Easy Stromboli Dinner Recipe
Stromboli is a delicious and versatile Italian-American dish that’s like a rolled-up pizza, filled with savory ingredients, and baked to golden perfection. It’s perfect for a quick dinner, a game night snack, or a hearty meal. This easy Stromboli recipe can be customized to suit various tastes, and with just a few simple ingredients, you can create a family-friendly dish that’s both comforting and satisfying.
Introduction
A Stromboli is essentially a pizza, but instead of being flat, the dough is rolled up around the fillings. It’s a fun twist on the classic pizza, offering crispy, golden dough on the outside and gooey melted cheese and savory toppings on the inside. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, Stromboli is easy to make and great for feeding a crowd or enjoying as leftovers. Plus, it’s a great way to use up ingredients you might already have in your fridge.
The History of Stromboli
Stromboli is thought to have been invented in the United States in the 1950s, although its exact origins are a matter of some debate. Some claim it was created by an Italian-American chef named Nazzareno Romano in Pennsylvania, while others suggest that it was inspired by a similar dish from Italy known as “calzone.” The key difference is that while a calzone is folded into a half-moon shape, a Stromboli is rolled up, allowing the fillings to cook inside the dough.
Despite its American origins, Stromboli is now beloved worldwide, and its versatility has made it a go-to dish for many home cooks and pizza lovers alike.
Ingredients Breakdown
Here’s a simple list of ingredients that you’ll need for a basic Stromboli:
- Pizza Dough: You can use store-bought dough for convenience or make your own from scratch.
- Cheese: Mozzarella is the most common choice, but you can add provolone, parmesan, or ricotta for extra flavor.
- Meat: Pepperoni, Italian sausage, or ham are popular options, but you can use any meat you prefer.
- Vegetables: Sautéed onions, bell peppers, and mushrooms add flavor and texture.
- Seasonings: Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Olive Oil: To brush on top of the dough for a golden finish.
- Marinara Sauce: For dipping, or you can spread a thin layer inside the Stromboli for extra flavor.
Step-by-Step Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 package pizza dough (or homemade dough)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup sliced pepperoni (or other meat)
- 1/2 cup sautéed bell peppers and onions (optional)
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese (optional)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup marinara sauce for dipping
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare the Dough: Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface into a rectangle, about 12 inches long and 8 inches wide.
- Add Fillings: Sprinkle a layer of mozzarella cheese evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges. Add your chosen meat and any optional vegetables on top of the cheese. Sprinkle Italian seasoning and garlic powder on top of the fillings for flavor.
- Roll Up the Dough: Starting from one long edge, carefully roll the dough up into a tight cylinder, pinching the edges to seal it.
- Brush with Olive Oil: Place the Stromboli seam-side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush the top of the Stromboli with olive oil to help it brown nicely in the oven.
- Bake: Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the dough is golden brown and the cheese inside has melted.
- Slice and Serve: Let the Stromboli cool for a few minutes before slicing it into rounds. Serve with marinara sauce on the side for dipping.
Tips for the Perfect Stromboli
- Don’t Overstuff: Be careful not to overfill the Stromboli, as it can cause the dough to tear or the fillings to spill out while baking.
- Seal the Edges Well: Make sure the edges of the dough are tightly sealed to prevent any sauce or cheese from leaking out.
- Experiment with Fillings: Stromboli is super versatile, so feel free to get creative with your fillings. Try different cheeses (cheddar, ricotta, or gouda), meats (sausage, chicken, or bacon), or veggies (spinach, artichokes, olives).
- Add a Brush of Butter: For an extra flavor boost, brush the Stromboli with melted butter mixed with garlic and herbs before baking.
Variations and Customizations
- Vegetarian Stromboli: Omit the meats and fill the dough with sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, olives, and zucchini.
- Chicken Stromboli: Use cooked, shredded chicken in place of the traditional meats. Add buffalo sauce or ranch for a more savory flavor.
- BBQ Stromboli: Use barbecue sauce instead of marinara, and fill with grilled chicken, red onions, and cheese.
- Breakfast Stromboli: Swap the pepperoni for cooked bacon or sausage, add scrambled eggs, and a mix of cheddar and mozzarella.
Health Considerations and Nutritional Value
Stromboli is a delicious treat, but it can be high in calories, sodium, and fat depending on the fillings you choose. Here are a few tips to make it healthier:
- Use Whole Wheat Dough: Swap traditional pizza dough for whole wheat dough for extra fiber and nutrients.
- Reduce the Cheese: Opt for a lighter amount of cheese, or use a reduced-fat mozzarella to cut down on calories.
- Go Veggie-Heavy: Add more vegetables to make the Stromboli nutrient-rich while still keeping the flavor intact.
- Opt for Lean Meats: Choose lean proteins like grilled chicken or turkey instead of fatty meats like pepperoni.
FAQ
- Can I use frozen dough for Stromboli? Yes, you can use frozen pizza dough. Just let it thaw according to the package instructions before rolling it out.
- How can I store leftover Stromboli? Store leftover Stromboli in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat it in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes or until heated through.
- Can I make Stromboli ahead of time? Yes, you can assemble the Stromboli ahead of time and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. Just let it come to room temperature before baking for best results.
- What should I serve with Stromboli? Stromboli is great with a side salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables. It also pairs well with a simple marinara sauce or even ranch dressing for dipping.
Enjoy making your Stromboli! It’s a great dish to experiment with, and you can tailor it to your preferences.
Easy Stromboli Dinner Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 tube Pillsbury refrigerated pizza dough
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce
- 12 slices Italian salami
- 16 slices pepperoni
- 1 1/4 cup mozzarella cheese
- 1 egg beaten
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh chopped parsley optional
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a baking sheet pan with parchment paper.
- Roll the dough out and stretch it out on the prepared baking sheet pan. Spread the pizza sauce onto the dough leaving about 2 inches from the edge.
- Top with Italian salami, then the cheese, and end with pepperoni slices.
- Roll up the dough like a cinnamon roll and pinch the edges to seal and fold where the seam is. Lay the stromboli seam side down.
- Brush with the beaten egg and cut small slats across the top.
- Sprinkle the Italian seasoning and grated parmesan cheese on top of the stromboli.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown on top. Slice and serve with warm pizza sauce.