Description
This Cheesy Pepperoni Stromboli is a delicious Italian-American baked dish featuring a rolled pizza dough stuffed with mozzarella, Parmesan, and pepperoni. Perfect as a main course, it offers a crispy golden crust, melty cheese, and flavorful pepperoni slices, served warm with marinara sauce for dipping.
Ingredients
Scale
Dough and Cheese
- 1 pound pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Fillings and Seasonings
- 25–30 slices pepperoni
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
Others
- 1 egg (beaten, for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Marinara sauce (for serving)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
- Roll Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pizza dough into a large rectangle about 10 by 14 inches, ensuring an even thickness for consistent baking.
- Brush Dough with Olive Oil: Lightly brush the surface of the dough with olive oil; this helps in developing a golden crust.
- Add Cheese: Evenly sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheeses over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges free of toppings.
- Layer Pepperoni and Seasonings: Arrange the pepperoni slices evenly over the cheese, then sprinkle Italian seasoning and garlic powder to enhance flavor.
- Roll the Stromboli: Starting at one long edge, tightly roll the dough into a log shape. Pinch the seam and the ends to seal the fillings inside securely.
- Prepare for Baking: Transfer the rolled stromboli seam-side down onto the prepared baking sheet. Brush the top with beaten egg wash to promote a shiny and golden crust. Use a sharp knife to make a few small slits on top to allow steam to escape while baking.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbling inside.
- Rest and Serve: Let the stromboli rest for 5 minutes after baking to allow it to set, then slice into servings. Serve warm with marinara sauce for dipping.
Notes
- You can customize your stromboli by adding other fillings like cooked sausage, sautéed peppers, or olives.
- For extra flavor, sprinkle additional Parmesan cheese and herbs on top before baking.
- Stromboli tastes great both warm and at room temperature, making it perfect for gatherings or packed lunches.
