You guys, I think I just cracked the code for the ultimate Friday night dinner! Forget the delivery apps, because this homemade Italian Stromboli is *SO* much better and shockingly easy. Seriously, store-bought pizza dough is a game-changer here!
Imagine this: a perfectly golden, crispy crust giving way to a warm, gooey center bursting with savory Italian meats and that glorious, stretchy melted mozzarella. It’s pure comfort food, and the smell alone will have everyone running to the kitchen. We devoured it dipped in warm marinara sauce!
Here’s how I made it happen:
**For the Stromboli:**
* 1 pound store-bought pizza dough (the kind you find in the refrigerated section)
* 1/2 cup pizza sauce or marinara sauce, plus more for dipping
* 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
* 1/2 cup ricotta cheese (optional, but adds amazing creaminess!)
* 1/2 cup sliced pepperoni
* 1/2 cup sliced salami
* 1/2 cup chopped ham or capicola
* 1/4 cup chopped green bell pepper (optional, for a little crunch)
* 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
* Pinch of Italian seasoning
* Pinch of garlic powder
**Let’s Make Some Magic:**
1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Lightly flour a clean surface and roll out your pizza dough into a large rectangle, about 10×14 inches.
3. Spread the pizza sauce evenly over the dough, leaving about a 1-inch border all around.
4. Sprinkle half of the mozzarella cheese over the sauce.
5. If using ricotta, dollop it over the mozzarella.
6. Layer all your delicious meats and bell pepper over the cheese.
7. Top with the remaining mozzarella cheese.
8. Carefully roll the dough up, starting from one of the long sides, like a jelly roll. Pinch the seams closed really well to seal in all that goodness. Tuck in the ends and pinch them shut too!
9. Place the Stromboli seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
10. Brush the top all over with the beaten egg wash. This is what gives it that beautiful shiny, golden crust!
11. Sprinkle with a little Italian seasoning and garlic powder, if you like.
12. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and puffed up.
13. Let it cool for a few minutes before slicing. Serve warm with extra marinara for dipping.
Trust me, once you make this, it’ll become a regular in your rotation. It’s seriously that good! Let me know if you try it!