Ultimate Cheesy Pepperoni Stromboli Recipe

Craving a fun twist on your usual pizza night? Look no further than this delectable Cheesy Pepperoni Stromboli recipe! A golden, crispy log packed with gooey mozzarella cheese, savory pepperoni slices, and a hint of Italian seasoning, this handheld delight will have your taste buds dancing. Perfect for serving a crowd or simply enjoying with loved ones, this stromboli has quickly become a favorite in our household.

I stumbled upon this Cheesy Pepperoni Stromboli recipe during a week when I was craving the flavors of pizza but wanted something a bit more special. Now, it has become a beloved tradition in our home, especially on Friday nights. The first time I made it, I may have gone overboard with the filling, resulting in a cheesy explosion in the oven! Lesson learned: stick to the recipe’s amounts for a perfect, mess-free outcome every time. And trust me, serving it with warm marinara sauce for dipping takes this dish to a whole new level of deliciousness.

Quick Benefits

• Perfect handheld meal that caters to a crowd
• Easy to customize with various fillings and cheese combinations
• Leftovers keep well for up to three days, maintaining their flavor and texture
• Satisfying and comforting twist on traditional pizza flavors

Why You’ll Love This Ultimate Cheesy Pepperoni Stromboli Recipe Recipe

• Perfect Crowd-Pleaser: This recipe is a fantastic option for serving a crowd with its handheld, easy-to-share format, making it ideal for parties, gatherings, and family dinners.
• A Fun Twist on Pizza Night: Offers all the flavors of pizza but in a more exciting and unique presentation, giving a fun spin to traditional pizza nights.
• Kid-Friendly and Teen-Approved: Teens and kids love the cheesy, pepperoni-filled goodness of this stromboli, making it a hit for sleepovers, family nights, and teenage gatherings.
• Customizable to Your Taste: Easily customize this recipe with your favorite toppings such as Italian sausage, bell peppers, onions, or different cheese blends, allowing for endless variations to suit your preferences.
• Great for Leftovers: Leftover stromboli stores well in the fridge and reheats beautifully, making it a convenient option for meal prep or enjoying the deliciousness again the next day.
• Serving Suggestions: Pair this stromboli with warm marinara sauce for dipping and a fresh green salad with Italian dressing for a complete, satisfying meal. Optionally, serve with garlic bread for an extra Italian-inspired touch.
• Comforting and Special: This stromboli turns a regular dinner into a special event, providing a comforting and indulgent experience that feels both familiar and elevated.

Ingredients for Ultimate Cheesy Pepperoni Stromboli Recipe

Main ingredients

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 4 oz sliced pepperoni
• 1 pound pizza dough
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

How to Make Ultimate Cheesy Pepperoni Stromboli Recipe

Step 1: Prepare oven and workspace

Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 2: Roll out the dough

Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface to form a ¼ inch thick rectangle.

Step 3: Add the filling

Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border. Layer sliced pepperoni on top and sprinkle with Italian seasoning.

Step 4: Roll and seal

Roll the dough tightly from one long end to form a log shape. Pinch the seam and ends to seal.

Step 5: Prepare for baking

Position the stromboli seam-side down on the baking sheet. Brush the top with olive oil and create 3-4 small diagonal slits to allow steam to escape.

Step 6: Bake until golden

Bake for 20-25 minutes until the crust is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.

Step 7: Cool and slice

Allow the stromboli to cool for 5-10 minutes, then slice with a sharp knife. Serve warm with marinara sauce on the side for dipping.

Storage Tips

After preparing and enjoying the cheesy pepperoni stromboli, it’s essential to store any leftovers properly. The stromboli can be wrapped in plastic wrap and stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. This method helps maintain freshness and prevents the dish from spoiling prematurely. When ready to enjoy the leftovers, reheating the stromboli in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes will help restore the crispy texture of the crust. While the microwave can be used for reheating, it may result in a slightly chewy crust instead of a crispy one.

Additionally, it’s worth noting that the cheesy pepperoni stromboli can be customized to suit individual preferences, just like a traditional pizza. Adding ingredients like Italian sausage, sautéed bell peppers, onions, or different cheese combinations can offer unique flavors and variations to this classic dish. The stromboli is also delicious when served with warm marinara sauce for dipping and pairs well with a simple green salad with Italian dressing. Consider accompanying it with garlic bread for a complete Italian-inspired meal that will surely delight your taste buds.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you need to make substitutions for this cheesy pepperoni stromboli, you can get creative with the fillings. Instead of mozzarella cheese, you can try using provolone, cheddar, or a blend of different cheeses for a unique flavor profile. For a healthier option, you could even use part-skim mozzarella or a plant-based cheese alternative.

If you want to change up the protein in the stromboli, consider using cooked chicken, ham, or turkey slices instead of pepperoni. Vegetarians can opt for sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or roasted vegetables as delicious alternatives. You can also play around with different herbs and seasonings to customize the flavors to your liking – try adding basil, oregano, or red pepper flakes for a different taste experience.

Serving Suggestions

For a creative serving suggestion, try presenting the cheesy pepperoni stromboli sliced into pinwheels. This not only makes it easy for guests to grab and enjoy, but also showcases the beautiful layers of cheese and pepperoni inside. Arrange the pinwheels on a platter with a side of warm marinara sauce for dipping, and watch them disappear in no time!

To take the cheesy pepperoni stromboli to the next level, turn it into a stromboli bar for a fun and interactive party idea. Set out bowls of different toppings like cooked Italian sausage, sautéed bell peppers and onions, additional cheeses, and even some spicy pepperoni for those who like it extra hot. Let guests customize their own stromboli before rolling them up and baking to golden perfection. Serve with a variety of dipping sauces and sides like garlic bread and a fresh green salad to create a memorable Italian-inspired feast that everyone will love.

FAQs for Ultimate Cheesy Pepperoni Stromboli Recipe

Can I use store-bought pizza dough for this recipe?

Yes, you can definitely use store-bought pizza dough for this cheesy pepperoni stromboli. It makes the recipe even quicker and easier to prepare.

Can I freeze the unbaked stromboli for later?

Yes, you can freeze the unbaked stromboli for later. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. When ready to bake, let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then bake according to the recipe instructions.

Can I add vegetables to the stromboli filling?

Absolutely! You can customize the filling by adding sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, or any other toppings you enjoy on pizza. Just make sure to cook the vegetables before adding them to the stromboli to prevent excess moisture during baking.

What’s the best way to store and reheat leftover stromboli?

To store leftover stromboli, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to three days. To reheat, place the slices on a baking sheet and bake in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes, or until heated through and the crust is crispy again. Avoid microwaving the stromboli as it may make the crust chewy instead of crispy.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Cheesy Pepperoni Stromboli is a delightful twist on traditional pizza that never fails to impress. Whether you’re looking for a fun meal to share with friends or a family-friendly dinner option, this golden, crispy log of goodness is sure to be a hit. Don’t be afraid to play around with different fillings and cheese combinations to make it your own!

So, the next time you’re craving the flavors of pizza but want something a little extra special, give this Cheesy Pepperoni Stromboli recipe a try. With its easy preparation and mouthwatering results, it’s bound to become a favorite in your household too. Enjoy the process of creating this delicious dish, and savor every cheesy, pepperoni-filled bite!

Ultimate Cheesy Pepperoni Stromboli Recipe

Golden, crispy stromboli with melty mozzarella, zesty pepperoni, and Italian seasoning – a fun twist on pizza that’s a hit with everyone!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time15 Minutes

Cook Time25 Minutes

Total Time40 Minutes

CuisineItalian-American

Skill LevelEasy

Servings8 Servings (1 large stromboli)

Ingredients

Main ingredients

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 4 oz sliced pepperoni
• 1 pound pizza dough
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions

1. Prepare oven and workspace: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Roll out the dough: Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface to form a ¼ inch thick rectangle.
3. Add the filling: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border. Layer sliced pepperoni on top and sprinkle with Italian seasoning.
4. Roll and seal: Roll the dough tightly from one long end to form a log shape. Pinch the seam and ends to seal.
5. Prepare for baking: Position the stromboli seam-side down on the baking sheet. Brush the top with olive oil and create 3-4 small diagonal slits to allow steam to escape.
6. Bake until golden: Bake for 20-25 minutes until the crust is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.
7. Cool and slice: Allow the stromboli to cool for 5-10 minutes, then slice with a sharp knife. Serve warm with marinara sauce on the side for dipping.