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Italian Stromboli Pizza Roll

Category: Satisfying Main Dishes

This Italian Stromboli features golden, crisp dough rolled around layers of savory ham, spicy salami, zesty pepperoni, and melted mozzarella cheese, all seasoned with Italian herbs. The loaf bakes to a perfect golden crust, then rests briefly for cleaner slices and gooey cheese. Ideal for dinner, game day, or lunch, this hearty dish pairs beautifully with warm pizza sauce for dipping. Easy to prepare with simple ingredients, it’s a crowd favorite that combines familiar deli flavors with rich Italian seasonings.

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Updated on Tue, 12 Aug 2025 18:27:06 GMT
A slice of Italian Stromboli Pizza Roll. Pin
A slice of Italian Stromboli Pizza Roll. | applefoodie.com

Italian Stromboli is my family’s go to when we want something crowd pleasing without spending hours in the kitchen This cheesy meat filled roll makes a fun dinner and is always a hit at parties or movie nights

Every time I make this for game day it disappears so fast I have to hide a few slices for myself

Ingredients

  • Refrigerated pizza crust: Choose a fresh dough for the best texture
  • Pizza sauce: Use a good quality jarred or homemade sauce for richest flavor
  • Thinly sliced deli ham: Adds savory flavor and stays tender after baking
  • Sliced deli salami: Brings a peppery bite to the filling
  • Sliced deli pepperoni: Classic for that pizza shop flavor
  • Grated mozzarella cheese: Freshly grated melts best and gives that perfect cheesy pull
  • Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that infuses each bite with classic aromas
  • Butter melted: Brushed on top for a golden crisp crust
  • Garlic powder: Sprinkled for extra kick
  • Dried parsley: Finishes the top with color and herby aroma

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare The Oven:
Set your oven to four hundred degrees and let it preheat fully for even baking
Shape The Dough:
Roll out the pizza dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper Gently stretch it into an even rectangle so the fillings spread without tearing
Layer The Fillings:
Brush about a quarter cup of pizza sauce over the dough Then lay down the ham and sprinkle one cup of cheese Add a salami layer then more cheese Repeat with pepperoni and the rest of the cheese Finish with a dusting of Italian seasoning
Roll And Seal:
Starting on a long edge carefully roll the dough up so you get layers of meat and cheese Pinch the seams all around and underneath to keep everything inside
Top And Vent:
Brush the melted butter all over the rolled dough Generously sprinkle with garlic powder and dried parsley Cut small slits on top using a sharp knife so steam can escape and the crust stays crisp
Bake:
Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for about twenty minutes The Stromboli is ready when the crust is deep golden and firm when tapped
Rest And Slice:
Let the baked Stromboli sit for five minutes out of the oven This helps the cheese set so you get cleaner slices
Serve:
Cut into generous slices and serve with warm pizza sauce for dipping We always put out extra sauce for dunkers
A slice of Italian Stromboli Pizza Roll. Pin
A slice of Italian Stromboli Pizza Roll. | applefoodie.com

I always look forward to the golden cheesy stretch in every slice Fresh mozzarella turns every bite into gooey bliss and my son says it is better than takeout

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days To reheat pop slices in a hot oven so the crust stays crisp Avoid the microwave if you can since it softens the crust

Ingredient Substitutions

Try turkey or roast beef instead of ham for a lighter taste Feel free to add veggies like bell peppers or onions for more flavor Pepper Jack or provolone change up the cheese profile and work beautifully

Serving Suggestions

This Stromboli makes a hearty lunch with a salad on the side It is also perfect served at a party as finger food For a family dinner pair it with a bowl of minestrone or a light veggie soup

A slice of Italian Stromboli Pizza Roll. Pin
A slice of Italian Stromboli Pizza Roll. | applefoodie.com

Cultural and Historical Context

While Stromboli is American Italian it takes its name from the famous Italian volcano Its origins stretch back to Italian immigrants adapting their favorite pizza and sandwich concepts for the US Stromboli has become a beloved comfort food across the country

Frequently Asked Questions About the Recipe

→ Can I use homemade dough instead?

Yes, homemade dough provides a flakier crust and personal touch. Roll it into a rectangle to fit fillings evenly.

→ What other fillings can I try?

Roasted vegetables, sautéed mushrooms, or cheeses like provolone and fontina work well to vary flavors.

→ How do I keep the crust crispy?

Brush with melted butter before baking, use parchment paper, and cut slits on top to release steam for a golden finish.

→ Should it rest before slicing?

Allowing it to rest lets the cheese set, resulting in neater, cleaner slices.

→ Can leftovers be reheated?

Reheat slices in a hot oven to restore crispness; avoid microwaving as it softens the crust.

Italian Stromboli Pizza Roll

Savory Italian loaf with layers of deli meats and melted cheese, baked to golden perfection.

Preparation Time
15 min
Cook Time
20 min
Total Time
35 min
By: Ava

Category: Main Dishes

Skill Level: Beginner-Friendly

Cuisine: Italian-American

Yield: 6 Serves (One stromboli roll sliced into 6 generous servings)

Dietary Preferences: ~

Ingredients

→ Dough

01 1 refrigerated pizza crust (fresh for best texture)

→ Sauce

02 1/4 cup pizza sauce (quality jarred or homemade)

→ Meats

03 Thinly sliced deli ham, about 4 oz
04 Thinly sliced deli salami, about 4 oz
05 Thinly sliced deli pepperoni, about 4 oz

→ Cheese

06 3 cups grated mozzarella cheese (freshly grated preferred)

→ Seasonings & Toppings

07 1 tsp Italian seasoning blend
08 2 tbsp melted butter
09 1/2 tsp garlic powder
10 1 tsp dried parsley

Steps

Step 01

Set oven to 400°F (204°C) and allow to fully preheat for even baking.

Step 02

Roll out the pizza dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, stretching into an even rectangle without tearing.

Step 03

Brush 1/4 cup pizza sauce evenly over dough. Layer sliced ham, then sprinkle 1 cup mozzarella. Add salami, top with another cup mozzarella, then pepperoni and remaining mozzarella. Finish with a dusting of Italian seasoning.

Step 04

Carefully roll dough starting from a long edge to enclose fillings in layers. Pinch seams securely on all sides to seal.

Step 05

Brush the rolled stromboli with melted butter. Sprinkle garlic powder and dried parsley over the surface. Cut small slits on top to allow steam to escape.

Step 06

Place stromboli on baking sheet in the oven and bake for 20 minutes or until crust is deep golden and firm to the touch.

Step 07

Remove from oven and let sit for 5 minutes to let the cheese set for cleaner slices.

Step 08

Slice into generous portions and serve warm with extra pizza sauce for dipping.

Notes & Tips

  1. Use parchment paper to prevent sticking and enable easy cleanup.
  2. Freshly grated mozzarella yields the best melt and flavor.
  3. Allow the stromboli to rest before slicing to maintain neat layers.
  4. Leftovers reheat well in a hot oven to preserve crust crispness; avoid microwaving.

Necessary Equipment

  • Oven
  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Sharp knife

Allergy Information

Always double-check ingredient labels for allergens and consult a healthcare professional if you’re unsure.
  • Contains dairy and gluten; contains pork products.

Nutritional Facts (Per Serving)

These details are for informational purposes and should not be considered medical advice.
  • Calories: 420
  • Fats: 22 g
  • Carbohydrates: 35 g
  • Proteins: 20 g