If you’re craving a hearty, crowd-pleasing dish that combines gooey cheese with a medley of savory meats wrapped in golden, flaky dough, then you’ve just found your new go-to comfort food. This Cheesy Meat Lover’s Stromboli Recipe is everything you hope for in a meal that satisfies the soul and excites the taste buds. Each bite bursts with layers of melted mozzarella, zesty marinara, and a rich trio of ham, salami, and pepperoni, all rolled up in a perfectly baked pizza crust that is crisp on the outside and tender inside. Whether you’re serving it for a casual family dinner or a game-day feast, this stromboli is sure to become a fast favorite that everyone asks for again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Cheesy Meat Lover’s Stromboli Recipe lies in its simplicity and the way each ingredient plays a key role in delivering incredible flavor and texture. From the stretchy pizza dough to the savory cured meats, these components come together effortlessly but powerfully.
- 1 can refrigerated pizza dough: Provides the perfect soft yet chewy crust that crisps beautifully when baked.
- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese (divided): Offers that rich, melty, gooey cheese pull that’s essential to every stromboli experience.
- â…“ cup marinara sauce (or pizza sauce): Adds a tangy, savory base that ties the meats and cheese together in perfect harmony.
- 4 ounces sliced ham: Brings a slightly sweet and smoky flavor that balances the saltiness of other meats.
- 4 ounces salami (slices): Adds a bold, spicy kick to elevate the overall meat profile.
- 4 ounces pepperoni (slices): A classic pizza favorite that adds an irresistible, slightly crispy texture when baked.
- 1 egg: Used to create a golden, shiny crust and to seal the stromboli tightly.
- 1 tablespoon water: Mixed with the egg to make the perfect egg wash for the dough.
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning: Infuses the dough with aromatic herbs for that classic Italian flavor boost.
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a subtle hint of savory depth to the egg wash.
How to Make Cheesy Meat Lover’s Stromboli Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F so it’s ready to go once your stromboli is assembled. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Roll Out the Pizza Dough
On a lightly floured surface, take your refrigerated pizza dough and roll it into a rectangle approximately 12 by 16 inches. This shape will make rolling the stromboli easier and give you that classic shape everyone loves.
Step 3: Add the Marinara Sauce
Spread the marinara sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border around all sides and a wider 3-inch border on the long edge farthest from you. This border will help keep the sauce contained and make rolling easier without spillage.
Step 4: Layer on the Cheese and Meats
Sprinkle 1 cup of the shredded mozzarella evenly over the sauce. Next, add the ham, salami, and pepperoni slices, distributing them so every slice will have a piece of that meaty goodness. Finish with the remaining mozzarella to lock in all those flavorful ingredients.
Step 5: Roll Up the Dough
Starting from the long side closest to you, carefully roll up the pizza dough tightly but gently to avoid pushing out the filling. Stop just before you reach the end to keep the roll neat and full of ingredients.
Step 6: Seal the Stromboli
In a small bowl, whisk together the egg, water, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder. Brush this mixture over the free edge of the dough where the roll will seal, then pinch firmly to close. This ensures that your stromboli won’t unravel during baking.
Step 7: Get Ready to Bake
Place your stromboli seam side down on the prepared baking sheet. Brush the entire top of the dough with the egg wash to create that irresistible golden-brown crust as it bakes.
Step 8: Bake to Perfection
Bake for 24 to 28 minutes until the stromboli is beautifully golden and puffed up slightly. After taking it out of the oven, let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes before slicing. This rest time helps the cheese set and prevents the filling from spilling out.
How to Serve Cheesy Meat Lover’s Stromboli Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped basil or parsley adds a pop of freshness and color that contrasts nicely with the rich meats and cheese. You can also dust lightly with grated Parmesan for an extra burst of umami flavor.
Side Dishes
This stromboli pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette or a bowl of your favorite soup, like tomato basil or minestrone. These lighter sides balance the hearty, indulgent flavors perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut the stromboli into bite-sized pinwheels for a fun appetizer at parties or serve individual slices with a side of marinara for dipping. You can even wrap it up for an on-the-go lunch that still feels indulgent and satisfying.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap leftover stromboli tightly in plastic wrap or foil and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. This keeps all the flavors intact and helps maintain its fresh-baked texture.
Freezing
You can freeze the fully assembled but unbaked stromboli by wrapping it well in plastic wrap and foil for up to 1 month. When ready to enjoy, bake it directly from frozen, adding extra time for baking to ensure it cooks through.
Reheating
To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F and warm the stromboli on a baking sheet for 10 to 15 minutes. This method keeps the crust crisp and melts the cheese back to gooey perfection, much better than microwaving.
FAQs
Can I use homemade pizza dough instead of refrigerated dough?
Absolutely! Homemade pizza dough will work wonderfully and give your stromboli even more flavor and texture. Just roll it out to the same size and follow the same steps.
What type of cheese works best besides mozzarella?
Mozzarella is the classic choice for its melting qualities, but you can also mix in provolone or fontina for added creaminess and flavor complexity.
Can I add vegetables to this meat lover’s stromboli?
Yes! Sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach would be fantastic additions. Just be sure to remove excess moisture from veggies to keep the crust from getting soggy.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Definitely. Swap out the meats for a variety of hearty vegetables, marinated tofu, or even plant-based pepperoni to create a delicious vegetarian version of this cheesy stromboli.
How do I know when the stromboli is done baking?
You want the crust to be golden brown and slightly puffed. If you tap the top, it should feel firm, and the internal cheese should be fully melted and bubbly.
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Meat Lover’s Stromboli Recipe is more than just a meal — it’s a celebration of flavors all wrapped into one unforgettable dish. I encourage you to try this recipe soon, whether for a casual night in or to impress your friends at your next gathering. Once you do, it’s sure to become one of those dishes that you find yourself craving and making time and again.
Print
Cheesy Meat Lover’s Stromboli Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 slices
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Stromboli recipe features a delicious stuffed pizza dough filled with layers of savory ham, salami, pepperoni, and mozzarella cheese, all rolled up and baked to golden perfection. It’s an easy-to-make, crowd-pleasing Italian-American classic perfect for lunch, dinner, or parties, combining gooey cheese and flavorful cured meats with a crisp, flaky crust.
Ingredients
For the Dough and Assembly
- 1 can refrigerated pizza dough (enough for 1 pizza)
- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
- â…“ cup marinara sauce (or pizza sauce)
- 4 ounces sliced ham
- 4 ounces salami (slices)
- 4 ounces pepperoni (slices)
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon water
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Roll Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll the pizza dough into a 12×16-inch rectangle, which forms the base for your stromboli.
- Spread Sauce: Evenly spread â…“ cup of marinara sauce over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border around all edges and a 3-inch border on the long side farthest from you to keep the sauce contained.
- Add Fillings: Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella over the sauce, then layer ham, salami, and pepperoni slices on top. Finish by sprinkling the remaining mozzarella cheese over the meats to help bind the filling.
- Roll Dough: Carefully roll the dough tightly starting from the long side nearest you, stopping just before the end to avoid pushing the fillings out.
- Seal Edges: In a small bowl, whisk together the egg, water, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder to create an egg wash. Brush this mixture over the edge of the dough where you will seal it, then pinch the edges firmly together to close the stromboli.
- Prepare for Baking: Place the stromboli seam side down on the prepared baking sheet to prevent it from unrolling during baking. Brush the top with remaining egg wash for a golden, glossy finish.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 24-28 minutes, until the stromboli is golden brown and slightly puffed, indicating the dough is fully cooked.
- Rest and Slice: Let the stromboli rest for 5-10 minutes after baking to allow the filling to set, then slice into 12 pieces and serve warm.
Notes
- Ensure the dough is rolled evenly for uniform cooking.
- You can substitute marinara sauce with your favorite pizza sauce or tomato sauce.
- Feel free to customize the fillings with other meats, vegetables, or cheeses.
- Allowing the stromboli to rest before slicing prevents the filling from spilling out.
- Egg wash gives the crust a beautiful golden color and helps seal the edges.
