– **Title**: Cheesy Pepperoni Stromboli
– **Ingredients**:
– 1 pound pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1 cup sliced pepperoni
– 1/2 cup shredded provolone cheese
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
– Olive oil (for brushing)
– Marinara sauce (for dipping, optional)
– **Instructions**:
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pizza dough into a rectangle about 14×10 inches.
3. In a bowl, mix together the mozzarella cheese, provolone cheese, pepperoni, grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder until well combined.
4. Spread the cheese and pepperoni mixture evenly over the rolled-out dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
5. Carefully roll the dough tightly from one long side to the other, making sure the filling stays inside. Pinch the edges to seal.
6. Place the rolled stromboli seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet. Gently tuck the ends under to secure the filling.
7. Brush the top of the stromboli with beaten egg and olive oil to give it a golden color when baked.
8. Use a sharp knife to make a few slits on top for steam to escape.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.
10. Allow to cool for a few minutes before slicing. Serve warm with marinara sauce for dipping if desired. Enjoy your cheesy pepperoni stromboli!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pizza Dough: You can use store-bought dough for convenience, but making your own is fun! For a quick option, refrigerated dough works too. If you need a gluten-free option, look for gluten-free pizza dough at your local store.
Cheese: Mozzarella is perfect for that melty, stretchy goodness. If you’re feeling adventurous, try mixing in provolone or cheddar for a twist. Ricotta adds creaminess, but you can skip it if you prefer a simpler filling.
Pepperoni: This classic topping is a must! If you want a healthier version, consider turkey pepperoni or even veggie slices. For a unique flavor, use salami or diced cooked sausage.
Seasoning: Garlic powder and Italian seasoning add great flavor. If you want to add a kick, try red pepper flakes or fresh minced garlic. Fresh herbs like oregano or thyme can be used as a substitute for Italian seasoning.
How Do I Roll and Seal the Stromboli Properly?
Rolling and sealing your stromboli is crucial for keeping all that delicious filling inside. Here’s how to get it right:
- Start rolling gently from one end, keeping the filling tight but not smashy.
- Before reaching the other end, tuck in the sides to prevent any filling from escaping.
- Pinch the seam of the dough very well, ensuring it’s sealed. You can also use a fork to press down and add a decorative edge!
- Place it seam-side down on the baking sheet to help hold the shape.
Taking your time during this step makes for a perfect, golden stromboli! Enjoy!
How to Make Cheesy Pepperoni Stromboli
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup pepperoni slices
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese (optional, for added creaminess)
- 1 egg (beaten, for egg wash)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 cup marinara sauce (for dipping)
- Olive oil (for brushing)
- Fresh parsley or basil (for garnish, optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious cheesy pepperoni stromboli takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 20-25 minutes to bake, making a total of around 40 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a quick dinner or a crowd-pleasing snack!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping the Oven and Baking Sheet:
Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While the oven is heating, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure your stromboli doesn’t stick. This will help with clean-up too!
2. Rolling Out the Dough:
On a floured surface, take your pizza dough and roll it into a rectangle about 1/4 inch thick. Try to keep the shape as even as possible so that your filling distributes well.
3. Spreading the Cheese:
If you’re using ricotta cheese, spread it evenly over the rounded dough. Then, sprinkle garlic powder and Italian seasoning all over the ricotta. This will add great flavor to your stromboli.
4. Adding the Tasty Fillings:
Now, layer the shredded mozzarella cheese and pepperoni slices on top of the seasoned ricotta. Make sure to leave about an inch of space around the edges to make sealing easier later on.
5. Rolling it Up:
Carefully start rolling the dough up from the long edge away from you, keeping the filling tightly packed as you go. Once you’ve rolled it all the way up, pinch the edges to seal the stromboli closed. This will keep all the cheesy goodness inside!
6. Preparing for the Oven:
Transfer the rolled stromboli to the prepared baking sheet and place it seam-side down. Brush the top lightly with olive oil and the beaten egg to give it a beautiful golden color when baked.
7. Making Vent Slits:
Using a sharp knife, make a few slits across the top of the stromboli. This will help steam escape while it bakes, preventing the dough from getting soggy.
8. Baking Time:
Now it’s time to bake! Place the stromboli in your preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes or until it’s golden brown and the cheese inside is bubbling with excitement.
9. Letting it Cool:
Once baked to perfection, remove the stromboli from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet. This will make slicing easier and prevent burns!
10. Serving it Up:
Slice the stromboli into pieces and serve warm with a side of marinara sauce for dipping. If you like, sprinkle some fresh parsley or basil on top for that extra touch!
Enjoy your cheesy pepperoni stromboli! It’s perfect for a gathering or a cozy night in.
Can I Use Homemade Pizza Dough Instead of Store-Bought?
Absolutely! Homemade pizza dough works great for this recipe. Just make sure it has risen properly and is easy to handle. You may need to adjust the thickness while rolling out depending on your dough recipe, but the cooking time should remain the same.
What Can I Substitute for Ricotta Cheese?
If you don’t have ricotta cheese on hand, you can use cream cheese for a similar richness, or even cottage cheese if you prefer a lower-fat option. Just blend it a bit to smooth out the texture before spreading it on the dough.
How to Store Leftover Stromboli?
Store any leftover stromboli in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes or until warmed through, to help maintain its crispy texture.
Can I Add Other Fillings to This Stromboli?
Definitely! Feel free to get creative with your fillings. You can add cooked vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms, different types of cheese like provolone or cheddar, or even cooked sausage for extra flavor. Just be mindful not to overfill, as it can make sealing the stromboli tricky!
