The Best Easy Stromboli Recipe for a Cozy Family Dinner

Whipping up a delectable stromboli for dinner brings pure culinary excitement to your kitchen.

Rolled dough packed with savory meats and melted cheese creates an irresistible meal everyone craves.

Italian-inspired comfort food doesn’t get easier than this simple recipe.

Crispy edges and gooey centers promise a delightful dining experience that satisfies hunger instantly.

Minimal ingredients and quick preparation make this dish perfect for busy weeknights.

Imagine slicing into a golden-brown bundle of deliciousness that sparks smiles around the table.

Dive in and make this stromboli your new favorite weeknight champion.

Tips for Stromboli Success Every Time

• Pinch the edges firmly to prevent cheese and filling from leaking during baking, ensuring a neat and professional-looking stromboli.
• Allow the stromboli to cool for 5-10 minutes after baking to help it set, making cutting easier and preventing filling from spilling out.
• Swap Italian sausage with ground turkey, pepperoni, or vegetarian alternatives like roasted vegetables to suit different dietary preferences.
• Brush olive oil generously over the dough's surface to achieve a beautiful golden-brown color and add extra flavor to the crust.
• Choose a high-quality marinara sauce or make your own for a fresh, homemade dipping experience that elevates the entire dish.

Best Ways to Store and Enjoy Stromboli Leftovers

• Wrap leftover stromboli tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap and store in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Slice cooled stromboli, wrap individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months for maximum flavor and texture preservation.
• Preheat oven to 350F, unwrap stromboli, and place on a baking sheet. Warm for 10-15 minutes until heated through and crispy edges return.
• Heat individual slices for 30-45 seconds, checking midway to prevent soggy texture. Add a paper towel underneath to absorb excess moisture.

Tasty Pairings for Stromboli to Round Out the Meal

• Pair with Bold Red Wine: Select a robust Italian red like Chianti or Sangiovese to complement the rich, savory flavors of the sausage and melted cheese, creating a perfect harmony on your palate.
• Serve with Fresh Arugula Salad: Toss crisp arugula with lemon vinaigrette and shaved Parmesan to balance the stromboli's heaviness, adding a bright, peppery contrast that refreshes the meal.
• Create Dipping Sauce Variety: Prepare homemade marinara alongside garlic aioli and spicy red pepper sauce, giving diners exciting flavor options that enhance the stromboli's hearty profile.
• Complement with Crisp Pilsner: Choose a light, refreshing beer like a Czech-style pilsner to cut through the stromboli's richness, providing a clean, palate-cleansing experience between bites.

Variations to Make Your Stromboli Unique

• Gluten-Free Stromboli: Replace traditional pizza dough with cauliflower crust or gluten-free flour blend for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Vegetarian Option: Swap Italian sausage with roasted vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, and mushrooms for a plant-based protein alternative.
• Low-Carb Stromboli: Use thinly sliced deli ham or chicken as a wrap instead of dough, creating a protein-packed, carbohydrate-reduced version.
• Mediterranean Style: Substitute mozzarella with feta cheese and add spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, and kalamata olives for a Greek-inspired flavor profile.

FAQs

• What ingredients can I substitute in this stromboli recipe?

You can swap Italian sausage with ground beef, pepperoni, or ham. For cheese, provolone or cheddar work well instead of mozzarella. Bell peppers can be replaced with mushrooms or spinach based on your preference.

• Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Absolutely! You can prepare the stromboli ahead of time, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 2 days before baking. When ready to serve, brush with olive oil and bake as directed.

• How do I prevent my stromboli from getting soggy?

Always pre-cook wet ingredients like sausage and drain excess moisture. Pat vegetables dry before adding them to the dough. This helps prevent a soggy bottom and ensures a crispy crust.

• Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes! Replace the Italian sausage with plant-based protein like tofu crumbles, vegetarian sausage, or additional roasted vegetables. Keep the cheese or use a vegan cheese alternative for a complete vegetarian version.

Why Stromboli Is the Ultimate Family Dinner Favorite

• Flexible recipe allows swapping meats, cheeses, and vegetables to match family preferences or use what's already in your kitchen.
• Hearty, handheld meal that transforms classic pizza flavors into an exciting dinner everyone will love, making mealtime fun and stress-free.
• Minimal cooking skills required, with straightforward steps that make this stromboli approachable for home cooks of all experience levels.

What Goes into a Delicious Stromboli Dinner

• Pizza Dough: A soft, stretchy base that provides the perfect foundation for this stromboli.

• Italian Sausage: A flavorful meat that adds richness and savory depth to the dish.

• Mozzarella Cheese: A creamy, melty cheese that creates a gooey texture and enhances the overall flavor.
• Bell Peppers, Olives: Colorful vegetables that bring freshness and a tangy punch to the stromboli.

• Olive Oil: A light coating that helps achieve a golden, crispy exterior.
• Marinara Sauce: A classic dipping sauce that complements the stromboli's flavors.
• Flour: Used for dusting the surface to prevent the dough from sticking.

Stromboli Instructions for a Perfectly Golden Bake

Step 1: Prepare Oven and Workspace

Preheat the oven to 400F (200C).

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Dust a clean surface with flour to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Shape Pizza Dough

Roll out the pizza dough into a rectangular shape, aiming for about 1/4 inch thickness.

Ensure the surface is evenly flattened for perfect rolling.

Step 3: Layer Delicious Fillings

• Cooked Italian sausage
• Mozzarella cheese
• Sliced bell peppers
• Chopped olives

Step 4: Roll and Seal Stromboli

Carefully start rolling the dough from one long edge, creating a tight cylinder.

Pinch the ends and seam to prevent ingredients from escaping during baking.

Step 5: Prepare for Baking

Transfer the rolled stromboli to the prepared baking sheet.

Gently brush the exterior with olive oil to create a golden, crispy crust.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Place the stromboli in the preheated oven.

Bake for 20-25 minutes until the exterior turns a beautiful golden brown color.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes.

Slice into sections and serve with warm marinara sauce for dipping.

Easy Stromboli Dinner Recipe

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4.6 from 18 reviews

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

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Description

Cheesy Stromboli brings Italian-American comfort to your table with its rolled dough packed with savory meats and melted cheese. Warm, hearty slices invite you to savor a delightful meal that promises to satisfy hunger and spark culinary joy.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 8 ounces (226 grams) Italian sausage (cooked, spicy or mild)

Cheese and Produce:

• 2 cups (226 grams) shredded mozzarella cheese (whole-milk for best melt)
• 1 cup (150 grams) bell peppers (sliced, mixed colors)
• 1/2 cup (75 grams) sliced olives (black or green)

Base and Finishing Ingredients:

• 1 pound (454 grams) pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) marinara sauce (for dipping)
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) olive oil (for brushing)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven to 400F (200C) and arrange a parchment-lined baking sheet.
2. On a floured surface, stretch the pizza dough into a thin rectangular shape approximately 1/4 inch thick.
3. Distribute cooked Italian sausage evenly across the dough, ensuring complete coverage.
4. Layer mozzarella cheese, sliced bell peppers, and chopped olives uniformly over the sausage.
5. Carefully roll the dough from one long edge, creating a tight cylindrical shape.
6. Firmly press and pinch the edges to completely seal the stromboli, preventing filling from escaping.
7. Transfer the rolled stromboli onto the prepared baking sheet, positioning it seam-side down.
8. Gently brush the exterior with olive oil to promote golden browning and enhance flavor.
9. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the surface turns a rich, golden brown and appears crispy.
10. Remove from oven and allow to rest for 3-5 minutes to stabilize internal temperature.
11. Slice diagonally into generous portions and serve alongside warm marinara sauce for dipping.

Notes

• Customize the filling by swapping sausage with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a leaner or vegetarian version.
• Allow the dough to rest at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before rolling to prevent shrinking and make it easier to stretch.
• Prevent soggy bottoms by preheating the baking sheet or using a pizza stone for extra crispiness.
• Enhance flavor complexity by adding fresh herbs like basil or oregano between cheese layers for a gourmet touch.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 455
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 1020 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 42 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 45 mg