This Halloween mummy stromboli is not only a delightful addition to your holiday spread, but it’s also a clever way to repurpose common pantry staples. The combination of Pillsbury refrigerated pizza dough, deli meat, cheese, peppers, and marinara sauce is a match made in heaven. And let’s be real, the addition of candy eyeballs adds a playful touch that’s sure to delight both kids and adults alike. For those who enjoy calzones, this Halloween-themed twist on the classic dish will be a hit. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to make, requiring minimal effort but maximum flavor. With its unique blend of savory and sweet, this mummy stromboli is sure to be the star of your spooky season celebrations.
How to Make this Halloween Dinner or Appetizer
With your ingredients and oven preheated, start by preparing a baking sheet. If you don’t have parchment paper, simply grease it with butter or oil to prevent sticking. Next, take the Pillsbury refrigerated pizza dough and shape it into a 14-inch square. Layer on your meats of choice, followed by cheese and pepperoncini. Roll the stromboli into a log shape and seal the edges by pinching them together. Place the seam-side-down in the prepared baking tray.
Homemade Stromboli vs. Calzone
Both calzone and stromboli are types of Italian-inspired dishes that share a common filling component. The primary distinction lies in their dough shape, with calzone featuring a folded circle and stromboli boasting rolled-up rectangular layers. This similarity allows for interchangeable fillings, rendering the term used to describe the dish merely a reference to its shape. In contrast to calzone, which may present challenges when crafting Halloween-themed treats, stromboli’s malleable nature makes it an ideal choice for creative designs, such as wrapping the dough around the filling in a mummy-like fashion. Interestingly, another recipe that employs similar ingredients is pizza giana rustica, although its Easter-inspired presentation sets it apart from spooky Halloween fare.
History of Stromboli
The iconic Stromboli is often characterized by its filling of Italian meats, cheeses, and sometimes vegetables, all nestled within a crispy crust. Two common bases for this savory delight are pizza dough and bread dough, allowing for a versatile range of textures and flavors.
Interestingly, the origins of Stromboli can be traced back to Philadelphia, where Italian immigrants first introduced their own creative twist on traditional cuisine. The name ‘Stromboli’ itself is a nod to the 1950s movie that took its inspiration from the volcanic island near Sicily, adding an extra layer of cultural significance to this beloved dish.
Halloween Mummy Stromboli FAQs
When determining how much black food coloring to use, it’s crucial to consider the type you’re working with – gel or liquid. Start by adding a few drops to the butter and mixing well. If needed, add more until you achieve the desired shade of black for your Halloween-themed dinner or appetizer. As a natural alternative, you can also experiment with food-grade charcoal or black poppy seeds.In terms of shelf life and reheating, this recipe allows for some flexibility. You can prepare it up to a day in advance (and leftovers will keep just as long). Simply store any remaining mixture in the refrigerator within a sealed container. To reheat, place it in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit or until warmed through. The result will be just as delicious the second time around.
Halloween Mummy Stromboli Recipe
Halloween Mummy Stromboli Dinner
As the spooky season approaches, consider serving a mummy stromboli that’s as eerie and delightful as it sounds. By combining Pillsbury refrigerated pizza dough with a medley of ingredients like deli meat, cheese, peppers, and seasonings, along with a drizzle of marinara sauce, you’ll craft an unusual yet scrumptious homemade stromboli perfect for Halloween dinner or as a bewitching appetizer. The prep time is a mere 20 minutes, followed by a 30-minute cooking period, resulting in a total time investment of 50 minutes. This recipe yields four servings, making it an ideal option for a small gathering of friends and family.
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 385 degrees Fahrenheit. Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper and setting it aside. On a clean surface, lay out one of the pizza doughs and press it into a square shape, approximately 14 inches on each side. If needed, lightly spray the surface with oil before laying out the dough. Layer the slices of meat onto the dough in the following order: pepperoni, hard salami, and ham, ensuring to fill any gaps. Next, add a layer of provolone cheese, followed by sliced pepperoncini and mozzarella. Finally, sprinkle a small amount of parmesan cheese, reserving about a tablespoon for later use. Starting from the end closest to you, roll the stromboli tightly into a log shape, crimping all seams and edges together. Place the stromboli seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet. In a small bowl, mix melted butter with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, red pepper flakes, and black food coloring. Brush this mixture evenly over the top and sides of the stromboli, then sprinkle with the remaining parmesan cheese. Cut the second pizza dough into 1-inch thick slices using a knife or scissors, creating long strips that can be laid across the stromboli in a crisscross pattern. Leave a small gap at the top for the ‘eyes’ later. Gently tuck the strip ends under the stromboli using your finger or a butter knife. For a golden-brown finish, lightly spray with oil if desired. Bake the stromboli in the preheated oven for approximately 30 minutes, covering the top with aluminum foil if it begins to brown too quickly. Remove from the oven and let cool for 10 minutes before adding the eyeballs and serving with marinara or pizza sauce for dipping.
Notes
This Italian dish is completely customizable, allowing you to add your favorite toppings. If you’re a mozzarella lover, feel free to use only that. To prevent the top from browning too quickly, cover it with tin foil and let it tent for a bit.Once cooked, let it cool for 10 minutes before slicing and serving. This will help the mummy retain its shape. If your black butter isn’t reaching the desired shade of black, you can always add more food coloring to achieve the look you want. Alternatively, you could skip the color altogether or use black poppy seeds or activated charcoal for a similar effect.For storage, keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days. When reheating, pop it back in the oven at 350°F until warm and toasty.