Italian Stromboli Recipe How to Make a Stromboli Roll

1. Stromboli

Stromboli is a beloved staple in Italian-American cuisine, known for its savory, cheesy, and hearty filling all rolled inside golden pizza dough. Unlike traditional Italian dishes, Stromboli is uniquely Italian-American, believed to have been created in the 1950s in Philadelphia. Its name is derived from the volcanic island of Stromboli off the coast of Italy, reflecting the explosive flavor packed inside every bite.

Many confuse Stromboli with its cousin, the calzone, but they are distinct in preparation and shape. While a calzone is folded like a turnover, Stromboli is a rolled log, often baked to crispy perfection and sliced into pinwheels. It’s a perfect dish for casual get-togethers, family dinners, or game day spreads. If you’re exploring game day food ideas, Stromboli often tops the list.

The beauty of a classic Italian Stromboli roll lies in its versatility. Whether you’re using thinly sliced chicken ham, turkey bacon, or beef pepperoni, the filling combinations are endless. As highlighted in Italian-American cuisine, the blending of Italian ingredients with American-style convenience (like store-bought dough) has made recipes like Stromboli a weeknight go-to.

Using familiar pantry staples and bold flavors like Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and Parmesan cheese, you can prepare a Stromboli recipe easy enough for beginners, yet impressive enough to serve at a dinner party. It’s also a fun way to involve kids in the kitchen — they love adding their favorite fillings and watching it bake to golden, cheesy goodness.

Whether you’re aiming for a traditional Italian Stromboli recipe, a low-carb variation, or want to explore creative spins found in Stromboli recipes on Pinterest, mastering this dish is easier than it looks. With the right dough, flavorful fillings, and baking techniques, anyone can roll up a delicious Stromboli at home.

2. Ingredients Overview

A perfect Stromboli roll starts with a thoughtful combination of ingredients that balance flavor, texture, and meltability. While the classic Italian Stromboli recipe sticks with deli meats and cheeses, there’s room for plenty of variation depending on your taste preferences.

Here are the core ingredients you’ll need:

• Pizza Dough (1 lb) – Whether homemade or store-bought, dough is the foundation of Stromboli. If making it yourself, explore tips from Pizza for a basic recipe and proper kneading techniques.

• Pizza Sauce (½ cup) – Acts as the flavor base. Look for rich, thick sauces to avoid sogginess.

• Shredded Mozzarella (1 cup) – Melts beautifully and provides that classic stretchy texture. Learn more about mozzarella cheese and why it’s ideal for baking.

• Shredded Provolone (½ cup) – Adds a sharp, tangy note to balance the creaminess of mozzarella. For cheese lovers, the cheese article explains different varieties you can try.

The proteins in this Stromboli recipe give it its signature savory depth:

• Chicken Ham (½ cup) – A leaner choice, it delivers a mild, smoky flavor.

• Turkey Bacon (½ cup, cooked and crumbled) – Provides crunch and a healthier alternative to pork bacon.

• Beef Pepperoni (½ cup slices) – A classic topping that adds spiciness and richness. Check out pepperoni for interesting facts on its origin and use in American-style dishes.

For added texture and aroma:

• Black Olives (¼ cup, optional) – Introduce briny contrast.

• Green Bell Pepper (¼ cup, diced) – Adds freshness and crunch.

• Red Onion (¼ cup, thinly sliced) – Offers a touch of sweetness when baked.

Flavor-enhancing additions include:

• Italian Seasoning (1 tsp) – A blend of oregano, basil, thyme, and more. Learn about its blend on Italian seasoning.

• Garlic Powder (½ tsp) – Adds aromatic warmth.

• Egg (1, beaten) – Used as an egg wash to give the crust a golden sheen.

• Grated Parmesan Cheese (2 tbsp) – Sprinkled on top for nutty, salty richness.

For additional serving inspiration, many Pinterest dinner roll recipes like these dinner roll ideas offer twists on fillings and toppings that also work inside a Stromboli.

With these ingredients, your Stromboli roll with sliced ham and cheese will deliver the classic flavors people expect, while still offering room for experimentation and dietary preferences.

3. Step-by-Step Stromboli Dough Preparation (Optional vs Homemade)

The dough is the base of every great Stromboli recipe, and choosing between homemade or store-bought pizza dough depends on your time, skill level, and preference for texture. Both options can yield excellent results, but understanding the characteristics of each helps ensure your Italian Stromboli roll turns out perfectly every time.

Using Store-Bought Dough

Store-bought pizza dough is ideal for quick and easy preparation. It’s pre-risen, conveniently packaged, and available in most grocery stores’ refrigerated or frozen sections. Here’s how to get the best from it:

• Let it rest at room temperature for 20–30 minutes before rolling. This makes the dough more pliable and prevents shrinkage during shaping.

• Lightly flour your surface to avoid sticking.

• Roll the dough into a 12×15 inch rectangle, ensuring even thickness. Uneven dough may result in undercooked or overly crispy areas.

• Avoid overworking the dough, which can lead to toughness when baked.

If you’re looking for the easiest path to an easy Stromboli recipe, this option is the most efficient without sacrificing quality. Many Pinterest stromboli recipes feature store-bought dough as a time-saving shortcut.

Making Homemade Dough

For those who prefer full control or want to learn traditional techniques, homemade dough is a rewarding option. It typically consists of flour, yeast, salt, sugar, olive oil, and water — the same basic ingredients found in classic pizza dough.

Tips for success:

• Allow enough rising time (1–2 hours) for the dough to develop flavor and structure.

• Use bread flour if possible — its higher protein content improves gluten development for a chewier texture.

• Knead the dough for at least 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.

For step-by-step homemade dough instructions and its place in Italian-American cuisine, check out Italian-American cuisine for context on how American kitchens adapted traditional recipes like this one.

Whether you choose store-bought or homemade, the key is to roll your dough evenly and not too thin. A thickness of about ¼ inch works best — thin enough to bake through but thick enough to hold all the fillings. Preparing the dough properly sets the stage for a successful Stromboli roll that’s crispy outside, soft inside, and packed with flavor.

4. Layering Ingredients Like a Pro

Layering is one of the most important steps in creating a flavorful, well-structured Stromboli roll. Done correctly, it ensures that every bite has the perfect balance of melted cheese, savory meats, and seasoned vegetables. Poor layering, on the other hand, can result in soggy dough, uneven baking, or fillings that spill out during slicing. Here’s how to do it like a pro.

1. Start With the Sauce — But Use It Sparingly

• Spread ½ cup of pizza sauce evenly across the rolled dough, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges to allow room for sealing.

• Using too much sauce can make your Stromboli soggy and harder to roll.

• For extra flavor and texture, choose a thick sauce with herbs and garlic or make a homemade version inspired by ideas from game day food recipes.

2. Add the Cheese Layer

• Use 1 cup of shredded mozzarella as your base — this cheese melts smoothly and binds the other ingredients together.

• Add ½ cup of shredded provolone on top of the mozzarella for a sharp contrast and classic Italian flavor. To understand why mozzarella and provolone work so well, see cheese for melting points and flavor profiles.

• Distribute cheese evenly to avoid clumps and ensure even melting during baking.

3. Add Meats Strategically

The trio of meats in this recipe creates a savory depth that defines the classic Stromboli flavor:

• Layer chicken ham slices first, laying them flat across the cheese.

• Sprinkle crumbled turkey bacon evenly across the surface.

• Add beef pepperoni slices last, spaced slightly apart so they crisp slightly during baking. Pepperoni not only adds spice but also enhances aroma — learn more in pepperoni.

Keep in mind:

• Avoid stacking meats too high in one area; aim for a flat, even layer to make rolling easier and to prevent tearing the dough.

4. Top With Vegetables and Seasonings

• Optional but flavorful additions include:

  • ¼ cup black olives for saltiness and contrast.

  • ¼ cup diced green bell pepper for crunch and freshness.

  • ¼ cup thinly sliced red onion for a touch of sweetness.

• Sprinkle with 1 tsp Italian seasoning and ½ tsp garlic powder to elevate the aroma and taste. Read more about this spice blend in Italian seasoning — a staple in Italian-American recipes.

This order of layering — sauce, cheese, meat, vegetables, seasoning — prevents moisture from sinking into the dough and promotes even baking. Mastering this technique ensures that your Italian Stromboli recipe turns out with gooey, layered perfection every time.

5. Rolling and Sealing Techniques

The rolling and sealing stage is where your Stromboli roll comes to life. Doing this step correctly ensures the filling stays tucked inside, the crust bakes evenly, and the final slices hold their shape. Poor rolling can lead to open seams, burnt cheese, or soggy bottoms — all common beginner mistakes.

1. Roll Tightly, But Not Too Tight

• Begin at the long edge of the dough (the 15-inch side). Slowly roll the dough forward, like a jelly roll, using both hands to keep the log even.

• Tuck the ingredients as you go to avoid large air pockets.

• The goal is a tight but not compressed roll — pressing too hard can cause the dough to tear or the filling to burst during baking.

2. Seal the Seam and Ends Completely

• Once the roll is complete, pinch the seam firmly closed. If the dough feels dry, lightly brush it with water to help it stick.

• Fold the ends of the roll underneath to seal in the ingredients. This step is crucial to prevent leaks and keep the shape intact.

• Place the Stromboli seam-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

If you’re unsure about how to shape the roll, many Pinterest dinner roll ideas show visual rolling techniques that work just as well for Stromboli.

3. Apply the Egg Wash

• Beat 1 egg in a small bowl and use a pastry brush to apply a thin, even layer over the top of the dough.

• This creates a glossy, golden finish during baking and helps any toppings (like Parmesan) stick.

4. Add the Final Touch: Parmesan Cheese

• Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese over the top of the roll. This adds nutty flavor and texture, creating a crisp, flavorful crust.

• You can also add an extra sprinkle of Italian seasoning or garlic powder for added visual appeal and taste.

By following these simple yet essential steps, you’ll end up with a beautifully shaped Stromboli roll with sliced ham and cheese that looks as good as it tastes. For more inspiration on the art of rolling and shaping filled doughs, check out how similar techniques are used in pizza and other Italian-American dishes.