cheesy pepperoni stromboli

Tremendous cheesy pepperoni stromboli is the perfect dish for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy family dinner, a game day snack, or a fun gathering with friends. This delightful recipe combines gooey mozzarella, savory pepperoni, and a hint of parmesan all wrapped in golden pizza dough. It’s easy to make and brings a comforting, cheesy goodness that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to make – This stromboli comes together quickly and requires minimal prep time, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
• Packed with flavor – The combination of mozzarella, pepperoni, and Parmesan creates an irresistible taste that will satisfy any craving.
• Versatile – You can easily customize the fillings to include your favorite ingredients like vegetables or different meats.
• Perfect for sharing – Slice it up and serve at parties or gatherings; it’s a hit among both kids and adults.
• Great for meal prep – Make it ahead of time and reheat for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into this delicious cheesy pepperoni stromboli recipe, make sure you have the right tools on hand to ensure smooth preparation.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Pizza stone or baking sheet
• Rolling pin
• Baking brush
• Knife or pizza cutter

Importance of Each Tool

• Pizza stone – Helps achieve a crispy crust by distributing heat evenly during baking.
• Rolling pin – Makes rolling out the dough easy and ensures an even thickness for the perfect stromboli.
• Baking brush – Ideal for applying egg wash, giving your stromboli a beautiful golden finish.

Ingredients

Tremendous cheesy pepperoni stromboli is packed with mozzarella, parmesan, and pepperoni, rolled in pizza dough and baked golden.

For the Dough

• 1 pizza dough, rolled into a rectangle on a floured surface

For the Filling

• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1/2 cup pepperoni, sliced
• 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

For the Egg Wash

• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

For Dipping Sauce

• 1/2 cup marinara sauce, for dipping

How to Make cheesy pepperoni stromboli

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s hot enough to create that perfect golden crust.

Step 2: Roll Out the Dough

Roll out the pizza dough into a rectangle on a floured surface. Aim for about 12×16 inches in size.

Step 3: Add Cheese

Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese evenly over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges. This prevents overflow when rolling.

Step 4: Layer with Pepperoni

Layer the pepperoni slices over the cheese. Ensure they are spread evenly for balanced flavor.

Step 5: Sprinkle Parmesan

Sprinkle Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning over the pepperoni. The seasoning adds an aromatic touch that enhances flavor.

Step 6: Roll Up the Stromboli

Carefully roll the dough from one long side to the other. Tuck in the ends as you go to seal in all that cheesy goodness.

Step 7: Prepare for Baking

Place the stromboli seam-side down on a greased baking sheet. Brush the top with beaten egg for that nice golden brown finish.

Step 8: Venting

Cut a few small slits on top of the stromboli to allow steam to escape during baking.

Step 9: Bake

Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and cooked through.

Step 10: Serve

Let cool for a few minutes before slicing. Serve warm with marinara sauce for dipping. Enjoy your homemade cheesy pepperoni stromboli!

How to Serve cheesy pepperoni stromboli

Serving cheesy pepperoni stromboli can elevate your dining experience, making it perfect for any occasion. Whether it’s a family dinner or a game day snack, these serving suggestions will enhance the flavors and enjoyment of your dish.

With Marinara Sauce

• This classic pairing adds a rich, tangy flavor that complements the cheesy goodness of the stromboli.

Fresh Salad

• A light garden salad with mixed greens provides a crisp, refreshing contrast to the warm, hearty stromboli.

Garlic Bread

• Serve alongside warm garlic bread for an extra indulgent meal that brings out the Italian flavors.

Roasted Vegetables

• Roasted seasonal vegetables add color and nutrition to your plate, balancing the richness of the stromboli.

Pickles or Olives

• A small bowl of pickles or olives can offer a briny bite that cuts through the cheese and meat flavors.

Drinks

• Pair with cold beverages like soda or iced tea to refresh your palate between bites of cheesy goodness.

How to Perfect cheesy pepperoni stromboli

To create the ultimate cheesy pepperoni stromboli, follow these helpful tips for best results in your cooking.

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh mozzarella and high-quality pepperoni will enhance flavor and texture.
• Don’t overfill: While it’s tempting to load up on toppings, too much filling can cause leaks while baking.
• Roll tightly: Ensure you roll the dough tightly to prevent it from unraveling during baking.
• Let it rest: Allow the stromboli to cool slightly before slicing to maintain its shape and prevent cheese from oozing out.
• Experiment with herbs: Feel free to add fresh basil or oregano for an extra aromatic touch.
• Try different cheeses: Mixing in provolone or cheddar can create unique flavor combinations.

Best Side Dishes for cheesy pepperoni stromboli

Pairing side dishes with your cheesy pepperoni stromboli enhances the overall meal experience. Here are some great options:

1. Caesar Salad – A classic Caesar salad adds crunch and creaminess, perfect for balancing rich flavors.
2. Caprese Skewers – Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze make for a delightful appetizer.
3. Potato Wedges – Crispy potato wedges seasoned with herbs can provide a satisfying crunch alongside your stromboli.
4. Coleslaw – A tangy coleslaw offers a refreshing contrast to warm, cheesy bites.
5. Antipasto Platter – An assortment of cured meats, cheeses, and marinated vegetables creates a robust starter option.
6. Vegetable Soup – A warm bowl of vegetable soup can complement the hearty nature of the stromboli beautifully.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making cheesy pepperoni stromboli can be fun, but it’s easy to make mistakes. Here are some common pitfalls to watch out for:

• Skipping the resting time: Allowing the dough to rest is crucial for achieving a perfect texture. If you skip this step, the dough may shrink when rolled out.

• Overfilling the stromboli: While it’s tempting to add more cheese and toppings, overfilling can cause the stromboli to burst during baking. Stick to the recommended amounts for best results.

• Not sealing the edges properly: If you don’t seal the edges well, filling can leak out while baking. Make sure to pinch and fold the seams tightly.

• Using cold ingredients: Cold cheese or dough can affect how well your stromboli bakes. Let them sit at room temperature before using them for even cooking.

• Ignoring oven temperature: Baking at too low a temperature will result in an undercooked stromboli. Preheat your oven properly and keep it at 375°F (190°C) for optimal results.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover cheesy pepperoni stromboli in an airtight container.
• It will stay fresh for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing cheesy pepperoni stromboli

• Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap.
• Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can last up to 3 months in the freezer.

Reheating cheesy pepperoni stromboli

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place stromboli directly on the rack or on a baking sheet for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat individual slices on a microwave-safe plate for about 30-60 seconds. This method is quick but may make it less crispy.
• Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat, adding a little oil. Cook slices for about 2-3 minutes on each side until warmed through and crispy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making cheesy pepperoni stromboli:

Can I use different cheeses in cheesy pepperoni stromboli?

Yes! Feel free to mix cheeses like cheddar or provolone with mozzarella for different flavors.

How do I know when my cheesy pepperoni stromboli is done?

Look for a golden brown crust and ensure that cheese is melted and bubbly inside, which typically takes about 25-30 minutes of baking.

Can I make cheesy pepperoni stromboli ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare it up to the baking stage and store it covered in the fridge. Just bake it fresh when you’re ready!

What sauces pair well with cheesy pepperoni stromboli?

Marinara sauce is classic, but you can also try ranch dressing or garlic butter for dipping!

Final Thoughts

Cheesy pepperoni stromboli is a delightful dish that combines gooey cheese and savory pepperoni wrapped in soft pizza dough. It’s perfect for dinner or as a snack during game nights. Feel free to customize your filling with veggies or different meats based on your taste preferences. Give this recipe a try; you’ll love how easy it is to make!