If there’s one recipe that never fails to bring smiles around my dinner table, it’s this Italian Stromboli. It’s everything you love about pizza—melty cheese, zesty marinara, and flavorful toppings—wrapped in golden pizza dough, baked to crispy perfection, and sliced into delicious swirls of comfort. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, prepping for a potluck, or just craving something cozy and savory, Italian Stromboli delivers on all fronts.

What Is Italian Stromboli?

Italian Stromboli is essentially a rolled, baked version of a stuffed pizza. Imagine a soft but crisp pizza crust, loaded with marinara, mozzarella, parmesan, and pepperoni, rolled up jelly-roll style, then baked to a deep golden hue. Once sliced, each piece reveals spirals of melted cheese and savory filling. It’s hearty, fun to eat, and wildly satisfying.

Despite its Italian name, Stromboli is actually an Italian-American invention that became popular in the mid-20th century. Unlike a calzone, which is folded like a turnover, Stromboli is rolled and sliced. It’s often served with a side of marinara for dipping and makes an excellent appetizer, main course, or party snack.

Why You’ll Love This Italian Stromboli

There are so many reasons to fall in love with this easy baked entrée. Let’s break down what makes this Stromboli a standout:

It’s quick to assemble and uses simple, easy-to-find ingredients.
You can easily customize it with your favorite deli meats, cheeses, and vegetables.
It’s budget-friendly and makes 6–8 generous slices.
Great for both kids and adults—no one can resist those cheesy swirls.
It stores and reheats beautifully, making it perfect for leftovers or meal prep.

This is one of those dishes that always looks more complicated than it is, which makes it a go-to when you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen.

What Does Stromboli Taste Like?

This Stromboli tastes like the best parts of a pepperoni pizza—crisp on the outside, warm and cheesy inside, with just enough marinara to keep everything flavorful without being soggy. The pepperoni adds a salty, spicy kick, and the combination of melted mozzarella and nutty parmesan makes each bite rich and satisfying. The crust bakes up golden and crisp on the outside while staying tender in the middle, and the Italian seasoning on top ties everything together beautifully.

You can easily elevate the flavor by brushing the crust with garlic butter before baking or adding fresh herbs after it comes out of the oven. The end result is a dish that feels both comforting and indulgent.

Benefits of Making Stromboli at Home

Making Stromboli at home comes with a handful of practical perks:

It’s significantly cheaper than ordering takeout.
You control the quality of the ingredients.
It’s easy to double the recipe and feed a crowd.
It freezes and reheats incredibly well.
It offers endless flexibility—use what you have on hand.

Whether you’re making it for game night, Sunday dinner, or a busy weeknight, this Stromboli has your back.

Ingredients for Italian Stromboli

Here’s what you’ll need to make 6 to 8 slices of Italian Stromboli:

1 sheet of pizza dough (homemade or store-bought)
1 cup marinara sauce (plus more for dipping)
1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup grated parmesan cheese
25–30 slices of pepperoni (you can also use ham or salami)
1 egg, beaten (for the egg wash)
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Optional: red pepper flakes, garlic powder, chopped fresh basil or parsley for garnish

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

To prepare Stromboli with ease, gather the following kitchen tools:

Rolling pin
Baking sheet
Parchment paper
Pastry brush (for egg wash)
Sharp knife or pizza cutter
Small bowl (for the egg wash)

Ingredient Additions and Substitutions

This recipe is endlessly flexible. Feel free to get creative with these ingredient swaps and additions:

Meat Substitutes:

Use cooked crumbled sausage for a heartier flavor.
Substitute turkey pepperoni for a leaner option.
Try roasted chicken with barbecue sauce for a tangy twist.

Vegetarian Options:

Replace the meat with sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or roasted red peppers.
Add black olives or caramelized onions for extra depth.

Cheese Variations:

Swap in provolone, cheddar, or a cheese blend.
Add ricotta in thin dollops for a creamy layer.

Flavor Boosters:

Brush the crust with garlic butter or herb oil before baking.
Sprinkle sesame or poppy seeds over the top for texture.
Use pesto instead of marinara for a fresh, herbaceous spin.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Italian Stromboli

1. Preheat Your Oven

Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easy.

2. Roll Out the Dough

On a lightly floured surface, roll the pizza dough into a large rectangle—about 10 by 14 inches. Try to keep the thickness even to ensure uniform baking.

3. Add Sauce and Toppings

Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce down the center of the dough, leaving about a 1-inch border on all sides. Evenly layer your pepperoni over the sauce, then sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated parmesan over the top.

4. Roll and Seal

Fold in the short ends of the dough first, then carefully roll it up lengthwise, jelly-roll style. Make sure the seam is on the bottom to prevent it from opening during baking. Transfer the roll to your prepared baking sheet.

5. Apply the Egg Wash and Seasoning

Brush the entire top and sides of the Stromboli with beaten egg. This gives the crust a beautiful golden sheen. Sprinkle Italian seasoning over the top, and add red pepper flakes or garlic powder if you want an extra kick.

6. Bake

Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the crust is deeply golden and crisp. The cheese inside should be melted and bubbly. If the top starts to brown too quickly, tent it with foil during the last few minutes.

7. Rest and Slice

Remove the Stromboli from the oven and let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes. This allows the cheese to set slightly, making it easier to slice. Use a serrated knife or pizza cutter to cut it into thick slices.

What to Serve with Stromboli

Stromboli is hearty enough to stand on its own, but it also pairs wonderfully with sides and dips. Here are some ideas:

Extra marinara or garlic dip for dunking
A crisp green salad with balsamic vinaigrette
Roasted vegetables such as zucchini, eggplant, or bell peppers
Potato wedges or seasoned fries for a casual meal
A cold pasta salad with Italian dressing

For a more indulgent dinner, try pairing it with one of these other cheesy favorites:

Tips for Making Stromboli

Don’t overload with sauce—it can make the crust soggy and difficult to roll.
Let the dough come to room temperature before rolling to avoid tearing.
Be sure to seal the edges and seam well to keep fillings inside.
Bake on parchment paper to prevent sticking and promote even browning.
Let the baked Stromboli rest before slicing to avoid melted cheese oozing out.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage:

Allow any leftover Stromboli to cool completely. Wrap it tightly in foil or store in an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 4 days.

Freezing:

To freeze, slice the Stromboli and wrap each piece individually in plastic wrap. Store in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months.

Reheating:

Reheat slices in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10–12 minutes until warmed through. You can also microwave them in 30-second intervals, though the crust may lose some of its crispiness.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Stromboli in advance?
Yes! You can assemble the Stromboli, wrap it tightly, and store it in the fridge (unbaked) for up to 24 hours. Add the egg wash right before baking.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely. Omit the meat and add your favorite vegetables—like spinach, mushrooms, bell peppers, or even artichokes—for a delicious meat-free version.

What’s the difference between Stromboli and calzone?
A calzone is folded in half like a pocket and sealed along the edges, while Stromboli is rolled lengthwise and sliced into pinwheels after baking.

Can I use puff pastry instead of pizza dough?
Yes, puff pastry will work for a flakier texture. Just be mindful that it bakes faster, so reduce the baking time slightly and watch for over-browning.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly comforting about pulling a warm, golden Stromboli from the oven. The crust is crisp and flaky, the filling is bubbly and cheesy, and the whole thing is as fun to serve as it is to eat. It’s perfect for feeding a crowd, impressing dinner guests, or turning a weeknight into something special.

If you loved this recipe, be sure to check out more crave-worthy comfort foods like Cheesy Spaghetti Stuffed Garlic Bread, Pizza Burger Pie, and Cheesy Onion Rings. Each one offers that same mix of fun, flavor, and homemade charm.

Share Your Stromboli Creations

I’d love to see your version of this Italian Stromboli! Share your photos and tag me on Pinterest or leave a comment below. Your feedback means the world to me, and it helps others discover the recipe too.

Nutritional Information (Approximate, Per Slice)

Calories: 290
Protein: 12g
Carbohydrates: 25g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 650mg

Italian Stromboli Recipe: A Cheesy, Baked Roll You’ll Make Again and Again

Author: Sam

Print Recipe

Description

Italian Stromboli is a warm, cheesy baked roll stuffed with pepperoni, marinara, mozzarella, and parmesan, all wrapped in golden pizza dough. It’s quick to prepare, easy to customize, and perfect for parties, family dinners, or game day. Slice it up and serve with extra marinara on the side—you’ll want this in your dinner rotation ASAP!

Ingredients

Scale

1 pizza dough sheet (store-bought or homemade)
1 cup marinara sauce (plus more for dipping)
1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup grated parmesan cheese
25–30 slices pepperoni (or substitute salami or ham)
1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Optional: red pepper flakes, garlic powder, chopped fresh basil or parsley for garnish

Instructions

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pizza dough into a 10×14-inch rectangle.
Spread marinara sauce down the center, leaving a 1-inch border all around.
Layer pepperoni slices over the sauce, then sprinkle with mozzarella and parmesan.
Fold in the short ends, then roll up the dough lengthwise like a jelly roll.
Place seam-side down on the baking sheet.
Brush the top with beaten egg and sprinkle with Italian seasoning (plus red pepper flakes or garlic powder if desired).
Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and crisp.
Let rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing.

Serve with extra marinara or garlic dip and enjoy!

Notes

Want to make it vegetarian? Swap the pepperoni for sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or roasted veggies.
To prep ahead: assemble the Stromboli, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
Freezes great! Wrap slices in plastic wrap and store in a freezer bag for up to 2 months.
Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10–12 minutes for best results—crispy crust, melty center!

Try different fillings like cooked sausage, provolone, or even BBQ chicken for fun twists!