Easy Italian Stromboli Recipe

Introduction

Stromboli is a delicious Italian-inspired stuffed bread that’s perfect for a quick meal or snack. This easy recipe combines savory meats, cheese, and herbs wrapped in flaky pizza dough, creating a flavorful treat everyone will love.

The image shows a braided pastry on a white marble board, sliced into three pieces. The pastry crust is golden brown with a slightly shiny texture and light sprinkling of herbs on top. Inside, there is a layer of thinly sliced cured meat with a deep red color and a layer of melted, creamy white cheese. The braided dough folds over the filling, showing layers of flaky, soft bread. A glass jar with dried herbs is placed next to the board on a wooden surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • 1 can (13.8 oz) refrigerated pizza dough
  • 3 Tbsp ricotta cheese
  • 1 1/2 Tbsp Italian seasoning
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/4 lb thinly sliced deli salami
  • 1/4 lb thinly sliced deli ham
  • 2 oz pepperoni
  • 6 slices (about 1 oz each) provolone cheese (or cheese of your choice)
  • 1 egg, whisked
  • 1-2 cups marinara sauce, to serve (optional)

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Step 2: In a small bowl, mix ricotta cheese with 1 tablespoon of Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Set this mixture aside.
  3. Step 3: Unroll the pizza dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Make angled cuts along each side of the dough, leaving the center intact.
  4. Step 4: Spread the ricotta mixture evenly over the center section of dough, keeping about 1/2 inch clear from the edges of the cuts.
  5. Step 5: Layer the provolone cheese, salami, ham, and pepperoni evenly over the ricotta spread.
  6. Step 6: Fold the strips of dough over the filling in an alternating pattern to form a braided shape. Tuck the ends underneath to seal the stromboli.
  7. Step 7: Brush the whisked egg over the top and sides of the dough. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 tablespoon Italian seasoning, and add salt and pepper to taste.
  8. Step 8: Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes or until the dough is golden brown and cooked through.
  9. Step 9: Remove from oven and let cool slightly. Slice with a sharp knife and serve warm with marinara sauce, if desired.

Tips & Variations

  • Try swapping provolone for mozzarella or cheddar for a different flavor.
  • Add sautéed vegetables like bell peppers or onions for extra nutrition.
  • Use turkey or chicken deli meat for a lighter version.
  • If you like it spicy, add crushed red pepper flakes to the ricotta mixture.

Storage

Store leftover stromboli in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes or until warmed through to keep the crust crispy. You can also freeze unbaked stromboli wrapped tightly and bake from frozen, adding extra baking time.

How to Serve

The image shows a long braided bread loaf with a golden-brown crust and a chewy, soft inside texture. The bread is sliced at the front to reveal several layers inside: the bottom layer has a light beige color, above that there is a layer of thin pink ham, followed by a darker red layer of pepperoni, and on top, a white layer of melted cheese. The braided crust has visible specks of herbs and a shiny, slightly crispy surface. The loaf is placed on a white rectangular marble board, against a simple dark background with a white marbled texture visible on the surface below. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make stromboli ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble stromboli and refrigerate it for a few hours before baking. For longer storage, freeze it unbaked and bake directly from frozen, increasing the baking time by 10–15 minutes.

What kind of pizza dough works best?

Refrigerated pizza dough is convenient and works well, but you can also use homemade dough if you prefer. Make sure it’s rolled out evenly for easy folding and baking.

Print

Easy Italian Stromboli Recipe

This Easy Italian Stromboli recipe combines layers of savory deli meats, creamy ricotta, and provolone cheese wrapped in a braided pizza dough and baked to golden perfection. Perfect for a flavorful appetizer or a satisfying meal, it pairs wonderfully with warm marinara sauce.

  • Author: Lisa
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

Scale

Dough and Seasoning

  • 1 can (13.8 oz) refrigerated pizza dough
  • 1 1/2 Tbsp Italian seasoning, divided
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1 egg, whisked

Cheese and Meats

  • 3 Tbsp ricotta cheese
  • 1/4 lb thinly sliced deli salami
  • 1/4 lb thinly sliced deli ham
  • 2 oz pepperoni
  • 6 slices (about 1 oz each) provolone cheese (or cheese of your choice)

Serving

  • 12 cups marinara sauce, to serve (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and promote even baking.
  2. Prepare Ricotta Mixture: In a small bowl, combine ricotta cheese with 1 tablespoon of Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Mix well and set aside to allow flavors to meld.
  3. Prepare Dough: Unroll the refrigerated pizza dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Using a knife, make angled cuts along each side of the dough to create strips for braiding later, keeping the center intact.
  4. Spread Ricotta: Evenly spread the ricotta mixture over the center area of the dough, stopping about 1/2 inch away from the edges of the cuts to prevent leaking during baking.
  5. Layer Fillings: On top of the ricotta, layer the provolone cheese slices, followed by the deli salami, ham, and pepperoni evenly to cover the surface.
  6. Braid Dough: Starting at one end, fold the strips of dough over the filling in an alternating, overlapping pattern to create a simple braid. Ensure the dough ends are tucked and sealed well to avoid filling spill-out.
  7. Egg Wash and Season: Brush the whisked egg over the top and sides of the braided dough with a pastry brush. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 tablespoon of Italian seasoning along with additional salt and pepper to taste for added flavor and golden color.
  8. Bake: Place the braided stromboli in the oven and bake for about 20 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and cooked through.
  9. Serve: Remove from the oven and let cool slightly. Slice with a sharp knife into pieces and serve warm, optionally alongside warmed marinara sauce for dipping.

Notes

  • Use provolone or substitute with mozzarella or a cheese blend of your preference.
  • Ensure the dough is sealed tightly to prevent filling from leaking during baking.
  • Marinara sauce is optional but adds an authentic Italian flavor when serving.
  • Can be prepared ahead of time and baked fresh when ready.

Keywords: Stromboli, Italian stromboli, baked stromboli, easy stromboli recipe, Italian appetizer, pizza dough recipe, meat and cheese stromboli

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