Pepperoni Stromboli
A golden, flaky rolled pizza bread filled with layers of spicy pepperoni, gooey mozzarella, and savory Italian herbs. This crowd-pleasing Italian-American classic slices beautifully, making it perfect for game nights, parties, or a fun family dinner.
For 4 servings
- prep
Preheat oven and prepare the baking sheet.
1.Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).2.Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. - prep
Roll out the dough.
On a lightly floured surface, roll the pizza dough into a 14x10-inch rectangle. Keep the edges neat so the filling stays sealed.
TIPLet the dough rest at room temperature for 20 minutes if it's too stiff to roll. - assemble
Layer the fillings onto the dough.
1.Arrange pepperoni slices evenly over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border on all sides.2.Sprinkle shredded mozzarella evenly over the pepperoni.3.Lay provolone slices on top of the mozzarella.4.Sprinkle garlic powder, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes evenly over the cheese.TIPDon't overfill — too much cheese will leak out during baking. - assemble
Roll the stromboli tightly.
Starting from one long edge, roll the dough tightly like a jelly roll. Pinch the seam and both ends firmly to seal. Place seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
TIPRoll with even pressure so the filling is distributed throughout. - prep
Apply egg wash and vents.
1.Brush the entire top and sides with beaten egg wash.2.Sprinkle a pinch of salt over the top.3.Using a sharp knife, cut 4-5 diagonal slits into the top for steam to escape.TIPThe egg wash gives the crust a deep golden-brown shine. - bake · ~25 min
Bake until golden and crisp.
Bake for 20-25 minutes until the crust is deep golden brown and the cheese sounds bubbly when you tap the roll.
TIPRotate the pan halfway through baking for even browning. - rest · ~10 min
Rest before slicing.
Let the stromboli rest on the baking sheet for 5-10 minutes. This helps the cheese set and prevents the filling from oozing out when sliced.
TIPSlicing too soon will leave you with a mess — patience pays off. - serve
Slice and serve with warm marinara.
Cut the stromboli into 1-inch thick slices using a serrated knife. Serve with warm marinara sauce on the side for dipping.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For a crispier bottom crust, bake directly on a preheated pizza stone or inverted sheet pan.
- 2Pat pepperoni slices dry with a paper towel before layering to remove excess grease and prevent a soggy crust.
- 3Chill the assembled stromboli for 10 minutes in the freezer before baking to help the cheese set and reduce leakage.
- 4Use a serrated knife to slice the rested stromboli for clean cuts without squishing the filling.
- 5To reheat leftovers, place slices on a wire rack in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes to restore crispness.
- 6If using homemade dough, let it rest and relax for 20-30 minutes after rolling to avoid shrinkage during baking.
Adapt it for your goals.
Veggie supreme
Replace pepperoni with sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, and onions. This variation offers a lighter, plant-forward option for vegetarians while maintaining the hearty Italian flavor profile.
spicy honeySpicy honey
Drizzle about 1 tablespoon of hot honey over the cheese layers before rolling. This adds a sweet-heat contrast that enhances the pepperoni and cuts through the richness of the cheese.
gluten freeGluten-free
Use a quality gluten-free pizza dough and ensure all pepperoni and spices are certified gluten-free. This makes the dish accessible for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.
meat loversMeat-lovers
Add 3 ounces each of cooked Italian sausage crumbles and diced ham alongside the pepperoni. This creates a heartier, protein-packed version ideal for big appetites or game-day spreads.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Good Source of Protein
The combination of mozzarella, provolone, and pepperoni provides a solid amount of protein, supporting muscle repair and satiety.
Contains Calcium for Bone Health
Both mozzarella and provolone cheeses are rich in calcium, which is essential for maintaining strong bones and teeth.
Italian Herbs Offer Antioxidants
Dried oregano and basil contain antioxidant compounds like rosmarinic acid and flavonoids that can help reduce oxidative stress in the body.
Energy from Carbohydrates
Pizza dough provides carbohydrates for quick energy, making this dish a satisfying meal for active individuals.
Frequently asked questions
Bursting usually happens from overfilling or not sealing the seam and ends tightly. Also, make sure to cut enough steam vents so internal pressure can escape.
