Ham and Mozzarella Stromboli
A classic Italian-American favorite, this stromboli features savory ham and gooey mozzarella cheese rolled in pizza dough and baked to golden perfection. Perfect for dipping in marinara sauce, it's a fun and easy meal for any night of the week.
For 4 servings
7 steps. 25 minutes total.
- 1
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C)
- a.Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- 2
Step 2
- a.On a lightly floured surface, roll or stretch the pizza dough into a large rectangle, approximately 10x14 inches and about 1/4-inch thick.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Layer the fillings evenly over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border on all sides to ensure a good seal.
- b.Arrange the sliced ham in an even layer over the dough.
- c.Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese uniformly over the ham.
- d.Dust the Italian seasoning over the cheese.
- 4
Starting from one of the long edges, tightly roll the dough into a log
- a.Pinch the seam firmly along its entire length to seal it. Tuck in the ends and pinch them closed to prevent any filling from leaking out during baking.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Carefully transfer the stromboli log to the prepared baking sheet, placing it seam-side down. In a small bowl, whisk the egg with 1 tablespoon of water to create an egg wash. Brush the egg wash all over the top and sides of the stromboli. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the top. Using a sharp knife, cut 4-5 diagonal slits across the top to allow steam to escape.
- 6
Step 6
- a.Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the crust is a deep golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly. For best results, an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center should read at least 165°F (74°C).
- 7
Step 7
- a.Remove from the oven and let the stromboli rest on the baking sheet for at least 10 minutes. This crucial step allows the cheese to set and makes slicing much cleaner. Slice into 8 pieces and serve warm with marinara sauce for dipping.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Use low-moisture mozzarella cheese to prevent the stromboli from becoming soggy.
- 2Don't overfill the dough, as this can cause it to burst open while baking.
- 3Ensure the seams and ends are sealed very well to keep all the delicious filling inside.
- 4The slits on top are crucial for venting steam; don't skip this step!
- 5Letting the stromboli rest before slicing is key to clean cuts and preventing the hot cheese from running out.
- 6For a richer flavor, brush the inside of the dough with a thin layer of olive oil or melted garlic butter before adding the fillings.
Adapt it for your goals.
Meat Lover's
Add other cured meats like pepperoni, salami, or cooked Italian sausage along with the ham.
Veggie DelightVeggie Delight
Incorporate sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms. Ensure they are cooked and drained of excess moisture before adding.
Cheese TrioCheese Trio
Use a blend of cheeses such as provolone and ricotta along with the mozzarella for a more complex flavor.
Spicy KickSpicy Kick
Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or some sliced jalapeños to the filling for a bit of heat.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Good Source of Protein
The ham and mozzarella cheese provide a significant amount of protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues, muscle maintenance, and overall body function.
Provides Calcium
Mozzarella and Parmesan cheese are excellent sources of calcium, a mineral crucial for strong bones and teeth, as well as proper nerve and muscle function.
Energy Boosting
The pizza dough is a source of carbohydrates, which the body uses as its primary fuel source, providing the energy needed for daily activities.
Frequently asked questions
A serving of two slices contains approximately 550-650 calories, depending on the specific type of pizza dough, ham, and cheese used. This estimate does not include the marinara dipping sauce.