Cheesy Pepperoni Stromboli

Golden, flaky dough wraps around melted cheese and zesty pepperoni in this crowd-pleasing stromboli that brings pizzeria flavors to your family table. Each slice reveals a perfect spiral of savory fillings, creating an irresistible hand-held meal that combines the best elements of pizza and bread in one delicious package.

After discovering how much more enthusiastic my children were about "pizza rolls" versus regular pizza, this stromboli has become our Friday tradition. Even my youngest, who typically avoids crusts, devours every bite of these flavor-packed spirals.

Essential Ingredients

• Refrigerated Pizza Dough: Creates a perfectly flaky, golden exterior with minimal effort
• Mozzarella Cheese: Provides that signature stretch and mild creaminess that enhances other flavors
• Pepperoni: Thin slices distribute perfectly throughout the roll, offering spicy flavor in every bite
• Garlic Powder: Infuses the crust with aromatic savoriness that elevates the entire dish
• Dried Oregano: Adds classic Italian flavor that complements the cheese and pepperoni

Creating Perfect Stromboli

Dough Preparation:

Begin by gently stretching your pizza dough into a rectangle on a lightly floured surface. The dough should be thin enough to roll easily but substantial enough to contain the fillings.

Strategic Layering:

Distribute cheese evenly across the surface, leaving a clean border around all edges. Layer pepperoni over the cheese, slightly overlapping each slice to ensure flavor in every bite.

Rolling Technique:

Starting from one long edge, roll the dough tightly like a jelly roll, tucking in the sides as you go. This creates the signature spiral pattern and prevents filling from escaping during baking.

Seam Sealing:

Place your rolled stromboli seam-side down and pinch the edges firmly to create a secure seal. This crucial step prevents cheese from leaking out during baking.

Flavor Enhancement:

Brush the exterior with olive oil and sprinkle with garlic powder and oregano before baking. This simple step creates a flavorful, golden crust that completes the experience.

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During a particularly chaotic weeknight, I discovered this recipe's true value when I needed dinner in under 30 minutes. My children helped assemble their own individual stromboli versions, leading to a peaceful dinner with zero complaints - a rare miracle in our household.

Perfect Pairings

Serve slices of this hearty stromboli alongside a crisp Caesar salad for a balanced meal. For a complete Italian-inspired feast, add roasted broccoli tossed with garlic and lemon. Always offer warm marinara sauce for dipping to complete the pizza experience.

Flavorful Variations

Transform this basic recipe with Italian sausage and bell peppers for a heartier option. Create a vegetarian version with sautéed mushrooms, spinach, and onions. For breakfast stromboli, fill with scrambled eggs, bacon, and cheddar cheese.

Storage Solutions

Store completely cooled slices in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. For best results when reheating, place slices in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes rather than microwaving, which can make the crust soggy.

After years of making this family favorite, I've learned that simplicity is the key to its success. While it's tempting to stuff the stromboli with everything in your refrigerator, restraint creates the best texture and flavor. This adaptable recipe has saved countless busy evenings while still delivering the comfort and satisfaction we all crave at the dinner table.

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Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use homemade pizza dough?

Absolutely! Homemade or store-bought both work perfectly. If making homemade, let it rise completely before rolling out.

→ How do I prevent the filling from leaking out?

Make sure to leave a 1-inch border around the edges, seal the seam well by pinching it closed, and always place the stromboli seam-side down on the baking sheet.

→ Can I make this ahead of time?

You can assemble it up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerate unbaked. Let it come to room temperature for 30 minutes before baking.

→ What other fillings can I use?

Try ham and cheese, sautéed vegetables, Italian sausage, or go Greek with feta, spinach and olives. Just avoid very wet ingredients.

→ Why did my stromboli burst open while baking?

This can happen if it's overfilled or not sealed properly. Make a few small slits in the top with a knife before baking to allow steam to escape.