Flaky Italian Stromboli with Savory Fillings Recipe

Irresistibly Flaky Italian Stromboli with Savory Fillings Recipe

Crafting a delectable stromboli with authentic Italian flair brings culinary magic right to your kitchen table.

Soft, pillowy dough wrapped around carefully selected ingredients promises a mouthwatering adventure.

Layers of premium meats and cheeses nestle inside this delightful rolled creation.

Perfectly seasoned and golden brown, each slice reveals a stunning spiral of flavor combinations.

Regional techniques merge with classic ingredients to create something truly special.

Warm, hearty, and irresistibly inviting, you’ll want to slice into this masterpiece immediately.

Sharing this stromboli guarantees smiles and satisfied appetites around your dining space.

Why You’ll Crave This Flaky Italian Stromboli Again and Again

  • Craft Quick Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for game nights, potlucks, and casual gatherings where hungry friends want delicious food fast.
  • Master Customizable Meal: Swap meats, cheeses, and spices to match personal taste preferences or dietary needs without compromising flavor.
  • Create Restaurant-Style Experience: Deliver professional-looking appetizer or main course that impresses family and guests with minimal culinary skills required.
  • Enjoy Hands-Off Cooking: Simple preparation process allows for minimal active cooking time, letting you focus on other tasks while enjoying a gourmet-style dish.

What Goes Into That Savory Flaky Italian Stromboli

Dough Base:
  • Pizza Dough: A versatile foundation for creating a delicious rolled Italian bread.
Sauce and Seasoning:
  • Marinara Sauce: Adds a classic Italian tomato flavor to the Stromboli.
  • Oregano, Garlic Powder, Red Pepper Flakes: Provide aromatic and spicy notes to enhance the overall taste.
Protein and Cheese Fillings:
  • Ham, Salami: Bring savory and rich meat flavors to the Stromboli.
  • Provolone Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Contribute creamy and sharp cheese characteristics to the filling.
Egg Wash:
  • Beaten Egg: Creates a golden and shiny crust when baked.
Additional Ingredients:
  • Flour: Used for rolling out the dough to prevent sticking.
  • Parchment Paper or Cooking Spray: Ensures the Stromboli does not stick to the baking sheet.

Rolling Up the Perfect Flaky Italian Stromboli

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 375°F. Grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper or give it a quick spray of cooking oil.

Step 2: Roll Out the Dough

Dust your work surface with flour and transform the pizza dough into a beautiful rectangular canvas about 12×16 inches wide.

Step 3: Spread the Sauce

Generously paint the dough with marinara sauce, leaving a small border around the edges for a perfect seal.

Step 4: Layer Delicious Meats and Cheese

Arrange these tasty ingredients across the saucy surface:
  • Sliced ham
  • Salami
  • Provolone cheese

Step 5: Sprinkle Flavor Boosters

Dust the fillings with these zesty ingredients:
  • Grated Parmesan
  • Dried oregano
  • Garlic powder
  • Red pepper flakes (optional for extra kick)

Step 6: Create the Perfect Roll

Carefully roll the dough into a tight log, starting from the long side. Pinch and seal the edges to lock in all the deliciousness.

Step 7: Position for Baking

Transfer the rolled delight to the prepared baking sheet, seam-side down for a smooth presentation.

Step 8: Prepare for Golden Perfection

Brush the top with beaten egg to create a stunning golden exterior.

Step 9: Allow Steam Escape

Use a sharp knife to make small slits across the top, giving steam a pathway to escape.

Step 10: Bake to Crispy Goodness

Slide into the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until the crust turns a beautiful golden brown.

Step 11: Rest and Serve

Let the Stromboli cool for 5 minutes, then slice and serve up a slice of Italian heaven.

Tips to Make Italian Stromboli Extra Irresistible

  • Swap meat fillings with roasted vegetables for a vegetarian version that's equally delicious and packed with flavor.
  • Experiment with different cheese combinations like mozzarella and ricotta to create unique taste profiles and textures.
  • Add fresh herbs like basil or parsley before rolling for an extra burst of aromatic freshness and visual appeal.
  • Prevent soggy bottoms by preheating the baking sheet and using a pizza stone for extra crispy results.
  • Freeze unbaked Stromboli wrapped tightly in plastic for up to one month, allowing convenient meal preparation in advance.

Flavorful Fills to Try in Your Stromboli Next Time

  • Vegetarian Veggie Burst: Swap meats with roasted bell peppers, zucchini, spinach, and crumbled feta cheese for a colorful plant-based version that packs incredible flavor.
  • Spicy Mexican Fusion: Replace Italian meats with seasoned ground beef, pepper jack cheese, jalapeños, and add taco seasoning for a zesty southwestern experience.
  • Mediterranean Herb Garden: Use prosciutto, artichoke hearts, sun-dried tomatoes, fresh basil, and mozzarella to create a light, aromatic Mediterranean-inspired stromboli.
  • Chicken Pesto Paradise: Substitute original fillings with shredded rotisserie chicken, homemade basil pesto, and sliced mozzarella for a creamy, herbaceous alternative.

Smart Pairings for Your Italian Stromboli Slices

  • Savor Crisp Red Wine Pairing: Bold Italian Chianti or Sangiovese wines complement the rich, meaty flavors and cut through the cheese's richness perfectly.
  • Refresh with Zesty Cocktail: Prepare a classic Negroni or Aperol Spritz to balance the Stromboli's savory profile with bright, citrusy undertones.
  • Enhance with Fresh Side Salad: Create a light arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to contrast the heavy, hearty Stromboli and provide a crisp palate cleanser.
  • Match with Craft Beer: Select a hoppy Italian-style amber ale or wheat beer that echoes the recipe's Mediterranean ingredients and provides a smooth, malty complement.

Keeping Stromboli Fresh and Oven-Worthy

  • Refrigerator Storage: Wrap leftover Stromboli tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap. Store in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Keep the seal tight to prevent moisture loss.
  • Freezer Storage: Slice Stromboli into individual portions. Wrap each piece separately in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label the bag with the date for easy tracking.
  • Reheating Oven Method: Preheat oven to 350°F. Unwrap frozen or refrigerated Stromboli and place on a baking sheet. Cover loosely with foil to prevent excessive browning. Warm for 10-15 minutes until heated through and crispy.

Stromboli Questions—We’ve Got You Covered

  • What is a Stromboli?

A Stromboli is a rolled Italian-American stuffed bread filled with meats, cheeses, and sometimes sauce, similar to a pizza roll but prepared differently from a calzone.

  • Can I use different meats in my Stromboli?

Yes, you can swap ham and salami for other meats like pepperoni, turkey, or even cooked chicken based on your preference.

  • How do I prevent my Stromboli from getting soggy?

To avoid sogginess, ensure your ingredients are not too wet, pat meats dry if needed, and don’t overload the dough with sauce or watery ingredients.

  • Is it okay to make Stromboli ahead of time?

You can prepare the Stromboli and refrigerate it before baking.

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Flaky Italian Stromboli with Savory Fillings Recipe

Flaky Italian Stromboli with Savory Fillings Recipe


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4.8 from 12 reviews

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Delicious Stromboli rolls packed with Italian zest bring Mediterranean flavors straight to your kitchen. Crisp dough embraces rich meats and cheeses, promising a delightful culinary journey you’ll savor with each delectable bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Meats:

  • 1/2 pound (226 grams) sliced deli ham
  • 1/2 pound (226 grams) sliced salami

Cheeses:

  • 1/2 pound (226 grams) sliced provolone cheese
  • 1/2 cup (50 grams) grated Parmesan cheese

Base and Seasonings:

  • 1 pound (454 grams) pizza dough
  • 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) marinara sauce
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
  • 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
  • Flour (for dusting)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the oven by heating to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or apply a light grease coating.
  2. Dust a work surface with flour and transform the pizza dough into a rectangular shape measuring roughly 12×16 inches.
  3. Apply a delicate layer of marinara sauce across the dough’s surface, maintaining a 1-inch perimeter around the edges.
  4. Distribute ham, salami, and provolone cheese uniformly over the marinara-covered surface.
  5. Enhance the filling by sprinkling Parmesan cheese, oregano, garlic powder, and optional red pepper flakes across the layers.
  6. Meticulously roll the dough lengthwise into a compact cylindrical form, ensuring a tight configuration.
  7. Firmly seal the seams and edges by pinching them together to prevent filling from escaping during baking.
  8. Transfer the rolled Stromboli to the prepared baking sheet, positioning the seam facing downward.
  9. Create a lustrous golden exterior by gently brushing the surface with beaten egg.
  10. Carefully score small ventilation slits across the top using a sharp knife to allow steam release.
  11. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the exterior achieves a rich golden-brown hue and internal temperature indicates complete cooking.
  12. Allow the Stromboli to rest for 5 minutes before slicing to enable proper setting and easier serving.

Notes

  • Customize the filling by swapping deli meats with vegetarian alternatives like roasted vegetables or plant-based proteins for a meat-free version.
  • Ensure the dough is rolled tightly to prevent air pockets and create a compact, well-sealed Stromboli.
  • Experiment with different cheese combinations like mozzarella, fontina, or ricotta to enhance flavor complexity and texture.
  • Use a pizza stone or preheated baking sheet to achieve an extra crispy, golden-brown exterior that adds delightful crunch to every bite.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 900 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 28 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 18 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
Mia Thompson

Mia Thompson

Pastry Chef & Content Creator

Expertise

  • Creating wholesome, seasonal desserts with a focus on nutrition.
  • Developing recipes on healthy baking alternatives.
  • Experimenting with plant-based and gluten-free recipes.​

Education

Portland Community College – Baking and Pastry Arts Program
Specialized in artisanal bread, seasonal desserts, and sustainable baking methods.

National University of Natural Medicine – Bachelor of Science in Nutrition (BScN)
Focused on “Food as Medicine” philosophy, with core threads in nutrition.


Mia’s love affair with baking began in her grandmother’s kitchen, where sneaking spoonfuls of batter first sparked her curiosity. She refined her skills through Portland Community College’s Baking and Pastry Arts Program and her expertise at the National University of Natural Medicine, earning a B.Sc. in Nutrition.
At The Scrumptious Pumpkin, Mia reimagines classics with effortless seasonal treats, healthier twists on old favorites, and playful confections that feel like pure joy. Beyond the oven, she nurtures her urban garden, forages local ingredients around Portland, and leads hands‑on nutrition workshops for her community.

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