Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Cheesy Pepperoni Stromboli is a comforting, oven-baked favorite that brings together everything people love about pizza in a neatly rolled, sliceable form. With stretchy melted cheese, savory pepperoni, and golden baked dough, this recipe is perfect for family dinners, game nights, or casual gatherings. I often make this stromboli when I want pizza flavors without ordering takeout, and it never disappoints. The rolled format keeps the filling perfectly contained, giving you cheesy bites in every slice. It is easy to customize, forgiving to prepare, and impressive enough to serve guests. Whether paired with marinara sauce or enjoyed on its own, this stromboli delivers bold flavor with minimal effort.
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Cheesy Pepperoni Stromboli (Crispy, Gooey, and Crowd-Pleasing)
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
Cheesy Pepperoni Stromboli is a golden-baked Italian-American favorite made with pizza dough rolled around gooey melted cheese and savory pepperoni, perfect for dinner, parties, or game day.
Ingredients
- 1 lb pizza dough
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup sliced pepperoni
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Marinara sauce, for dipping
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll pizza dough into a large rectangle on a lightly floured surface.
- Sprinkle mozzarella cheese evenly over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border.
- Layer pepperoni evenly over the cheese.
- Sprinkle Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder on top.
- Roll the dough tightly lengthwise into a log and pinch seams to seal.
- Place stromboli seam-side down on the baking sheet.
- Brush with olive oil and egg wash.
- Cut a few slits on top to allow steam to escape.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes until golden brown.
- Cool for 5 minutes, slice, and serve with marinara sauce.
Notes
- Seal edges well to prevent cheese from leaking.
- You can add bell peppers or mushrooms for extra flavor.
- Let rest before slicing for cleaner cuts.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Pizza Dough
Pizza dough forms the base of the stromboli. Store-bought dough works perfectly and saves time, while homemade dough adds a rustic touch.
Pepperoni
Pepperoni provides classic savory flavor and a slight spice that balances the cheese.
Mozzarella Cheese
Mozzarella melts smoothly and creates the signature gooey texture inside the stromboli.
Provolone Cheese
Provolone adds depth and a slightly sharper flavor that complements mozzarella well.
Pizza Sauce
Pizza sauce adds moisture and rich tomato flavor. Use sparingly to avoid sogginess.
Olive Oil
Olive oil helps achieve a golden, crisp crust and adds flavor.
Italian Seasoning
Italian seasoning enhances the overall flavor with classic herbs.
Garlic Powder
Garlic powder adds subtle savory depth without overpowering the filling.
Egg
Egg wash helps the stromboli bake up glossy and golden.
Parmesan Cheese
Parmesan adds a salty, savory finish on top of the dough.
Directions
Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Roll the pizza dough out on a lightly floured surface into a large rectangle of even thickness.
Spread a thin layer of pizza sauce over the dough, leaving a border around the edges. Layer mozzarella and provolone evenly over the sauce, followed by the pepperoni.
Starting from the long side, roll the dough tightly into a log, tucking in the ends to seal the filling inside. Place the stromboli seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
Brush the top with egg wash and drizzle lightly with olive oil. Sprinkle Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and Parmesan cheese over the surface.
Using a sharp knife, cut a few small slits across the top to allow steam to escape.
Bake for 22 to 26 minutes, or until the crust is deep golden brown and the cheese is melted inside. Allow to rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
Equipment needed :
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.
3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4 to 6 people.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 22–26 minutes
Total time: approximately 40 minutes
Storage/reheating
Store leftover stromboli in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat slices in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for 8 to 10 minutes until warmed through. Avoid microwaving, as it softens the crust.
Variations and Customizations
This stromboli is very versatile. You can add sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or olives for extra texture and flavor. I tested a version with mushrooms, and it added wonderful depth.
For a spicier option, use spicy pepperoni or add crushed red pepper flakes to the filling.
You can also substitute part of the cheese with cheddar or use all mozzarella for a milder result.
If you prefer a meatier stromboli, add cooked sausage or ham along with the pepperoni.
Nutrition and Dietary Info
Approximate nutrition per serving:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 420 kcal |
| Protein | 18 g |
| Carbs | 36 g |
| Fat | 22 g |
| Saturated Fat | 9 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 4 g |
| Sodium | 880 mg |
Expert Tips & Customizations
Do Not Overfill
Too much filling can cause leaking.
Roll Tightly
A tight roll ensures even slices.
Use Low-Moisture Cheese
This prevents excess liquid inside.
Vent the Dough
Slits prevent bursting during baking.
Rest Before Slicing
This helps the cheese set slightly.
FAQs
What is the difference between stromboli and calzone?
Stromboli is rolled and sliced, while calzones are folded and sealed individually.
Can I make stromboli ahead of time?
Yes, assemble and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
Can I freeze stromboli?
Yes, freeze baked stromboli and reheat in the oven.
What dipping sauces work best?
Marinara, garlic butter, or ranch dressing pair well.
Can I use puff pastry instead of pizza dough?
Yes, but the texture will be flakier and less chewy.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes, it is very popular with children.
Conclusion
Cheesy Pepperoni Stromboli is a reliable, crowd-pleasing recipe that delivers classic pizza flavor in a satisfying baked roll. With its crispy crust, melty cheese, and savory filling, it is perfect for weeknight dinners, parties, or casual entertaining. Simple to prepare and easy to customize, this stromboli is a recipe you will return to again and again.
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