Description
This Cheesy Pepperoni Stromboli is a savory Italian-American favorite featuring a golden-baked pizza dough rolled around gooey mozzarella cheese and spicy pepperoni slices. Perfect as a hearty snack or meal, it’s topped with an egg wash and Italian seasoning for a beautiful crust and served with marinara sauce for dipping.
Ingredients
Scale
Stromboli
- 1 lb refrigerated pizza dough (or homemade)
- 1 cup marinara sauce (plus extra for dipping)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 20–25 slices of pepperoni
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tbsp grated Parmesan (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Roll Dough: On a floured surface, roll out the pizza dough into a 10×14 inch rectangle, making sure it is evenly shaped for uniform rolling and baking.
- Spread Sauce: Evenly spread 1 cup of marinara sauce over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges to allow sealing when rolled.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the marinara sauce to provide the cheesy filling.
- Layer Pepperoni: Arrange 20 to 25 slices of pepperoni evenly on top of the cheese for a flavorful meat layer.
- Roll Stromboli: Carefully roll the dough from one long side towards the other, pinching the seam closed and tucking the ends underneath to seal the filling inside.
- Prepare for Baking: Place the rolled stromboli seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring stability during baking.
- Apply Egg Wash: Brush the top with beaten egg to achieve a glossy, golden crust and sprinkle with Italian seasoning and grated Parmesan cheese if using, for extra flavor.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes until the stromboli is golden brown and the cheese inside is bubbly.
- Cool and Serve: Let the stromboli cool for 5-10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm with extra marinara sauce for dipping.
Notes
- You can substitute pepperoni with other cured meats like salami or add vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for variation.
- Using homemade pizza dough enhances flavor but refrigerated dough saves time.
- Make sure to seal the edges well to prevent filling leakage during baking.
- Letting the stromboli rest after baking helps the cheese set slightly, making it easier to slice.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven for best results.
