If you are craving a hearty, melty, and utterly satisfying dish, this Cheesy Pepperoni Stromboli Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine tender, golden dough wrapped tightly around layers of spicy pepperoni, gooey mozzarella, and sharp Parmesan cheese, all seasoned perfectly with Italian herbs and a touch of garlic. This stromboli brings together simple ingredients that transform into a crowd-pleasing masterpiece, perfect for family dinners, game days, or any moment you want to feel comforted by delicious, cheesy goodness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to making this Cheesy Pepperoni Stromboli Recipe a hit. Each component plays a crucial role—from the soft yet sturdy dough to the flavorful blend of cheeses and pepperoni that make each bite a delight. These essentials ensure the perfect balance of texture and taste.
- Flour: The structure of your stromboli starts here; use all-purpose flour for the best dough consistency.
- Yeast: This little helper makes your dough rise, giving it that light and airy texture we all crave.
- Olive oil: Adds richness to the dough and helps achieve a golden, crispy crust.
- Salt: Enhances the overall flavor and balances the sweetness of the dough.
- Warm water: Activates the yeast and brings your dough ingredients together smoothly.
- Sugar: Feeds the yeast and gives the crust a subtle sweetness for depth of flavor.
- Pepperoni slices: The star of the filling, offering spicy and savory notes in every bite.
- Mozzarella cheese, shredded: Melted gooeyness that holds the stromboli filling together beautifully.
- Parmesan cheese, grated: Adds a sharp, nutty kick to complement the mozzarella.
- Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend that infuses the filling with classic Mediterranean flavors.
- Garlic powder: Subtle warmth and depth without overpowering the other ingredients.
- 1 egg: For brushing the crust, giving it a shiny and appetizing finish.
- 1 tbsp water: Mixed with the egg for that perfect glaze.
How to Make Cheesy Pepperoni Stromboli Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Start by activating your yeast in warm water with a pinch of sugar to get that bubbly, frothy mixture ready. Then combine the flour, salt, olive oil, and your activated yeast mixture in a large bowl. Mix everything together until your dough begins to form—a sticky, cohesive ball of dough is what you’re aiming for here.
Step 2: Knead and Let Rise
Turn your dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead it for about 5 to 7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. This kneading process is essential for developing gluten, which gives the final stromboli that perfect chew. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise for about an hour until it doubles in size. The waiting is half the fun because it means your stromboli will be fluffy and light.
Step 3: Assemble Your Stromboli
Once the dough is ready, roll it out into a large rectangle on a floured surface. Scatter your pepperoni slices evenly across the dough, then layer on the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan. Sprinkle the Italian seasoning and garlic powder over the filling to infuse every bite with vibrant flavor. Carefully roll up the dough lengthwise to encase the filling, sealing the edges by pinching them together so nothing oozes out during baking.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and place your stromboli on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Whisk the egg with a tablespoon of water and brush this mixture over the stromboli’s surface to create a beautifully golden crust once baked. Pop it in the oven, and bake for 25 to 30 minutes until you see that gorgeous golden brown color and your kitchen smells irresistible. Let it cool for a few minutes before slicing so the cheese doesn’t run everywhere, but honestly, a little mess is part of the fun.
How to Serve Cheesy Pepperoni Stromboli Recipe
Garnishes
For the perfect finishing touch, sprinkle some extra grated Parmesan or freshly chopped basil over the top. A drizzle of marinara or pizza sauce on the side enhances the flavor and gives a vibrant contrast, making every bite feel festive and indulgent.
Side Dishes
Pair your stromboli with a fresh, crisp garden salad to balance the richness with bright, leafy greens. Garlic roasted vegetables or a light Caesar salad are also wonderful companions that elevate your meal without overpowering that cheesy, pepperoni magic.
Creative Ways to Present
Slice your stromboli into thick, generous wedges and serve it on a wooden board for a rustic look that invites everyone to dig in. For parties, cutting into bite-sized pieces and serving alongside dipping sauces like ranch or spicy marinara makes for a fun and shareable appetizer experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover stromboli in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making leftovers even more delicious. Reheat gently to maintain its soft interior and crisp exterior.
Freezing
This Cheesy Pepperoni Stromboli Recipe freezes beautifully. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then foil before freezing. It will keep well for up to 2 months, making it a convenient make-ahead meal for busy days.
Reheating
To reheat, place the stromboli on a baking sheet in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for about 15 minutes, or until warmed through and the crust crisps back up. Avoid microwaving to keep that delightful texture intact.
FAQs
Can I use pre-made pizza dough instead of making my own?
Absolutely! Pre-made pizza dough is a great shortcut for this Cheesy Pepperoni Stromboli Recipe. It saves time and still delivers fantastic results, just follow the assembly and baking instructions as you would with homemade dough.
What kind of pepperoni works best?
Traditional slices work great, but if you like a bit of spice, look for spicy or artisan pepperoni varieties. Just be mindful of how strong the flavor is so it complements rather than overpowers the cheese.
Can I add vegetables to the stromboli?
Definitely! Diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach can be fantastic additions. Just make sure to sauté them first to remove extra moisture which might otherwise make the stromboli soggy.
How do I prevent the stromboli from leaking cheese while baking?
Sealing the edges tightly by pinching the dough firmly and brushing the edges with water or egg wash helps keep everything sealed inside. Also, avoid overfilling the stromboli to maintain a neat roll.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
You can use a gluten-free flour blend suitable for bread doughs to make your stromboli gluten-free. Keep in mind that the texture might be slightly different, but the cheesy, pepperoni flavors will be just as delicious.
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Pepperoni Stromboli Recipe is one of those dishes that delivers pure comfort and joy with every bite. Whether you’re making it for a cozy night in or impressing friends at a gathering, this stromboli combines simple ingredients to create something extraordinary. I can’t wait for you to try it and fall in love with it just like I did!
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Cheesy Pepperoni Stromboli Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Cheesy Pepperoni Stromboli recipe features a homemade yeast dough filled with spicy pepperoni and a blend of mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, seasoned with Italian herbs and garlic powder. It’s baked to golden perfection for a deliciously crispy crust and melty cheesy interior — perfect as a hearty appetizer or satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1 cup warm water (about 110°F/45°C)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
Filling Ingredients
- 20–25 slices pepperoni
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
Egg Wash
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon water
Instructions
- Prepare the yeast mixture: In a small bowl, dissolve the sugar in warm water, then sprinkle the yeast over the surface. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is activated.
- Make the dough: In a large bowl, combine the flour, salt, olive oil, and the activated yeast mixture. Mix thoroughly until the dough begins to come together.
- Knead the dough: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to preheat while you assemble the stromboli.
- Assemble the stromboli: Punch down the risen dough and roll it out into a large rectangle on a floured surface. Evenly layer the pepperoni slices, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Roll and seal: Carefully roll the dough up from one long side into a tight log. Pinch the edges to seal and tuck the ends under to prevent the filling from leaking out during baking.
- Apply egg wash: Beat the egg with 1 tablespoon of water to create an egg wash. Brush it over the top and sides of the stromboli to give it a beautiful golden color as it bakes.
- Bake: Place the stromboli on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and crispy.
- Cool and serve: Remove from the oven and allow it to cool for about 5-10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm and enjoy your cheesy, flavorful stromboli!
Notes
- You can substitute pepperoni with other cured meats like salami or add sautéed vegetables for extra flavor.
- Letting the dough rise properly ensures a light and airy texture in the crust.
- Brush the stromboli carefully with egg wash to get an even golden crust.
- This stromboli is best eaten the day it’s made but can be reheated the next day in the oven.
- Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to slice for clean, even pieces.
