Stromboli

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Stromboli is a little bit like pizza and a little bit like a calzone — which means you know everyone in the family will devour it! My easy stromboli recipe calls for only four ingredients, so it’s perfect for a weeknight dinner.

If you’re looking for a fun spin on pizza night, this homemade stromboli recipe is the best! It’s not only perfect for a weeknight dinner, but it’s great for game day, or the next day, too! Leftover stromboli is one of our favorites!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stromboli vs. Calzone: What’s the Difference?

If you think stromboli is just a big ol’ calzone, you’re mistaken! There are a lot of differences between the two:

• Stromboli is rolled up in a spiral, so there’s dough in the center too. A calzone is just folded in half.
• Calzones are made to serve one, while stromboli will feed the whole dang family!
• Stromboli is from Philadelphia! Yep, believe it or not, stromboli isn’t Italian at all. Calzones, on the other hand, are the real deal and come straight from Italy.
• Calzones usually have ricotta inside, among other fillings. And they never have tomato sauce inside. Stromboli isn’t made with ricotta, but it can have tomato sauce in the filling.

The two do have one important thing in common, though: they’re both delicious!

Easy Stromboli Recipe

Consider this recipe your template. You can make it as-is, or you can add any of your favorite pizza toppings. Stromboli is usually pretty heavy in the meat department; I like to use pepperoni or even salami because it’s easy to roll up into the dough, but crumbled sausage will work too. If you want to add some veggies, smaller pieces work best—think diced onions instead of sliced, or spinach sautéed with garlic.

Ingredients + Variations

Here’s what you’ll need to make this recipe:

• Store-bought pizza dough – I use the refrigerated Pillsbury kind that comes in a tube.
• Pepperoni – Or salami!
• Pizza sauce – Any kind you like is fine.
• Mozzarella cheese – You can also add some parmesan, use an Italian blend, or swap in provolone.

While this recipe takes basic ingredients, you can easily change it up. Add your favorite Italian meats, or use some Italian bread dough as well. This easy recipe is great with marinara sauce as well. I also love to spread some garlic butter on top to bake it to golden perfection.

If you’re a fan of dips, my kids love to dip this in BBQ sauce or even extra pizza sauce. I promise you that this family favorite is a new recipe that you can make in so many different ways.

How to Make Stromboli

Ready to roll up your sleeves and roll up some stromboli? Here’s how to do it!

1. Prepare

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and preheat the oven to 400ºF.

2. Top the Dough

Open the tube of dough and unroll it onto a lightly floured surface. Use your fingers to press it into a large rectangle. Spoon the pizza sauce onto the dough and spread it evenly, leaving a margin on all sides. Top the sauce with the meat and the cheese.

3. Roll

Roll the dough tightly and press to seal it. Carefully lift it and place it on the prepared baking sheet.

4. Bake

Bake for about 20 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown.

5. Serve

Let the stromboli cool a bit, then use a sharp knife to cut it into slices. Serve with additional sauce, if desired.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FAQ

What is inside a stromboli?

Stromboli is usually filled with thinly sliced meats (basically, Italian cold cuts like salami and pepperoni) and cheese, but it’s versatile enough that you can really do just about anything with it! Some recipes have sauce inside, while others serve the sauce on the side.

Can stromboli be frozen?

Yes! Stromboli can be frozen. I recommend freezing it before you bake it for the best results—just wrap it tightly with plastic wrap, then a layer of foil. Let it thaw in the fridge overnight, then bake it according to the recipe instructions.

What do you serve with stromboli?

I like to serve this stromboli recipe with a salad. My easy pasta salad or kale salad are both good choices, but so is a classic Caesar salad!

How do you store leftovers of this delicious stromboli?

You can add this great meal to an airtight container and store it in the fridge. One of the best things about this recipe is that it makes quite a large portion.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

More Kid-Friendly Dinners

These dinner recipes are all easy to make and kid-approved:

• Crock Pot BBQ Chicken
• Air Fryer Popcorn Chicken
• Instant Pot Spaghetti
• Pulled Pork Tacos
• Spicy Chicken Quesadillas