Simple Stromboli Recipe

Background and History

Stromboli is a type of turnover filled with various cheeses, cold cuts, and vegetables. It originated in the United States in the mid-20th century, with roots in Italian-American cuisine. Named after the Italian island of Stromboli, this dish is similar to a calzone but is rolled and baked as a loaf. Stromboli has become a popular meal due to its versatility, allowing for endless filling combinations, making it a favorite for both casual and special occasions.

Ingredients

  • 1 pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1/2 cup marinara sauce (plus extra for dipping)
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 cup sliced pepperoni
  • 1/2 cup sliced ham
  • 1/2 cup cooked Italian sausage (crumbled)
  • 1/4 cup sliced black olives (optional)
  • 1/4 cup sliced bell peppers (optional)
  • 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Flour (for dusting)

Useful and Interesting Facts

  • Stromboli is believed to have been invented in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, or Spokane, Washington, in the 1950s.
  • It is often confused with calzone, but while a calzone is folded over, stromboli is rolled like a Swiss roll.
  • This dish can be customized with your favorite fillings, making it a great way to use up leftovers.

Recipe Instructions

Serves

4-6

Total Time

1 hour

Cooking Time

25-30 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1/2 cup marinara sauce (plus extra for dipping)
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 cup sliced pepperoni
  • 1/2 cup sliced ham
  • 1/2 cup cooked Italian sausage (crumbled)
  • 1/4 cup sliced black olives (optional)
  • 1/4 cup sliced bell peppers (optional)
  • 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Flour (for dusting)

Instructions

Preheat Oven

  • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  • Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Prepare the Dough

  • On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pizza dough into a large rectangle, about 10×14 inches.

Add Sauce and Fillings

  • Spread the marinara sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges.
  • Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly over the sauce.
  • Layer the pepperoni, ham, cooked sausage, black olives, and bell peppers on top of the cheese.

Season and Roll

  • Sprinkle Italian seasoning and garlic powder over the fillings.
  • Starting from one of the longer sides, roll the dough tightly into a log, sealing the edges and ends by pinching them together.

Apply Egg Wash

  • Place the stromboli seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
  • Brush the top and sides with the beaten egg to give it a golden, shiny crust.

Bake

  • Using a sharp knife, make a few diagonal slits on top of the stromboli to allow steam to escape.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and cooked through.

Serve

  • Allow the stromboli to cool for a few minutes before slicing.
  • Serve warm with extra marinara sauce for dipping.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

  • Calories: 350
  • Protein: 20g
  • Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Fat: 15g
  • Saturated Fat: 7g
  • Cholesterol: 70mg
  • Sodium: 950mg
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Sugar: 3g

Notes

  • Customize your stromboli by adding your favorite fillings such as mushrooms, spinach, or different cheeses.
  • If you prefer a spicier stromboli, add red pepper flakes or use spicy sausage.

Allergy Warning

  • This recipe contains dairy (cheese), gluten (pizza dough), and eggs. If you have allergies to any of these ingredients, consider using suitable substitutes like dairy-free cheese, gluten-free dough, and an egg replacer.

What is typically in stromboli?

Stromboli typically includes a variety of cheeses like mozzarella and Parmesan, cured meats such as pepperoni, ham, and salami, and sometimes vegetables like bell peppers and olives, all wrapped in pizza dough.

How do you make a stromboli?

To make a stromboli, roll out pizza dough, spread marinara sauce, layer with cheeses, meats, and vegetables, then roll it up like a Swiss roll, seal the edges, brush with egg wash, and bake until golden brown.

What’s the difference between a calzone and a stromboli recipe?

The main difference is in their shape and how they are sealed. A calzone is a folded pizza, resembling a half-moon, while stromboli is rolled like a loaf. Calzones often have ricotta cheese and are usually baked with the filling completely enclosed, whereas stromboli is rolled and sometimes has sauce inside.

Does a stromboli have sauce in it?

Yes, stromboli often has a layer of marinara or pizza sauce spread inside before adding the other fillings. Extra sauce is typically served on the side for dipping.

What to eat with stromboli?

Stromboli pairs well with a fresh garden salad, roasted vegetables, or a bowl of soup. You can also serve it with marinara sauce or garlic butter for dipping.

What does stromboli mean in English?

Stromboli is named after the Italian island of Stromboli. In the context of food, it refers to the rolled and baked dish filled with cheese, meats, and vegetables.

Why is stromboli famous?

Stromboli is famous for its delicious combination of flavors and its versatility, allowing for endless variations of fillings. It’s also popular because it’s easy to make and perfect for sharing at gatherings.

What is the composition of stromboli?

The composition of stromboli includes pizza dough filled with cheeses, meats like pepperoni and ham, vegetables such as bell peppers and olives, and often marinara sauce, all rolled up and baked to perfection.

Is stromboli a type of pasta?

No, stromboli is not a type of pasta. It is a type of filled, rolled bread, similar to a stuffed pizza or turnover.

Is stromboli eaten in Italy?

Stromboli is primarily an Italian-American dish and is not commonly found in traditional Italian cuisine. It was created in the United States, though it draws inspiration from Italian ingredients and flavors.

Lysander Rothwell
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Lysander Rothwell, a passionate Food Enthusiast, shares his culinary adventures and expertise on his website. With a flair for exploring diverse cuisines and flavors, Lysander offers insights, recipes, and tips to inspire fellow food lovers. Through his engaging content, he aims to celebrate the joy of cooking and eating, inviting readers to embark on delightful culinary journeys with him.