If you have a soft spot for melted cheese and savory pepperoni wrapped in a golden, crispy crust, then this Cheesy Pepperoni Stromboli Recipe is going to become your new favorite indulgence. Combining the comforting warmth of fresh bread with gooey mozzarella, sharp Parmesan, and the perfect pepperoni zing, this stromboli is both a hearty meal and a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re looking for a fun dinner idea or a show-stopping appetizer for your next gathering, making this recipe will fill your kitchen with irresistible aromas and your table with smiles.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully simple yet essential to achieving the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color in your stromboli. Each component plays its role in making the dough tender, the filling rich, and the crust perfectly golden.
- Flour: The foundation of your dough, providing structure and chewiness.
- Yeast: Activates to give your dough that light, airy rise that makes it soft inside and crisp outside.
- Olive oil: Adds moisture and a subtle richness to the dough for better texture.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors and tightens the gluten network.
- Warm water: Crucial to waking up your yeast and bringing the dough ingredients together.
- Sugar: Just a touch to feed the yeast and brown the crust beautifully.
- Pepperoni slices: Deliver that classic spicy, smoky punch that pairs perfectly with cheese.
- Mozzarella cheese, shredded: Melts smoothly for that irresistibly stretchy, creamy texture.
- Parmesan cheese, grated: Adds a salty, nutty sharpness to deepen the flavor.
- Italian seasoning: Brings in fragrant herbs to elevate the overall taste experience.
- Garlic powder: Gives a subtle kick of warmth and depth without overpowering.
- 1 egg: Used for an egg wash that creates a glossy, golden-brown crust.
- 1 tbsp water: Mixed with egg to make the perfect glaze for the dough exterior.
How to Make Cheesy Pepperoni Stromboli Recipe
Step 1: Preparing the Dough
Start by activating your yeast in warm water mixed with a little sugar, then combine it with flour, salt, and olive oil to form a dough. This initial step sets the foundation for your stromboli, ensuring the bread bakes up with just the right fluffiness and crunch.
Step 2: Kneading and Rising
Knead the dough for 5 to 7 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. This part is incredibly therapeutic and promises a beautiful texture. Once kneaded, cover the dough and let it rise in a lightly greased bowl for about an hour — this is where the magic happens as your dough doubles in size and develops flavor.
Step 3: Assembling the Stromboli
Roll out your risen dough on a floured surface into a generous rectangle. Layer it with shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, pepperoni slices, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder. Roll it up tightly, sealing the edges to keep all the delicious fillings inside — this ensures every bite is bursting with cheesy, spicy goodness.
Step 4: Baking to Perfection
Brush the rolled stromboli with an egg wash made by whisking the egg and water together. This step gives your stromboli that beautiful golden sheen. Place it on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 25 to 30 minutes until the crust is irresistibly golden brown and crispy on the outside.
How to Serve Cheesy Pepperoni Stromboli Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or some extra grated Parmesan right after baking gives a lovely touch of color and an extra layer of flavor. You can also serve it with a side of marinara sauce for dipping — it complements the cheese and pepperoni perfectly.
Side Dishes
A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette helps balance the richness of the stromboli. Roasted vegetables or a simple Caesar salad also serve as delightful accompaniments. These sides keep the meal well-rounded and add freshness to the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Slice your stromboli into pinwheels for an elegant appetizer display at parties or serve whole alongside a dipping trio of garlic butter, marinara, and ranch dressing. You can even customize it with additional fillings like sautéed mushrooms or fresh basil leaves to put a personal twist on this classic.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover Cheesy Pepperoni Stromboli Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Slices keep their flavor and texture nicely, making for an easy lunch the next day.
Freezing
If you’d like to prepare in bulk, wrap the assembled, unbaked stromboli tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze it for up to one month. When you’re ready to bake, thaw it overnight in the fridge before popping it into the oven.
Reheating
To reheat, place slices or the whole stromboli on a baking sheet and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes until heated through and the crust crisps back up. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the crust soggy.
FAQs
Can I use pre-made pizza dough for this Cheesy Pepperoni Stromboli Recipe?
Absolutely! Using store-bought pizza dough is a convenient shortcut and still yields delicious results. Just make sure to roll it out evenly before adding your fillings.
What cheeses work best besides mozzarella and Parmesan?
Provolone and fontina are wonderful alternatives or additions. They melt beautifully and add subtle variations in flavor that complement the pepperoni.
How spicy is the stromboli with just pepperoni?
Classic pepperoni offers a mild to medium spice level, adding a pleasant kick without overwhelming the cheese. If you want more heat, consider adding sliced jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Replace the pepperoni with your favorite veggies like spinach, mushrooms, or roasted red peppers to keep it just as flavorful and cheesy without the meat.
What’s the best way to slice the stromboli for serving?
Use a sharp serrated knife and cut into 1-inch thick slices. This ensures clean cuts without squashing the stuffed dough and keeps all those cheesy layers intact.
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Pepperoni Stromboli Recipe is a true crowd-pleaser that brings warmth and joy with every bite. It’s fun to make, customizable, and comforting in the best way possible. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and experience that perfect combination of crispy crust, melty cheese, and spicy pepperoni firsthand. Trust me, once you do, it’s going to be a go-to in your kitchen for years to come!
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Cheesy Pepperoni Stromboli Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
- Yield: 4–4.5 servings 1x
Description
This Cheesy Pepperoni Stromboli is a delicious Italian-inspired rolled bread filled with savory pepperoni and melty cheeses, seasoned with Italian herbs and garlic. It’s perfect as a hearty appetizer, snack, or meal, featuring a golden, crispy crust and a gooey, flavorful filling.
Ingredients
Dough
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ¾ cup warm water (about 110°F / 43°C)
Filling
- 8 oz (about 20–25 slices) pepperoni
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp garlic powder
Egg Wash
- 1 large egg
- 1 tbsp water
Instructions
- Activate the yeast and prepare dough: In a small bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy. In a large bowl, mix together flour, salt, and olive oil. Add the activated yeast mixture and stir until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough: Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size.
- Prepare the filling and roll the stromboli: Once risen, punch down the dough and roll it out on a floured surface into a large rectangle (about 12×16 inches). Evenly spread shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the dough, sprinkle Italian seasoning and garlic powder, then layer pepperoni slices on top.
- Roll and seal: Carefully roll the dough tightly from one long side to the other, creating a log. Pinch the edges to seal the seam and ends to prevent filling from leaking during baking.
- Apply egg wash: In a small bowl, beat together the egg and water. Brush the egg wash over the surface of the stromboli to give it a shiny, golden crust.
- Bake: Place the stromboli on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes, or until the crust turns golden brown and crispy.
- Cool and serve: Remove from the oven and let the stromboli cool for 5-10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- You can substitute pepperoni with other deli meats like salami or ham if preferred.
- For an extra crispy crust, bake on a pizza stone if available.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat before serving.
- Feel free to add vegetables like spinach or bell peppers inside for added flavor and nutrition.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
