Ham and Mozzarella Stromboli
A golden, crispy rolled pizza filled with layers of smoky ham, gooey mozzarella, and a hint of Italian herbs. This crowd-pleasing Stromboli bakes up beautifully on a sheet pan and slices into perfect spirals for dipping in warm marinara. Easier than homemade pizza but just as satisfying.
For 4 servings
- prep · ~7 min
Activate the yeast.
1.Combine warm water (110°F), yeast, and sugar in a small bowl.2.Stir gently and let it sit until frothy, about 5-7 minutes.TIPWater hotter than 120°F will kill the yeast. Aim for warm bathwater temperature. - knead · ~5 min
Make the dough.
1.Whisk flour and salt together in a large bowl.2.Add the yeast mixture and olive oil to the flour.3.Mix with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms.4.Turn onto a floured surface and knead until smooth and elastic, about 5 minutes.TIPIf the dough feels sticky, sprinkle with a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time. - rest · ~60 min
Let the dough rise.
Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp towel, and let it rise in a warm spot until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
- prep · ~10 min
Preheat the oven and prepare the pan.
Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a sheet pan with parchment paper.
- assemble · ~2 min
Roll out the dough.
Punch down the risen dough. On a lightly floured surface, roll it into a 10x14 inch rectangle.
- assemble · ~2 min
Layer the fillings.
1.Arrange ham slices evenly across the dough, leaving a 1-inch border on all edges.2.Sprinkle shredded mozzarella, oregano, garlic powder, and black pepper over the ham.TIPKeep the fillings tight and evenly distributed. Overstuffing will make rolling messy. - assemble · ~1 min
Roll the Stromboli.
Starting from a long edge, roll the dough up tightly into a log, like a jelly roll. Pinch the seam and ends firmly to seal.
- prep · ~1 min
Finish and vent the Stromboli.
1.Place the roll seam-side down on the prepared sheet pan.2.Brush the top and sides generously with beaten egg.3.Use a sharp knife to cut 3-4 shallow diagonal vents across the top.TIPThe vents are essential for steam to escape. Without them, the cheese will burst through the sides. - bake · ~25 min
Bake until golden brown.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the crust is deep golden brown and the filling is melted and bubbly.
- rest · ~10 min
Cool slightly before slicing.
Let the Stromboli rest on the pan for 5-10 minutes. Slice into 8 pieces and serve warm with marinara sauce.
What to keep in mind.
7 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Use low-moisture mozzarella to avoid a soggy crust. Fresh mozzarella releases too much water during baking.
- 2Let the dough double in size fully — under-proofed dough will be dense and tough.
- 3Roll the stromboli as tightly as a jelly roll to create clean spirals and prevent air pockets.
- 4Cut the diagonal vents at least 1/2-inch deep so steam can escape without tearing the crust.
- 5Let the baked stromboli rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing to set the cheese and avoid a molten mess.
- 6If you want a shinier crust, brush a second coat of egg wash halfway through baking.
- 7Rewarm leftovers in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes to restore crispiness, not the microwave.
Adapt it for your goals.
Turkey & Spinach
Substitute ham with roasted turkey breast and add a handful of fresh spinach leaves (wilt them first for compactness). Great for those who prefer leaner, milder fillings.
Vegetarian CapreseVegetarian Caprese
Remove the ham and layer in sliced roasted red peppers, fresh basil, and sun-dried tomatoes for a meatless version that still packs bold Italian flavors.
Spicy PepperoniSpicy Pepperoni
Replace half the ham with sliced pepperoni and add a pinch of red pepper flakes. This amps up the heat and gives a classic pizza-shop vibe.
Gluten Free DoughGluten-Free Dough
Swap the all-purpose flour with a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend (one that contains xanthan gum). The rest of the recipe stays the same, making it accessible for those with celiac or gluten sensitivity.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Good Source of Protein
Both ham and mozzarella provide high-quality protein, which supports muscle repair and keeps you feeling full longer.
Calcium from Mozzarella
Mozzarella cheese is rich in calcium, important for strong bones and teeth. Just keep portion sizes reasonable.
Contains Iron from Ham
Ham provides heme iron, which is easily absorbed by the body and helps maintain healthy blood oxygen levels.
Lower Sugar Than Store-Bought Pizza
This homemade dough uses only 1 teaspoon of sugar, much less than most pre-made pizza crusts or frozen stromboli.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, bread flour gives a chewier, more substantial crust. You may need an extra tablespoon of water if the dough feels stiff.
