Easy Cheesy Pepperoni Stromboli

Craving something warm melty and ridiculously satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen This cheesy pepperoni stromboli is your new weeknight savior Gooey mozzarella and spicy pepperoni layered with zesty marinara sauce then rolled in golden pizza dough offers a perfect slice of comfort that comes together fast Best of all you only need a handful of everyday ingredients and less than thirty minutes

I first made this when my family begged for takeout but we had some leftover pizza dough and cheese Hand to heart everyone raved and now it is a regular dinner request on busy nights

Ingredients

• Refrigerated pizza dough: Essential for a quick rollout Choose dough that feels elastic and smooth for the best rise
• Marinara or pizza sauce: Brings a tangy base Opt for one with real tomatoes and herbs for balanced flavor
• Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melty goodness Select part-skim for less grease or whole milk for stretchier cheese pulls
• Pepperoni: Provides spicy savory kick Look for thinly sliced with vivid color
• Egg: For the golden shiny crust A fresh egg will result in a glossier finish
• Italian seasoning: Fragrant finishing mix Select blends with oregano basil and thyme for the most authentic flavor
• Grated Parmesan: Optional but does add a nutty salty edge Fresh grated packs more punch than pre-grated
• Flour: A little dusting ensures easy rolling and no sticking to your counter Use all purpose for best results

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prep the Oven and Dough:

Set oven to four hundred degrees Fahrenheit and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper This helps everything cook evenly and nothing sticks Lightly flour your work surface Before rolling out the pizza dough pat and stretch it into a ten by fourteen inch rectangle Focus on getting even thickness throughout

Prepare the Egg Wash:

Crack one egg into a small bowl and whisk until fully blended This will be brushed over the stromboli just before baking

Layer the Ingredients:

Spread a generous layer of marinara sauce over the surface of the dough stopping about an inch from all edges This prevents leaks during rolling Sprinkle mozzarella cheese in an even layer covering the sauce completely This ensures every bite is extra cheesy Arrange pepperoni slices over the cheese layer Place them close together for full coverage and bold flavor

Roll and Seal:

Starting on the longer side slowly roll the dough up tightly into a log shape like a jelly roll Pinch the seam closed and also pinch and tuck the ends underneath so fillings stay inside when baking

Transfer to Baking Sheet and Finish:

Move the rolled stromboli to your prepared baking sheet seam side down Brush all over with the beaten egg then shower with Italian seasoning and Parmesan if using

Bake and Rest:

Slide into the hot oven and bake for twenty to twenty five minutes The crust should puff up and turn a deep golden brown Remove and let rest for five to ten minutes before cutting so the cheese sets and nothing spills out

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There is something about the double cheese and spicy pepperoni that always steals the show My favorite part is slicing into the warm stromboli and seeing everyone gather around the table We have made this for family movie nights and it always disappears fast

Storage Tips

Let leftovers cool fully before wrapping If you slice the stromboli store the pieces in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days To reheat pop in a toaster oven for crisp edges or microwave if you are short on time You can even freeze individual slices Just wrap tightly and thaw overnight before reheating

Ingredient Substitutions

Feel free to swap in turkey pepperoni for a lighter bite or use sliced deli ham Mozzarella melts best but provolone or cheddar also work Try store bought or homemade pizza dough and if you need dairy free choose a plant based cheese blend and egg substitute For the sauce use pesto or Alfredo for a fun twist

Serving Suggestions

Slice into thick rounds and serve as a main meal with a side salad or cut thin to serve as a game day snack A warm bowl of marinara is perfect for dipping Guests love it paired with pickled peppers and olives for a tangy crunch Serve fresh from the oven while the cheese is still melty

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Cultural and Historical Context

Stromboli reportedly takes its name from the Italian island but it is more of an Italian-American classic than a traditional dish in Italy It first appeared in Italian bakeries in the northeastern US where bakers rolled up pizza ingredients to create a hearty shareable meal Its flexible style has made it a staple in many American households

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use store-bought pizza dough?

Yes, refrigerated pizza dough works well and saves time, though homemade dough is a tasty option too.

→ What cheeses pair best with pepperoni?

Mozzarella melts perfectly, but provolone, cheddar, or a dairy-free blend also make delicious alternatives.

→ How do I prevent the filling from leaking?

Roll the dough tightly, pinch seams well, and tuck ends underneath before baking for best results.

→ Can I make this stromboli in advance?

You can assemble and refrigerate before baking. Simply bake when ready to serve for best texture.

→ What are good dipping sauces?

Serve with warm marinara, ranch, garlic butter, or even a spicy arrabbiata for extra flavor.

→ Can I personalize the filling?

Absolutely! Add sautéed veggies, swap in turkey pepperoni, or try a layer of sautéed onions or peppers.