Italian Stromboli Recipe – Easy Homemade Stromboli with Deli Meats and Cheese

If you’re looking for a hearty, cheesy, and satisfying meal that’s easy to prepare, Italian Stromboli is the answer. Imagine layers of savory deli meats, gooey melted cheese, and a golden crust brushed with garlic butter – baked to perfection. It’s essentially a rolled-up pizza, packed with flavor in every bite.

This homemade Stromboli is perfect for busy weeknights, game-day parties, or family dinners. Using a simple store-bought pizza dough, you can whip it up in under an hour without sacrificing taste. In this blog post, we’ll walk you through the step-by-step recipe, share expert tips, variations, and storage ideas, plus everything you need to know to make this Italian classic a success.

What is Stromboli?

Stromboli is an Italian-American creation, often confused with calzones. While calzones are folded pockets of dough filled with meats, cheeses, and veggies, Stromboli is rolled lengthwise into a log before baking. This rolling technique creates beautiful layers inside, ensuring that each slice delivers the perfect combination of crust, meat, and cheese.

Originating in the 1950s in Philadelphia, Stromboli has since become a beloved comfort food across America. Its name is inspired by the volcanic island of Stromboli in Italy – fitting for a dish that erupts with flavor!

Ingredients for Italian Stromboli

Here’s what you’ll need to make the perfect Stromboli:

1 tube of Pillsbury pizza crust
8 slices of deli ham
10 slices of Genoa salami
12 slices of sandwich pepperoni
8 slices of provolone cheese or mozzarella (shredded cheese also works)
2 tablespoons butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 teaspoons chopped parsley
3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven according to the temperature instructions on the Pillsbury pizza crust package. This ensures the dough bakes evenly and achieves a golden, crispy crust.

Step 2: Make the Garlic Butter Mixture

In a small bowl, melt the butter in the microwave. Stir in minced garlic, chopped parsley, and grated Parmesan cheese. Set aside – this will be used to brush the Stromboli before baking for extra flavor.

Step 3: Prepare the Pizza Dough

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Roll out the pizza crust on the prepared sheet, stretching it gently until it nearly reaches the edges.

Step 4: Layer the Meats and Cheese

Start by placing slices of ham evenly across the dough.
Add a layer of salami, then pepperoni.
Finish by covering with provolone slices or shredded mozzarella.

This layering guarantees that every bite is packed with meaty, cheesy goodness.

Step 5: Roll the Stromboli

Starting from the long edge, carefully roll the dough lengthwise into a log. Pinch the seam tightly to seal. Tuck the ends under to prevent cheese from oozing out while baking.

Step 6: Score and Brush

Using a serrated knife, score the top of the Stromboli a few times. This helps steam escape during baking. Brush the entire surface generously with the garlic butter mixture.

Step 7: Bake

Place the Stromboli in the oven and bake according to the pizza dough’s baking instructions (usually around 20–25 minutes). Bake until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted inside.

Step 8: Slice and Serve

Allow the Stromboli to cool for about 5 minutes before slicing. Serve warm with marinara sauce for dipping.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4

Pro Tips for the Perfect Stromboli

Don’t overload with fillings – Too many layers of meat or cheese can make the dough hard to roll and lead to leaks.
Seal the edges well – Pinch tightly and tuck ends under to avoid cheese spillage.
Use parchment paper – Prevents sticking and makes rolling easier.
Let it rest before slicing – Cooling slightly helps the cheese set, making it easier to cut clean slices.
Add extra seasoning – Sprinkle Italian seasoning or crushed red pepper flakes on top before baking for more flavor.

Variations of Italian Stromboli

The beauty of Stromboli is its versatility. Here are some fun variations you can try:

Classic Pepperoni Stromboli – Keep it simple with pepperoni and mozzarella.
Veggie Stromboli – Add sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, and spinach for a vegetarian option.
Philly Cheesesteak Stromboli – Thinly sliced steak, provolone, onions, and peppers make a hearty twist.
Buffalo Chicken Stromboli – Shredded chicken mixed with buffalo sauce and mozzarella, served with ranch.
Breakfast Stromboli – Scrambled eggs, bacon, and cheddar cheese wrapped in pizza dough.

What to Serve with Stromboli

Stromboli is a meal in itself, but it pairs wonderfully with:

Marinara or pizza sauce – The classic dipping sauce.
Garlic butter sauce – For even more richness.
Side salad – A refreshing green salad balances out the richness.
Soup – Tomato basil or minestrone makes a hearty combo.

Storing and Reheating Stromboli

Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Wrap in foil or plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheating: Bake at 350°F for 10–15 minutes or microwave individual slices.

Perfect Occasions for Stromboli

This Italian Stromboli is versatile enough for any occasion:

Family dinners
Game-day snacks
Potluck gatherings
Holiday parties
Quick weeknight meals

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Final Thoughts

If you’re craving comfort food that’s quick, delicious, and family-friendly, this Italian Stromboli recipe is the way to go. With layers of ham, salami, pepperoni, and gooey cheese all wrapped in golden pizza crust and brushed with garlic butter, it’s a meal that never disappoints.

Easy enough for beginners yet impressive enough for parties, Stromboli is one recipe you’ll come back to again and again. Pair it with marinara sauce and a fresh salad, and you’ve got the ultimate Italian-inspired dinner.