Irresistible Cheesy Pepperoni Stromboli Recipe for Game Day

My latest culinary adventure with cheesy pepperoni stromboli has transformed my weekend lunch routine into something spectacular.

Friends always ask about this delightful rolled masterpiece packed with melty goodness.

Layers of savory ingredients create an irresistible Italian-inspired treat that feels like comfort wrapped in golden pastry.

Sharp provolone and spicy pepperoni dance together inside a perfectly crisp dough blanket.

Baking this dish fills the kitchen with an aroma that draws everyone near the oven.

Casual enough for game day yet elegant for impromptu gatherings, this stromboli promises to become your new favorite go-to recipe.

Come explore how simple ingredients can create something truly magical.

Cheesy Pepperoni Stromboli That’s Made for Sharing

• Craft Quick Family Meal: Perfect for busy households, this stromboli brings everyone together with minimal preparation and maximum flavor, creating a stress-free dining experience.
• Customize with Ease: Adaptable recipe allows swapping ingredients, adding personal touches like extra cheese or different meats, making it ideal for picky eaters and creative cooks.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort Food: Combines classic pizza flavors in a handheld format that appeals to both kids and adults, transforming mealtime into a delightful shared moment.
• Simple Cooking Technique: Requires basic kitchen skills with straightforward rolling and baking steps, making it accessible for beginner cooks and a fun weekend cooking project.

Ingredients to Build Cheesy Pepperoni Stromboli Magic

• Pizza Dough: A versatile base that provides the structure for the stromboli.
• Mozzarella Cheese: A classic melting cheese that creates a gooey, stretchy texture.
• Pepperoni: A spicy, savory meat that adds bold flavor and classic pizza-style appeal.

• Italian Seasoning, Salt: Herbs and spices that boost the overall taste profile of the stromboli.

• Olive Oil, Parchment Paper: Oil helps create a golden, crispy exterior, while parchment paper prevents sticking and ensures easy cleanup.

How to Bake Cheesy Pepperoni Stromboli with Ease

Step 1: Prepare The Oven

Preheat your oven to a toasty 425°F. Grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Step 2: Roll Out The Dough

Stretch and roll your pizza dough into a rectangle that’s thin and even, about ¼ inch thick. Make sure the surface is smooth and flat.

Step 3: Layer Flavor Makers

• Shredded mozzarella cheese
• Sliced pepperoni
• Italian seasoning

Sprinkle the cheese evenly across the dough, then arrange pepperoni slices in a delightful pattern. Dust the entire surface with Italian seasoning for an extra flavor kick.

Step 4: Roll Into A Perfect Log

Carefully roll the dough from one end, creating a tight log shape. Pinch the seams closed to keep all the tasty ingredients inside.

Step 5: Prepare For Baking

Place the stromboli seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet. Brush the top with olive oil and make small slits to allow steam to escape during baking.

Step 6: Bake To Golden Perfection

Slide the stromboli into the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. Watch for a beautiful golden-brown color that signals it’s ready.

Step 7: Cool And Slice

Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Slice into delicious rounds and serve hot for maximum enjoyment.

Tips for Perfect Cheesy Pepperoni Stromboli Every Time

• Seal the seams tightly to prevent cheese from leaking during baking, ensuring a perfectly intact stromboli every time.
• Try different cheese combinations like provolone or parmesan for added depth of flavor and unique taste profiles.
• Allow the stromboli to rest for 5-10 minutes after baking to help the cheese set and make slicing easier without losing filling.
• Consider adding extra protein like cooked sausage or ham for a heartier version that satisfies bigger appetites.
• Use a silicone brush for even olive oil distribution, creating a golden, crispy exterior that looks professionally prepared.

Tasty Versions of Cheesy Pepperoni Stromboli to Try

• Vegetarian Veggie Stromboli: Replace pepperoni with roasted bell peppers, zucchini, spinach, and swap mozzarella for plant-based cheese.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pizza dough or cauliflower crust for those with wheat sensitivities, keeping all other ingredients the same.
• Spicy Jalapeño Stromboli: Add diced jalapeños, swap regular mozzarella for pepper jack cheese, and include sliced green chilies for extra heat.
• Mediterranean Herb Stromboli: Use feta cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, kalamata olives, and sprinkle with oregano and thyme instead of Italian seasoning.

Pairings That Elevate Cheesy Pepperoni Stromboli Flavors

• Red wine matches the rich pepperoni and melted cheese perfectly, enhancing every savory bite with its robust character.
• Toss a fresh arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the stromboli's heaviness, providing a bright, zesty contrast that cleanses the palate.
• Whip up a quick marinara or ranch dipping sauce to add extra moisture and tangy flavor that elevates the stromboli's delicious profile.
• Pour cold craft beer or sparkling water with lemon to balance the stromboli's richness and provide a light, refreshing counterpoint.

How to Keep Cheesy Pepperoni Stromboli Fresh Longer

• Refrigerate: Store leftover stromboli in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Keep it in the coolest part of the refrigerator to maintain freshness.
• Freeze: Wrap individual stromboli slices tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months to preserve flavor and texture.
• Oven Reheat: Warm slices at 350°F for 10-12 minutes, ensuring they're heated through. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to maintain crispiness.
• Microwave Option: Reheat individual slices for 30-45 seconds, covering with a damp paper towel to prevent dryness and maintain moisture.

FAQs

• What type of dough works best for this stromboli?

Pizza dough is ideal because it’s elastic, stretchy, and provides the perfect texture for rolling and holding fillings. Pre-made or homemade pizza dough both work well.

• Can I use different meats instead of pepperoni?

Absolutely! You can substitute pepperoni with ham, salami, cooked sausage, or even shredded chicken. Just ensure the meat is pre-cooked to prevent excess moisture.

• How do I prevent the stromboli from getting soggy?

Pat pepperoni and other fillings dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Also, don’t overload the dough with too many wet ingredients, which can make the bottom soggy.

Cheesy Pepperoni Stromboli Recipe

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4.6 from 30 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Pepperoni stromboli presents a delightful Italian-American rolled sandwich packed with savory ingredients. Melted cheese and spicy pepperoni create a satisfying meal perfect for sharing with friends.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (0.45 kg) pizza dough
• 1 cup (240 ml) shredded mozzarella cheese
• 4 oz (113 g) sliced pepperoni
• 1 tsp (5 ml) italian seasoning
• 2 tbsps (30 ml) olive oil

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 425°F and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper for optimal non-stick surface.
2. Gently stretch the pizza dough into a thin rectangular shape, ensuring even thickness across the surface.
3. Distribute mozzarella cheese generously over the dough, creating a consistent layer that covers the entire surface.
4. Arrange pepperoni slices uniformly across the cheese, then sprinkle Italian seasoning for enhanced flavor profile.
5. Carefully roll the dough from the longer side, creating a compact cylindrical shape, pressing edges firmly to seal the filling inside.
6. Position the rolled stromboli seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet, preventing potential cheese leakage.
7. Lightly brush the exterior with olive oil to promote golden, crispy browning and enhance visual appeal.
8. Create several small diagonal cuts along the top surface to allow steam escape and prevent potential bursting.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until the exterior turns a rich, golden-brown color with crispy edges.
10. Remove from oven and allow the stromboli to rest for 5-7 minutes, enabling the interior to set and making slicing easier.

Notes

• Opt for high-quality pepperoni to enhance the overall flavor profile and ensure a rich, authentic taste.
• Use cold mozzarella for easier layering and prevent the cheese from melting too quickly during preparation.
• Create a gluten-free version by substituting regular pizza dough with cauliflower or almond flour-based alternatives.
• Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for an extra kick of heat that complements the cheesy pepperoni filling.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 490 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 870 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 28 g
• Fiber: 1.5 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg