Cheesy Pepperoni Stromboli Bake

This Cheesy Pepperoni Stromboli is one of my favorite party foods because it captures everything people love about pizza in a shareable rolled format. Perfectly gooey mozzarella and savory pepperoni are wrapped in golden pizza dough and baked to irresistible crispness. Whether you want a family movie night hit or an easy appetizer for friends this stromboli always disappears fast.

I first made this stromboli for a Friday night movie with my sister who is usually suspicious of anything but plain cheese pizza and it totally won her over. Now it is my go-to when I need something crowd-pleasing that feels like more than just pizza delivery.

Ingredients

• Pizza dough: Look for fresh refrigerated dough from the bakery section or use your favorite homemade version for best flavor. Dough should be elastic and soft not dried out
• Marinara or pizza sauce: Use a thick and flavorful sauce since this is the main seasoning inside and for dipping. A favorite jarred or homemade works great
• Shredded mozzarella cheese: Part-skim mozzarella melts perfectly without being greasy and curds should be fresh and moist for best texture
• Grated parmesan cheese: Adds savory richness and delightful sharpness that balances the mozzarella. Grate it fresh if possible for the best taste
• Pepperoni slices: Classic sandwich style pepperoni has a robust flavor and gets those slightly crispy edges after baking. Choose a spicy version for a kick
• Dried oregano: Brings an unmistakable pizzeria aroma and a touch of earthiness that ties the filling together
• Garlic powder: Provides garlicky flavor without overpowering the cheese and meat. Make sure your garlic powder is still fragrant for best punch
• Olive oil: A thin brush on top creates a beautiful golden crust. Use extra virgin for a richer finish
• All-purpose flour: Used for dusting the rolling surface so the dough does not stick. Unbleached flour gives a subtle rustic touch

Instructions

Prep the Oven and Tray:

Set your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and cover a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking. This preheating and setup keeps the dough from spreading or sticking during baking

Roll Out the Dough:

Dust your counter lightly with all-purpose flour. Shape the pizza dough into a rough rectangle about ten inches by fourteen inches using your hands and a rolling pin. Work from the center outward to avoid thinning the edges

Sauce and Flavor Layer:

Spread a generous but thin layer of marinara sauce over the surface with a spoon. Stop at least one inch from the edges so your filling stays inside when rolling

Add the Cheese and Pepperoni:

Sprinkle shredded mozzarella over the sauced dough then layer the pepperoni slices evenly across. Leave a clean border at the edges to help seal the roll

Sprinkle and Season:

Dust everything with grated parmesan cheese then finish with an even pinch of dried oregano and garlic powder. Distribute these as evenly as you can for balanced flavor in each bite

Roll and Seal the Stromboli:

Begin at one long side and slowly roll the dough up into a tight log. Use both hands to keep it even pressing gently as you roll. Tuck the ends underneath so no filling escapes

Transfer and Finish:

Carefully move the rolled log to your prepared baking sheet with the seam facing down. Brush the top generously with olive oil for browning and use a sharp knife to score three or four shallow diagonal cuts on top for venting steam

Bake to Golden Perfection:

Place in your hot oven and bake for about twenty to twenty five minutes. The top should turn deep golden and the centers will be bubbling hot

Rest and Slice:

Allow the stromboli to rest about five minutes after baking so the cheese sets slightly and does not ooze everywhere. Slice with a serrated knife into thick rounds

Serve and Enjoy:

Serve with extra warm marinara sauce for dipping. Arrange pieces so you get both crispy ends and gooey center slices for everyone

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I cannot get enough of the way mozzarella stretches when you pull a hot slice apart. One of my favorite memories was watching my nephew’s face light up after his first gooey bite. Now when my family visits for Sunday lunch there is always a stromboli on the menu.

Storage Tips

Let leftover stromboli cool to room temperature before wrapping it tightly in foil or placing it in a sealed container. Refrigerated slices will keep for up to four days for easy lunches or snacks. Warm leftovers in a toaster oven or air fryer for the best crispy texture

Ingredient Substitutions

Swap salami or cooked crumbled sausage for the pepperoni if that is what you have on hand. Vegetarian versions work beautifully with sautéed mushrooms or chopped spinach added to the cheese layer. If you want a spicier bite add a few dashes of crushed red pepper flakes with the dried herbs

Serving Suggestions

Slice into appetizer-size pieces for sharing or cut thicker rounds for a hearty main dish with a green salad. Perfect match for a classic Caesar side or a simple bowl of tomato soup. Stromboli also travels well for potlucks or picnics when wrapped in foil

Cultural Note

Stromboli was actually invented in the United States as a cousin to the Italian calzone. While calzones are folded pockets stromboli is always rolled with the filling inside like a savory loaf. It is named after an Italian volcano because of the hot fillings and bubbling cheese

Seasonal Adaptations

Replace pepperoni with roasted garden vegetables for a summery stromboli Try a blend of cheddar and mozzarella in autumn for extra richness Swap in pesto or sun-dried tomato spread instead of classic pizza sauce for a change in flavor

Success Stories

One of my friends makes two of these every Super Bowl Sunday and tells me not a crumb is left by halftime. When I volunteer to bring an appetizer for a family potluck this is the most requested recipe by a mile

Freezer Meal Conversion

Let stromboli cool fully then wrap tightly in plastic and foil before freezing. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat at three hundred fifty degrees for best results. Slices can also go straight from freezer to oven for a quick snack

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This stromboli brings people together at parties or family nights every time. Serve hot and enjoy the cheesy goodness in every slice!

Recipe Questions & Answers

→ How do I prevent my stromboli from leaking?

Seal the edges tightly, tuck ends under, and place seam-side down before baking. Avoid overfilling to prevent leaks.

→ What sauce pairs best for dipping?

Marinara or pizza sauce works great for dipping stromboli slices, adding extra flavor and moisture.

→ Can I customize the filling?

Yes! Add sauteed vegetables, different meats, or cheeses like provolone for unique stromboli variations.

→ How do I achieve a crispy crust?

Brush the top with olive oil and bake until golden brown. Let rest out of the oven before slicing for best texture.

→ Is it possible to prepare stromboli ahead?

Prepare up to the baking step and refrigerate loosely covered. Bake fresh when ready to serve for best results.