cheese over the butter-brushed surface. Once you have your desired combination of ingredients, tightly roll up the stromboli and place it seam-side down on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet. Give the top and sides a brush with egg wash, then sprinkle Italian seasoning and garlic powder for added depth of flavor. Place the stromboli in the oven and bake for 20 minutes. After this initial baking period, remove the stromboli from the oven and sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top. Return it to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes. Finally, remove your homemade stromboli from the oven and serve it with marinara sauce for dipping – a perfect accompaniment to this savory treat. For added visual appeal, garnish with chopped fresh herbs.
Substitutions and Variations
When it comes to assembling your mini pizzas, you have the flexibility to get creative with the dough. If traditional pizza dough isn’t an option, consider substituting with gluten-free alternatives like pre-made flatbreads or homemade gluten-free dough. For the toppings, feel free to mix and match deli meats and cheeses to suit your taste preferences. You can also add other Italian-inspired options like pepperoni or Italian sausage to give your pizzas a unique twist. To take things up a notch, try incorporating different spices into your mini pizza creations – chili flakes and oregano are great starting points. When it comes to garlic, don’t worry if you don’t have purée on hand; minced garlic or garlic powder can be used as substitutes. Finally, consider experimenting with various herbs and sauces for garnishing and dipping. For example, you could swap out fresh basil for dried oregano or opt for a spicy marinara sauce for added flavor.
How to Store Homemade Pizza Stromboli
When storing leftovers, keep in mind that stromboli’s crispiness will start to dissipate after a day or two due to the filling’s moisture content. Reheat it in the oven to revive its crunchy crust. If you don’t plan on consuming it immediately, consider freezing the stromboli in an airtight container for up to 2 months. To thaw, simply place the frozen pastry in the refrigerator overnight and let it come to room temperature before reheating.
Top Tips
When it comes to this easy homemade stromboli recipe, one of its greatest strengths is its customizability. You’re free to incorporate your favorite gluten-free pizza toppings to elevate the traditional Italian flavors. To get the most out of this versatile dish, however, it’s essential to strike a balance between the fillings and the dough. Avoid over-stuffing the stromboli with too much meat and cheese, as this can lead to difficulties during rolling and potentially result in a soggy or split crust when baking. Furthermore, make sure to maintain proper spacing by leaving a small border around the edges of your deli meats and cheeses on the dough. This will facilitate a seamless seal and prevent any accidental spilling during the baking process.
Homemade Stromboli FAQs
Italian cuisine is renowned for its rich flavors and hearty dishes, but two lesser-known gems are often confused with one another: calzone and stromboli. While they share some similarities, these rolled and folded pastries have distinct differences that set them apart. Both calzone and stromboli are characterized by their savory fillings of Italian meats and melted cheese, but it’s the form that really sets them apart. Calzone takes the shape of a circular pie crust, while stromboli is rolled up like a cylinder.The name ‘stromboli’ originates from the Italian island of Stromboli, an active volcano off Sicily’s north coast, famous for its explosive eruptions of hot molten lava. Similarly, when you take that first bite of a freshly baked stromboli, it’s as if the cheese inside is erupting in a delicious, gooey explosion.To avoid the common issue of a soggy stromboli, it’s essential to maintain a delicate balance between the fillings and the dough. Don’t overdo it with too much meat or cheese, or you risk your stromboli splitting open or becoming mushy. And for goodness’ sake, don’t add sauce inside – that’s a surefire recipe for disaster!If you’re looking to adapt this Italian classic to a ketogenic diet, the key is to swap out the traditional pizza dough for a keto-friendly alternative. King Arthur’s keto wheat pizza crust mix is a great option.One of the best things about stromboli is its ability to be made ahead of time. Simply prepare it up to 24 hours in advance, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or an airtight container, and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake. The following day, simply remove it from the fridge and pop it into the oven for a few minutes to restore its crispy texture.
Homemade Stromboli Recipe
Italian Stromboli Recipe
Bella Bucchiotti’s authentic Italian stromboli recipe is a game-changer for pizza night, as it cleverly combines the flavors of Italy with the comfort of a sandwich. With its rich flavors and deli meats, this easy-to-make stromboli is sure to satisfy any appetite. In just 40 minutes, you can create a delicious treat that serves nine people, making it perfect for family gatherings or casual get-togethers.
Instructions
To begin, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Next, lightly flour a wooden cutting board to prevent sticking. Roll out the dough into a rectangular shape approximately 9 inches by 12 inches in length. In a separate bowl, combine melted butter with garlic purée and whisk until well combined. Brush this buttery mixture evenly onto the dough, making sure to cover its entire surface. Now it’s time to add the filling – lay slices of meat and cheese over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges. Tightly roll the log shape, applying gentle pressure to ensure the filling is secure within. Place the rolled dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, ready for the next steps. In a small bowl, whisk together an egg wash and brush it evenly onto the dough. Sprinkle Italian seasoning and garlic powder over the top for added flavor. Finally, place the baking sheet on the bottom rack of your oven and bake for 20 minutes. After this initial baking time, remove the log from the oven and lightly dust with parmesan cheese. Return the log to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until golden brown.
