Ultimate Homemade Stromboli Recipe

If you’re craving melty cheese, savory meats, and a golden, crisp crust, look no further than this Ultimate Homemade Stromboli! This is my absolute go-to recipe for a cozy weekend feast or a show-stopping party snack—every bite is packed with flavor and made entirely from scratch. Trust me: once you try stromboli at home, you’ll never want the store-bought kind again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Ultimate Homemade Stromboli recipe relies on simple, honest ingredients that truly let the flavors shine. Each item—whether it’s freshly made dough, your favorite deli meats, or oozy cheese—brings its own excitement to the table, making every slice a mouthwatering experience.

• Warm water: The perfect temperature gets your yeast bubbling and ensures a soft, chewy crust.
• Instant or active-dry yeast: This is the magic behind the dough’s rise and tender texture.
• Granulated sugar: Just a little wakes up the yeast and adds subtle flavor.
• Olive oil: For extra richness and a hint of Mediterranean flavor in every bite.
• Salt: Vital for bringing out the best in your dough and overall taste.
• All-purpose flour: The backbone for a dough that’s sturdy yet soft—perfect for shaping and rolling.
• Unsalted butter (melted): Brushed inside for buttery richness; makes the fillings even more decadent.
• Garlic and parsley: This fragrant duo takes your stromboli from good to totally gourmet.
• Thinly sliced meats: Italian classics like ham, salami, or deli pepperoni turn this into a hearty, crowd-pleasing main.
• Cheese galore: Slices or shreds (provolone, mozzarella, cheddar—take your pick!) give that irresistible melt and craveable stretch.
• Egg (for egg wash): Gives your stromboli the most gorgeous golden sheen.
• Optional toppings: A sprinkle of chopped parsley, flaky sea salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, or parmesan cheese adds color and flavor.

Variations

Ultimate Homemade Stromboli is the definition of adaptable! Give it some personality—switch up the fillings or make it veggie-friendly so every taste, craving, or dietary need gets an invite to the table.

• Veggie Lover’s Stromboli: Swap the meat for sautéed mushrooms, spinach, roasted bell peppers, or broccoli for a surprisingly hearty vegetarian version.
• Pizza-Style: Slather the rolled-out dough with pizza sauce and sprinkle in your favorite pizza toppings for a classic pizzeria twist.
• Spicy Kick: Layer in hot soppressata, pepper jack, or add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for some zing.
• Breakfast Stromboli: Fill with scrambled eggs, breakfast sausage, and cheddar for an unexpected, delicious brunch centerpiece.
• Cheese Explosion: Go wild with a mix of provolone, mozzarella, and a dash of parmesan for cheese-pull heaven.

How to Make Ultimate Homemade Stromboli

Step 1: Make the Dough

Start by whisking your warm water, yeast, and sugar in a large bowl or the bowl of your stand mixer. Let this cozy mixture rest for a few minutes—this gives the yeast time to wake up and begin its magic. Add olive oil, salt, and flour, then mix on low speed (or with a sturdy wooden spoon). Knead for about 5 minutes, either by hand or in your mixer, until you have a soft, ever-so-slightly tacky dough. If it’s sticky, sprinkle in a touch more flour, but try not to overdo it—soft dough means light, beautiful crust.

Step 2: Let the Dough Rise

Transfer your dough ball to a lightly greased bowl, turning to coat all sides so it won’t stick. Cover and let it rise at room temperature for about 60–90 minutes, or until it’s puffy and doubled in size. If it’s a chilly day, a trick is to use your (off!) oven as a proofing box—just a gentle, draft-free spot helps the dough along.

Step 3: Shape the Stromboli

Once your dough has puffed up, punch it down (so satisfying!) and divide in half. On a floured work surface, roll each half into a big rectangle, about 10×16 inches—you want it fairly thin, but not so thin that it tears. Don’t stress about perfect edges! If the dough keeps springing back, let it rest for 10 minutes so the gluten can relax.

Step 4: Fill It Up

Mix your melted butter with garlic and brush it generously over each rectangle (your kitchen will smell heavenly). Sprinkle with parsley. Now, layer the meats and cheese, leaving a generous 1-inch border at the sides and bottom, and a 3-inch gap at the top—this empty space at the top is your secret weapon for rolling, so don’t skip it! Layer until you’ve used all your filling, then brush all edges with egg wash.

Step 5: Roll and Bake

Starting at the bottom, roll each stromboli into a tight log, folding the ends in as you go. Place seam-side down on your lined baking sheets. Pinch any loose ends to fully seal. Brush the top with egg wash and sprinkle on any herbs or cheese you’d like. Don’t forget to cut 3–4 slits on top—this lets the steam escape and gives you those signature bakery swirls. Bake at 400°F for about 25 minutes, rotating pans halfway through if making two, until your stromboli is golden brown and the house smells like an Italian bakery.

Step 6: Slice and Serve

Let the stromboli rest for a few minutes before slicing—this helps the cheese set slightly and keeps the filling from spilling everywhere (plus, it’s still piping hot!). Slice into thick slabs and serve as is, or alongside warm marinara for dunking. Your Ultimate Homemade Stromboli is ready to steal the show!

How to Serve Ultimate Homemade Stromboli

Garnishes

For an eye-catching finish, I love to sprinkle freshly chopped parsley, a pinch of flaky sea salt, or a dusting of parmesan over the warm stromboli just before slicing. If you’re feeling extra, a light brush of melted butter after baking adds sheen and a little extra indulgence!

Side Dishes

Pair your Ultimate Homemade Stromboli with a bowl of marinara or pizza sauce for dipping, a crisp side salad, or roasted veggies for a rounded meal. Garlic knots or a simple soup—think minestrone or tomato basil—make it a dinner-worthy feast.

Creative Ways to Present

Slicing stromboli on a wooden board gives a rustic look that’s party-perfect. For gatherings, cut into thick, angled slices and fan them out “caterpillar style” for a playful centerpiece. For lunchboxes, pack slices with a little packet of sauce and a handful of olives for an Italian-inspired treat!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap leftover slices or whole stromboli snugly in foil or plastic wrap and pop them in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh and delicious for up to a week, so you can enjoy a piece of Ultimate Homemade Stromboli whenever the craving strikes.

Freezing

This stromboli freezes like a dream—either baked or unbaked! For baked stromboli, let it cool completely, then wrap and freeze for up to three months. For unbaked, assembled rolls, wrap tightly (no egg wash or slits yet) and freeze; thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as usual.

Reheating

For that perfect crisp crust, reheat slices in a 350°F oven for 10–15 minutes or until heated through. If you’re in a hurry, a few seconds in the microwave works too—the cheese will be melty, though you’ll miss the crunch!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

There’s no greater joy than slicing into your own Ultimate Homemade Stromboli, watching the cheese-stretch and hearing that first satisfying crunch. I hope you’ll give this recipe a try and let it become a new favorite for your family and friends—homemade comfort food never looked (or tasted) so good!

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