If you have been searching for a delicious, comforting, and easy-to-make meal that will please both kids and adults alike, look no further. The Ultimate Homemade Stromboli: A Family Favorite Recipe captures all the magic of classic Italian flavors wrapped in golden, crispy dough, making it the perfect dish for any occasion. Whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or a special gathering, this stromboli brings warmth and joy to the table with every slice.

Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of The Ultimate Homemade Stromboli: A Family Favorite Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a vital role in delivering the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color that makes this dish so irresistible.
- 1 lb pizza dough: This forms the sturdy yet soft base, creating the perfect crust that envelopes all the tasty fillings.
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully to create gooey, stringy pockets of cheesy goodness.
- 1 cup sliced pepperoni: Adds a savory, slightly spicy punch that pairs wonderfully with the cheese.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Sprinkled on top for a sharp, nutty flavor that enhances every bite.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that brings aromatic depth and a classic Italian flair.
- 1 beaten egg (for egg wash): Gives the crust a beautiful golden shine and a lovely crisp texture.
- Flour (for dusting the surface): Essential to keep the dough from sticking while rolling it out.
- Cooking spray or olive oil (for greasing the baking sheet): Prevents sticking and helps achieve a perfectly baked crust.
How to Make The Ultimate Homemade Stromboli: A Family Favorite Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by setting your oven to 375°F (190°C). This moderate heat will ensure the stromboli bakes evenly, allowing the crust to turn golden while the cheese inside melts to perfection.
Step 2: Prepare the Dough
Lightly flour your surface to prevent sticking, then roll out the pizza dough into a large rectangle about a quarter-inch thick. Leave a one-inch border around the edges—this will make rolling and sealing the stromboli much easier later.
Step 3: Add Cheese and Pepperoni
Spread the shredded mozzarella evenly over the dough’s surface. Next, scatter the slices of pepperoni uniformly so that each bite delivers a balanced burst of flavor.
Step 4: Season and Top
Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese on top of the pepperoni. Finish off with a light dusting of Italian seasoning to infuse the stromboli with those irresistible Mediterranean herb notes.
Step 5: Roll It Up
Carefully roll the dough from one long side to the other, tucking the edges in snugly as you go to keep the fillings sealed inside. This step shapes the stromboli and traps all those flavors inside the crust.
Step 6: Prepare for Baking
Place the rolled stromboli seam-side down on a greased baking sheet. Brush the top generously with the beaten egg—this will give it that stunning golden finish once baked.
Step 7: Vent for Steam
Make a few small slits along the top of the stromboli with a sharp knife. These vents allow steam to escape while baking, preventing a soggy crust and helping it cook evenly.
Step 8: Bake to Perfection
Pop the stromboli into your preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. You will know it’s ready when the crust is beautifully golden brown and crisp to the touch.
Step 9: Serve
Let the stromboli rest for a few minutes after baking. This helps the cheese settle, making it easier to slice. Serve warm with a side of marinara sauce for dipping—a perfect match for the flavors inside.
How to Serve The Ultimate Homemade Stromboli: A Family Favorite Recipe

Garnishes
Adding fresh garnishes like chopped basil or a sprinkle of extra Parmesan can elevate the presentation and add a fresh burst of flavor to each serving. A drizzle of good quality olive oil is also lovely if you want a little extra richness.
Side Dishes
This stromboli shines next to simple sides like a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables. For something heartier, a bowl of Minestrone soup or a cup of hearty Italian wedding soup complements the flavors beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Slice the stromboli into bite-sized pieces for a party platter or wrap individual slices in parchment paper for an on-the-go meal. You can also serve it alongside dipping sauces such as garlic butter, ranch, or spicy arrabbiata to mix things up.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled completely, store any leftover stromboli tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days without losing flavor or texture.
Freezing
If you want to prepare in advance, The Ultimate Homemade Stromboli: A Family Favorite Recipe freezes beautifully. Wrap the unbaked stromboli tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before proceeding with egg wash and baking.
Reheating
To reheat, place slices on a baking sheet and warm in a 350°F oven for about 10-15 minutes or until heated through and the crust regains some crispness. Microwaving is possible but may result in a soggier texture.
FAQs
Can I use homemade pizza dough for this recipe?
Absolutely! Homemade dough works wonderfully in The Ultimate Homemade Stromboli: A Family Favorite Recipe and can add an extra layer of freshness and personalization to your stromboli.
What if I don’t eat pepperoni? Can I substitute it?
Definitely. You can swap pepperoni with cooked sausage, ham, vegetables, or even a blend of sautéed mushrooms and spinach—whatever suits your taste.
Is it necessary to make slits on top of the stromboli?
Yes, these small cuts let steam escape during baking to prevent the crust from becoming soggy and to help cook the stromboli evenly.
Can I add more cheese or other fillings?
Feel free! This recipe is quite flexible, and adding extra cheese or ingredients like olives, roasted peppers, or caramelized onions can make it uniquely yours.
What dipping sauces pair best with stromboli?
Classic marinara is a favorite, but ranch dressing, garlic butter, or spicy arrabbiata sauce also complement the flavors wonderfully.
Final Thoughts
There is something incredibly satisfying about bringing The Ultimate Homemade Stromboli: A Family Favorite Recipe to your table. Its simplicity, rich flavors, and the way it invites everyone to gather around and share make it a true kitchen triumph. So go ahead and give this delightful stromboli a try—you just might create a new family tradition.
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The Ultimate Homemade Stromboli: A Family Favorite Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Ultimate Homemade Stromboli is a delicious, cheesy, and savory Italian-inspired roll filled with pepperoni and mozzarella cheese. Perfect as a family favorite, it features a golden, crispy crust with Italian seasoning and Parmesan cheese for added flavor. Easy to prepare using store-bought or homemade pizza dough and baked to perfection in your oven.
Ingredients
Dough
- 1 lb pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- Flour (for dusting the surface)
Filling
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup sliced pepperoni
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Finishing
- 1 beaten egg (for egg wash)
- Cooking spray or olive oil (for greasing the baking sheet)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it will be ready for baking the stromboli.
- Prepare the dough: On a floured surface, roll out the pizza dough into a large rectangle about 1/4 inch thick, making sure to leave a 1-inch border around the edges to help seal the stromboli.
- Add cheese and pepperoni: Evenly sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the surface of the dough, then layer the sliced pepperoni evenly on top.
- Season: Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning over the pepperoni to add extra flavor.
- Roll it up: Carefully roll the dough from one long side to the other, folding and tucking in the edges as you roll so the filling stays contained.
- Prepare for baking: Place the rolled stromboli seam-side down on a baking sheet greased with cooking spray or brushed with olive oil to prevent sticking. Brush the top of the stromboli with the beaten egg to give it a beautiful golden crust.
- Allow steam to escape: Cut a few small slits along the top of the stromboli so steam can escape during baking, which helps keep the crust crisp.
- Bake: Bake the stromboli in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until the crust is golden brown and crispy.
- Serve: Let the stromboli cool for a few minutes after baking before slicing. Serve warm, ideally with a side of marinara sauce for dipping.
Notes
- You can substitute pepperoni with other cured meats or add vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for variety.
- Make sure not to overfill the stromboli to prevent leakage during baking.
- If using homemade dough, let it rest and rise as directed before rolling.
- Using a sharp knife for the top slits will help steam escape efficiently.
- For crispier crust, you can bake on a pizza stone if you have one.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven to maintain crispiness.