If you’re craving a comfort food that ticks all the boxes—ooey-gooey cheese, zesty pepperoni, and a golden, crispy crust—this Cheesy Pepperoni Stromboli Recipe is about to become your new best friend. It’s a delightful twist on classic pizza flavors, wrapped up in a soft, baked bread that’s bursting with melted mozzarella, savory pepperoni, and just the right touch of herbs and marinara sauce. Whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing appetizer, this stromboli delivers bold flavors and satisfying textures that you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is surprisingly simple, yet crucial to crafting a perfect Cheesy Pepperoni Stromboli Recipe. Each component works in harmony: the stretchy mozzarella guarantees luscious meltiness, the pepperoni adds a punch of spice, and the marinara brings a tangy brightness. Together, they create a mouthwatering combination that shines through once baked to golden perfection.
- Pizza dough: The sturdy yet tender foundation that holds all the delicious fillings.
- Mozzarella cheese, grated: Provides the creamy, melty goodness that makes every bite irresistible.
- Pepperoni slices: Adds a classic, slightly spicy flavor that complements the cheese perfectly.
- Marinara sauce: Brings a rich, tangy layer that keeps the stromboli moist and full of flavor.
- Oregano: Sprinkled on top for that herby aroma and a burst of savory notes.
- Parmesan cheese, grated: A sharp, nutty finish that crisps up beautifully on the crust.
- Olive oil: Used to brush the crust for a golden color and added flavor.
How to Make Cheesy Pepperoni Stromboli Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by setting your oven to 400°F (200°C) so it’s nice and hot, ready to bake your stromboli to that perfect golden brown crust. Preheating is key to getting that crisp exterior while the cheese inside melts beautifully.
Step 2: Prepare the Dough
On a floured surface, roll out your pizza dough into a rectangle. This gives you enough space to layer your fillings evenly and roll it up tightly without losing any deliciousness.
Step 3: Spread the Marinara Sauce
Evenly spread the marinara sauce across the dough, leaving a small border around the edges. This sauce layer adds that classic tang and moisture to every bite, so don’t be shy with it.
Step 4: Add Mozzarella Cheese
Sprinkle half of the grated mozzarella evenly over the sauce. This first layer melts down, creating a gooey base that perfectly blends with the pepperoni.
Step 5: Layer the Pepperoni Slices
Place the pepperoni slices in a single layer atop the mozzarella. These slices bring a savory, mildly spicy flavor that’s absolutely essential in nailing the Cheesy Pepperoni Stromboli Recipe’s signature taste.
Step 6: Top with Remaining Cheese
Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella over the pepperoni. This ensures the entire filling is cheesily smooth and wonderfully gooey from every angle.
Step 7: Fold the Dough
Fold the long sides of the dough inward towards the center, letting them overlap slightly in the middle. This helps seal in those tasty fillings while forming the classic stromboli shape.
Step 8: Seal the Ends
Pinch and crimp the edges and ends tightly to make sure nothing escapes during baking. This step locks all your cheesy, pepperoni goodness inside and keeps the stromboli looking neat.
Step 9: Prepare for Baking
Transfer your wrapped stromboli onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
Step 10: Add Final Touches
Brush the top with olive oil, then sprinkle oregano and grated Parmesan cheese over it. These finishing touches add a golden shimmer, fragrant herbs, and a crispy nutty crust that brighten the flavors beautifully.
Step 11: Bake Until Perfect
Bake your stromboli in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes or until the crust turns a gorgeous golden brown and the cheese bubbles through. This is the moment when your kitchen fills with the most amazing aroma imaginable.
Step 12: Cool Slightly and Slice
Remove the stromboli from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes before slicing. This resting time helps the cheese set just enough so the slices hold together nicely.
Step 13: Enjoy Warm
Serve slices warm and savor every cheesy, pepperoni-packed bite of this classic Cheesy Pepperoni Stromboli Recipe. It’s comfort food at its very best.
How to Serve Cheesy Pepperoni Stromboli Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh basil leaves or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes make perfect garnishes. They add a pop of color and an extra layer of flavor that enhances the warmth and zestiness of the Cheesy Pepperoni Stromboli Recipe.
Side Dishes
Pair your stromboli with a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette or some roasted vegetables. These sides balance the richness of the stromboli and round out your meal with bright, fresh notes.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving your stromboli sliced into bite-sized pieces on a platter for easy sharing at parties or game nights. You can even add individual dipping cups of marinara sauce or ranch dressing alongside for extra fun and flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap any leftover stromboli tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making it an easy grab-and-go meal.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze the unbaked stromboli after shaping it. Wrap it securely in plastic and foil, then freeze for up to one month. When ready, bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Reheating
Reheat leftover slices in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes to restore the crust’s crispness and warm the cheese. Avoid microwaving if you can, as it makes the crust soggy.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought pizza dough for this stromboli?
Absolutely! Store-bought dough is a convenient and tasty option that works perfectly in this Cheesy Pepperoni Stromboli Recipe, saving you prep time without sacrificing flavor.
What if I don’t have pepperoni?
You can substitute with other favorite cured meats like salami or add cooked sausage for a different but equally delicious twist on this recipe.
How do I prevent the stromboli from leaking sauce while baking?
Make sure to leave a border around the edges when spreading the marinara and pinch the dough seams tightly to seal in all the fillings securely during baking.
Can I add vegetables to the stromboli?
Definitely! Thinly sliced bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach can be layered inside to add freshness and extra nutrition without overwhelming the classic flavors.
What’s the best cheese combination for this stromboli?
Mozzarella is the star for meltiness, but sprinkling in a bit of Parmesan or provolone adds depth and a subtle sharpness that complements the pepperoni beautifully.
Final Thoughts
There’s something incredibly satisfying about making and sharing the Cheesy Pepperoni Stromboli Recipe. It’s straightforward, comforting, and delivers a burst of flavor with every slice. Give it a try—you might just find yourself reaching for this recipe time and time again for a quick dinner, party snack, or snack-worthy indulgence that warms both heart and soul.
Print
Cheesy Pepperoni Stromboli Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Cheesy Pepperoni Stromboli is a delicious Italian-inspired baked pastry filled with layers of gooey mozzarella cheese, spicy pepperoni, and savory marinara sauce, all wrapped in a homemade pizza dough crust. It’s a perfect crowd-pleaser for gatherings or a comforting meal at home.
Ingredients
Pizza Dough
- 1 batch pizza dough (enough to roll into a rectangle)
Fillings
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, grated, divided
- 20–25 pepperoni slices
- 1/2 cup marinara sauce
Topping
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it’s hot and ready for baking the stromboli.
- Roll out the dough: On a floured surface, roll out the pizza dough into a large rectangle, about 12×16 inches to ensure enough room for fillings and folding.
- Spread sauce: Evenly spread the marinara sauce over the dough, leaving about a 1-inch border around the edges to help seal the stromboli later.
- Add mozzarella cheese: Sprinkle half of the grated mozzarella cheese evenly over the marinara sauce layer.
- Layer pepperoni: Arrange the pepperoni slices evenly over the mozzarella cheese to ensure every bite has flavor.
- Add remaining cheese: Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese over the pepperoni layer for extra cheesiness.
- Fold the dough: Fold the long sides of the dough toward the center, overlapping slightly to encase the filling securely.
- Seal the ends: Pinch the short ends of the dough firmly to seal the stromboli and prevent fillings from leaking during baking.
- Prepare for baking: Place the sealed stromboli seam-side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Add toppings: Brush the top with olive oil, then sprinkle dried oregano and grated Parmesan cheese evenly for flavor and a golden crust.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the crust turns golden brown and the cheese inside is bubbly.
- Cool and serve: Remove from the oven and let the stromboli cool for a few minutes to set before slicing. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- For best results, let the dough rest for a few minutes before rolling out to make it easier to work with.
- You can add additional fillings such as sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or onions if desired.
- Use parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easy clean-up.
- Let the stromboli cool slightly before slicing to avoid the cheese spilling out.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator in an airtight container and reheat in the oven for best texture.
