Sometimes you just need a little something that’s fun to make, easy to share, and absolutely loaded with cheesy, gooey goodness. Enter this Cheesy Pepperoni Stromboli. It’s like a pizza roll on steroids—crispy, golden crust on the outside, melty cheese and savory pepperoni on the inside. Perfect for game day, a quick dinner, or a snack that’ll have everyone fighting over the last piece.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Pizza, but Better: All the classic pizza flavors rolled into a crispy, golden crust.
- Customizable: You can add your favorite toppings or keep it simple with pepperoni and cheese.
- Quick and Easy: Made with store-bought pizza dough for minimal effort and maximum deliciousness.
- Great for Sharing: Slice it up and serve—perfect for parties, game nights, or a casual weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Here’s a peek at what you’ll need:
- Store-bought pizza dough (or homemade, if you’re feeling fancy)
- Sliced pepperoni
- Mozzarella cheese (shredded)
- Parmesan cheese (optional but delicious)
- Pizza sauce (for dipping)
- Egg wash (for that golden crust)
- Italian seasoning or dried herbs (for extra flavor)
Full ingredient list is waiting for you in the recipe card below!
Directions
Step 1: Roll Out the Dough
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly flour your work surface and roll out the pizza dough into a large rectangle, about 12×16 inches.
Step 2: Layer the Fillings
Spread a thin layer of mozzarella cheese over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges. Add a generous layer of pepperoni slices on top of the cheese, followed by more mozzarella and a sprinkle of Parmesan for extra cheesiness.
Step 3: Roll It Up
Starting from one of the long sides, roll the dough tightly into a log, tucking in the edges as you go. Pinch the seam and ends to seal everything in.
Step 4: Brush and Season
Place the stromboli seam-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush the top with an egg wash and sprinkle with Italian seasoning or your favorite dried herbs.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and crispy. Let it cool for 5–10 minutes before slicing.
Step 6: Slice and Serve
Using a sharp knife, slice the stromboli into pieces and serve with warm pizza sauce for dipping. Prepare to watch it disappear!
Expert Tips and Tricks
- Don’t Overfill: Too much filling can make it hard to roll and cause leaks—keep it balanced.
- Cool Before Slicing: Let the stromboli rest for a few minutes after baking to avoid the cheese spilling out.
- Make It Ahead: Prep the stromboli, wrap it tightly, and refrigerate until ready to bake.
- Use a Serrated Knife: This helps slice cleanly through the crispy crust.
Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions
- Meat Lovers’ Version: Add cooked sausage, ham, or bacon alongside the pepperoni.
- Veggie Option: Swap the pepperoni for sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, and spinach.
- Spicy Kick: Add sliced jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes for some heat.
- Cheese Swap: Try provolone, cheddar, or a blend of Italian cheeses for a new twist.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
- Dipping Sauce: Serve with warm pizza sauce, marinara, or even ranch dressing for dipping.
- Salad Side: Pair with a crisp Caesar salad or a simple garden salad to round out the meal.
- Drinks: A cold beer, a fizzy soda, or even a light red wine like Pinot Noir would pair perfectly.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Refrigerate: Store leftover stromboli in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: Wrap the unbaked stromboli tightly in plastic wrap and freeze. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the bake time.
- Reheat: Warm slices in the oven or air fryer to crisp up the crust, or use the microwave for a quicker option.
FAQs
1. Can I use crescent roll dough instead of pizza dough?
Yes! Crescent roll dough works well for a lighter, flakier stromboli. Just be gentle when rolling to avoid tears.
2. What’s the difference between stromboli and calzone?
Stromboli is rolled up and sliced like a loaf, while a calzone is folded in half like a pocket. Both are delicious!
3. Can I make this gluten-free?
Absolutely—just use gluten-free pizza dough or crescent roll dough. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
4. Can I add sauce inside the stromboli?
You can, but be cautious—it might make the dough soggy. Serving sauce on the side is the safer (and less messy) option!
In Conclusion
This Cheesy Pepperoni Stromboli is everything you love about pizza, rolled into an irresistible package. It’s crispy, cheesy, and packed with flavor in every bite. Whether it’s for game day, a party, or just a fun dinner, this recipe is bound to become a favorite. Give it a try, and let me know how it goes—don’t forget to experiment with your own fillings, too!
Print
Cheesy Pepperoni Stromboli: The Ultimate Comfort Snack
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings (normal) 1x
- Category: Appetizer, Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Cheesy Pepperoni Stromboli is a pizza lover’s dream! Filled with melty mozzarella, zesty pepperoni, and your favorite pizza flavors, it’s all wrapped up in golden, flaky dough. Perfect as a snack, dinner, or party appetizer, this recipe is easy to make and always a hit. Pair it with marinara sauce for dipping, and watch it disappear!
Ingredients
- 1 (16 oz / 450g) pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup (100g) shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup (50g) shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp dried Italian seasoning
- 25–30 slices of pepperoni
- 1/4 cup marinara or pizza sauce (plus extra for dipping)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp butter, melted
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll out the dough: Lightly flour a clean surface and roll the pizza dough into a large rectangle, about 12×14 inches.
- Assemble the stromboli: Spread a thin layer of marinara or pizza sauce over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges. Sprinkle the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly over the sauce, then layer the pepperoni slices on top.
- Season: Sprinkle the garlic powder and Italian seasoning over the filling for extra flavor.
- Roll it up: Starting with one long edge, carefully roll the dough into a tight log. Pinch the seam and edges to seal.
- Prepare for baking: Place the stromboli seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet. Brush the top with olive oil to help it brown.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, or until the stromboli is golden brown and cooked through.
- Add finishing touches: Brush the melted butter over the top and sprinkle with fresh parsley, if desired.
- Serve: Allow the stromboli to cool for 5 minutes before slicing into 1-inch thick pieces. Serve with warm marinara or pizza sauce for dipping.
Notes
- Customize the filling by adding your favorite toppings like sliced mushrooms, olives, or bell peppers.
- To make it extra crispy, sprinkle the top with Parmesan cheese before baking.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for the best results.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 25mg