Ingredients
- Pizza Dough: (1 pound) – Forms the base of the stromboli, providing a chewy and slightly crisp crust. You can use store-bought for convenience or homemade for a more rustic touch.
- Olive Oil: (2 tablespoons) – Used for brushing the dough to promote browning and add a subtle richness. It also helps to prevent the dough from drying out during baking.
- Italian Sausage: (1 pound, cooked and crumbled) – Provides a robust, savory flavor and hearty texture to the filling. Choose mild, sweet, or hot sausage depending on your spice preference.
- Pepperoni: (4 ounces, sliced) – Adds a classic Italian-American flavor dimension and a slightly spicy kick. It also renders slightly crispy edges when baked.
- Cooked Ham: (4 ounces, thinly sliced) – Contributes a salty and savory element, balancing the richness of the sausage and pepperoni.
- Mozzarella Cheese: (8 ounces, shredded) – The quintessential melty cheese that binds the filling together and provides that gooey, cheesy pull we all love. Low-moisture mozzarella works best.
- Provolone Cheese: (4 ounces, shredded) – Adds a sharper, slightly nutty flavor that complements the mozzarella and other fillings.
- Parmesan Cheese: (2 tablespoons, grated) – Sprinkled on top of the stromboli before baking, it adds a salty, umami crust and enhances the visual appeal.
- Green Bell Pepper: (1/2, thinly sliced) – Provides a fresh, slightly sweet, and crisp counterpoint to the rich meats and cheeses. It also adds a vibrant color to the filling.
- Red Onion: (1/4, thinly sliced) – Offers a pungent, slightly sweet bite that cuts through the richness and adds depth of flavor to the stromboli.
- Black Olives: (1/2 cup, sliced) – Contribute a briny, salty flavor and a soft texture that complements the other fillings.
- Dried Oregano: (1 teaspoon) – A classic Italian herb that adds a warm, aromatic note to the filling, enhancing the overall Italian flavor profile.
- Dried Basil: (1 teaspoon) – Another essential Italian herb, basil brings a sweet, slightly peppery flavor that pairs beautifully with tomatoes and cheeses.
- Garlic Powder: (1/2 teaspoon) – Provides a subtle garlic flavor that enhances the savory notes of the filling without being overpowering.
- Salt: (To taste) – Enhances the flavors of all the ingredients and balances the overall taste of the stromboli.
- Black Pepper: (To taste) – Adds a subtle spice and depth of flavor, complementing the other seasonings.
- Egg Wash: (1 egg beaten with 1 tablespoon water) – Brushed on the stromboli before baking to create a golden brown, glossy crust.
- Marinara Sauce: (For serving) – A classic Italian tomato sauce that provides a tangy, flavorful dipping option for the stromboli.
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: If using homemade pizza dough, prepare it according to your recipe. If using store-bought dough, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to make it easier to roll out. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- Roll Out the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pizza dough into a large rectangle, approximately 12×16 inches. Aim for an even thickness of about 1/4 inch.
- Brush with Olive Oil: Gently brush the entire surface of the dough rectangle with olive oil, leaving a small border along the edges for sealing. This will add flavor and prevent the dough from becoming soggy.
- Layer the Cheeses: Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border on all sides. Then, layer the shredded provolone cheese over the mozzarella, again leaving a border.
- Add the Meats: Distribute the cooked and crumbled Italian sausage evenly over the cheese layer. Next, arrange the pepperoni slices and cooked ham slices on top of the sausage. Ensure the meats are spread out to cover most of the cheese.
- Add the Vegetables and Olives: Scatter the thinly sliced green bell pepper, red onion, and sliced black olives over the meat layer. Distribute them evenly for balanced flavor in each bite.
- Season the Filling: Sprinkle the dried oregano, dried basil, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper evenly over the filling. These seasonings will enhance the Italian flavors of the stromboli.
- Add Remaining Mozzarella: Sprinkle the remaining half of the shredded mozzarella cheese over the vegetables and seasonings. This layer will help bind the filling together and create a gooey interior.
- Roll the Stromboli: Starting from one of the long sides of the rectangle, carefully roll up the dough tightly, jelly-roll style. Pinch the seam to seal it well. Tuck in the ends and pinch them to seal as well. This is crucial to prevent the filling from leaking out during baking.
- Transfer to Baking Sheet: Gently lift the stromboli and place it seam-down on the prepared baking sheet. Curve it slightly into a crescent shape if desired for a more traditional look.
- Score the Top: Using a sharp knife or kitchen shears, make 3-4 diagonal slits across the top of the stromboli. These vents will allow steam to escape during baking and prevent the stromboli from bursting.
- Brush with Egg Wash: In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and water to make the egg wash. Brush the entire surface of the stromboli with the egg wash. This will give it a beautiful golden brown color and a slightly crisp crust.
- Sprinkle with Parmesan: Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top of the stromboli. This will create a flavorful, cheesy crust.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the stromboli is golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach at least 165°F (74°C). If the top is browning too quickly, you can loosely tent it with foil for the last 10 minutes of baking.
- Cool and Slice: Remove the stromboli from the oven and let it cool on the baking sheet for at least 10-15 minutes before slicing. This allows the filling to set slightly and makes it easier to slice neatly. Slice into 1-2 inch thick slices using a serrated knife.
- Serve: Serve warm with marinara sauce for dipping. Enjoy!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: one normal portion
- Calories: 550
- Fat: 35g