Best Italian Stromboli Recipe: Cheap & Delicious

Italian cuisine is renowned worldwide for its rich, bold flavors and emphasis on fresh, high-quality ingredients. From the sun-drenched hills of Tuscany to the coastal villages of Sicily, Italian food tells the story of generations, combining simplicity with passion. Each dish reflects Italy’s diverse regions, offering an experience that transcends the ordinary.

Among the many gems of classic Italian American dishes, Stromboli stands as a beloved classic. Inspired by the volcanic island of Stromboli off the North Coast of Sicily, this rolled-up pizza embodies the essence of Italian comfort food. Combining savory meats, melty cheeses, and a perfect pizza dough crust, Stromboli is a versatile and delightful dish that brings people together.

In this blog, we’ll walk you through the ultimate Italian Stromboli recipe, guiding you step by step to create a delicious and customizable dish that’s ideal for any occasion.

Whether you’re preparing it for a casual weeknight dinner or a special gathering, this Stromboli will not only satisfy your taste buds but also impress your guests.

What Is Stromboli?

Italian Stromboli is a savory, rolled-up pizza that is beloved for its simplicity, versatility, and heartiness. Unlike traditional pizza, which is baked flat with toppings, Stromboli features pizza dough wrapped around a mixture of savory fillings, including meats, cheeses, and vegetables. 

Once assembled, it’s baked until golden brown and crispy, offering a delicious and satisfying meal that can be eaten by hand, making it the perfect portable meal for parties, gatherings, or a family dinner.

The name “Stromboli” is derived from the island of Stromboli, a volcanic island located off the northern coast of Sicily. Known for its rugged beauty and active volcano, the island inspired the name for this dish, as its hearty and flavorful fillings evoke the bold flavors found in the island’s cuisine.

A Rich History: The Origins of Stromboli

The story behind Stromboli’s creation is as intriguing as the dish itself. Though it is firmly rooted in Italian-American cuisine, Stromboli is thought to have been invented in the 1950s by an Italian immigrant in Pennsylvania, USA.

The immigrant reportedly wanted to create a portable pizza that could be easily folded and eaten on the go—thus, Stromboli was born.

Despite its American roots, Stromboli has become a beloved dish that celebrates Italian flavors, providing an accessible yet delicious alternative to traditional pizza. 

Over the years, the recipe has been passed down through generations, with each family putting its spin on the dish, adding everything from different types of cheese to varying combinations of meats and vegetables.

Why You’ll Love This Stromboli Recipe

This best Stromboli recipe is a celebration of Italian cuisine at its finest. Here are just a few reasons why you’ll love making this dish:

• Simple Ingredients: With just a few basic ingredients, you can create a Stromboli that’s packed with flavor.
• Endless Customization: Stromboli’s beauty lies in its versatility. Whether you prefer classic fillings like pepperoni and mozzarella or want to experiment with other ingredients like sausage, bell peppers, or spinach, the options are endless.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: From a casual weeknight dinner to a party or game night, Stromboli is the ideal dish to serve a crowd.
• Satisfying and Hearty: This dish is both filling and comforting, making it ideal for those who love a hearty meal.

Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced cook, this recipe is easy to follow, ensuring that your Stromboli is delicious every time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this best Stromboli, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• Large pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
• Smoked ham (2 slices per Stromboli)
• Pepperoni (8 slices per Stromboli, or to taste)
• Shredded mozzarella cheese (about 1 cup per Stromboli)
• Olive oil (for greasing and brushing)
• 1 egg (for the egg wash)
• Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
• Marinara sauce (optional for dipping)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough: Begin by preparing your pizza dough. If you’re using store-bought dough, lay it on a lightly oiled surface. If you’re making your dough from scratch, roll it out on a floured surface until you achieve a rectangular shape that’s large enough to fold over your fillings. The dough should be about 1/8 inch thick but not so thin that it tears easily.

Step 2: Stretch the Dough: Gently stretch the dough using your hands to form a rectangle. You don’t need to worry about perfect symmetry—imperfections only add to the rustic charm of the Stromboli. If the dough tears in place, pinch it together.

Step 3: Assemble the Stromboli: Now comes the fun part: adding the fillings! Start by layering two slices of smoked ham on the dough, followed by eight slices of pepperoni. Then, sprinkle a generous handful of shredded mozzarella cheese on top. If you’re feeling adventurous, consider adding sautéed mushrooms, roasted peppers, spinach, or even crumbled sausage to your Stromboli. The possibilities are endless, so get creative!

Step 4: Fold and Seal the Dough: Carefully fold the dough over the fillings, forming a half-moon shape. Pinch the edges together tightly to seal the Stromboli, ensuring that the fillings stay inside during baking. You can trim any uneven edges with a sharp knife for a neater appearance.

Step 5: Crimp and Prepare for Baking: To seal the Stromboli further, crimp the edges with a fork. This will not only help keep the fillings inside but also create a decorative border. Grease a baking sheet lightly with olive oil and place the Stromboli on it. Make sure there’s enough space between each Stromboli to allow for even baking.

Step 6: Egg Wash and Bake: Whisk an egg and brush it over the top of the Stromboli to give it a golden, crispy finish. If desired, sprinkle sesame seeds on top for added texture and flavor. Use a sharp knife to make a small vent in the top of the dough to allow steam to escape while baking.

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the Stromboli for 25-30 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and crispy. Keep an eye on it to avoid over-baking.

Step 7: Slice and Serve: Once the Stromboli is baked, allow it to cool for a few minutes before slicing. This will make it easier to cut without losing any of the delicious filling. Slice it into strips or halves and serve with a side of marinara sauce for dipping. Enjoy the perfect balance of crispy crust, savory fillings, and melty cheese!

Tips for Perfect Stromboli

• Fresh Dough: Whether you make your own dough or buy it, fresh dough is essential for a great Stromboli. It forms the crispy outer crust and perfectly holds the fillings.
• Experiment with Fillings: While the classic ham, pepperoni, and mozzarella combination is delicious, feel free to experiment. Sausage, bell peppers, spinach, ricotta, or even grilled chicken make excellent additions.
• Don’t Skip the Egg Wash: The egg wash not only gives your homemade Stromboli a beautiful golden color but also helps to create a crispy crust that enhances the overall texture of the dish.
• Use Dipping Sauces: Although Stromboli is delicious on its own, serving it with marinara or garlic butter sauce takes the experience to the next level. It’s a perfect complement to the savory flavors.

Traditional Stromboli is a comforting and satisfying dish, a true testament to the simplicity and richness of Italian-American cuisine. Whether you’re preparing it for a family dinner, a party, or just a casual evening at home, this quick Stromboli recipe will quickly become a go-to favorite. 

The best part? It’s easy to make, customizable, and packed with flavor—just like any great Italian dish should be.

So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy a delicious Stromboli that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Buon appetito!