Classic Stromboli Recipe
If you love Italian-inspired comfort food, this Classic Stromboli Recipe is about to become your new obsession. Imagine tender pizza dough loaded with layers of savory salami, ham, and pepperoni, all nestled under gooey mozzarella and baked to golden perfection. It’s a show-stopping centerpiece for family dinners, parties, or even a cozy night in—plus, every bite is packed with the flavors you crave. Whether you’re a stromboli newbie or a seasoned pro, this recipe is approachable, fun, and utterly delicious.

Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Classic Stromboli Recipe plays a vital role, so don’t skip a thing! These simple staples come together to create that irresistible blend of crispy crust, melty cheese, and hearty meats that make stromboli so unforgettable.
- Pizza dough: The foundation of your stromboli—look for a fresh ball or make your own for the best flavor and texture.
- Pizza sauce: Adds moisture, tang, and a zesty tomato base that ties all the fillings together.
- Mozzarella cheese, shredded: Melts beautifully and gives that signature cheesy stretch in every slice.
- Salami slices: Bring a little spice and lots of savory depth to the filling.
- Deli ham slices: Offer a mild, slightly sweet contrast that balances the other meats.
- Pepperoni slices: Deliver classic pizzeria flavor and just enough peppery kick.
- Egg, beaten: Acts as both a glue for sealing and a wash for that shiny, appetizing crust.
- Garlic powder: A sprinkle on top adds a subtle punch of flavor you’ll love.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Gives a nutty, salty finish that crisps up in the oven.
- Additional pizza sauce for dipping: Because nothing beats dunking a warm, cheesy slice!
- Fresh parsley, for garnish: Adds a pop of color and freshness just before serving.
How to Make Classic Stromboli Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Dough
Start by letting your pizza dough come to room temperature, which makes it much easier to roll out without springing back. Grab a large piece of parchment paper and roll your dough into a rectangle about 12×14 inches. This shape is perfect for getting plenty of delicious filling in every bite. Once rolled, transfer the parchment and dough to a baking sheet so you’re ready for the fun part: filling!
Step 2: Add Sauce and Cheese
Spoon your pizza sauce over the dough, but be sure to leave a generous 2-inch border around the edges. This helps prevent leaks and makes rolling a breeze. Next, scatter that shredded mozzarella evenly over the sauce—don’t be shy! This gooey layer will hold everything together and ensure melty goodness in every slice.
Step 3: Layer the Meats
Now, for the heart of this Classic Stromboli Recipe: the trio of meats. Arrange your salami, ham, and pepperoni in even layers over the cheese. Try to distribute everything so each slice features all three meats. The combination creates a rich, savory flavor and beautiful swirls of color once baked.
Step 4: Roll and Seal
Before rolling, brush the edges of the dough with some of the beaten egg. This acts like glue to help your stromboli hold together. Starting from one long edge, roll the dough up tightly, jelly-roll style. When you reach the end, pinch the seam and both ends, then turn the whole stromboli seam-side down on the parchment. Tuck the ends under to seal in all that goodness.
Step 5: Egg Wash and Season
Brush the top of your rolled stromboli with the remaining beaten egg for a glossy, golden finish. Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese and a dash of garlic powder over the top. This simple step adds a savory, aromatic crust that’s just irresistible.
Step 6: Score and Bake
Use a sharp knife to gently make shallow diagonal cuts across the top of the stromboli every 2 inches. These vents allow steam to escape and give you those classic bakery-style marks. Bake in a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven for 25 to 30 minutes, until the crust is deep golden and the bottom is nicely browned. If you peek underneath and see a pale bottom, give it a few extra minutes.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Once baked, let your stromboli rest for a few minutes—this makes slicing easier and helps the cheese set. Use a sharp serrated knife to carve into 8 to 10 thick slices. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top for a burst of green and serve right away with plenty of warm pizza sauce for dipping.
How to Serve Classic Stromboli Recipe

Garnishes
A handful of chopped fresh parsley over the top right before serving adds color and a light, herby finish. You can also grate a little extra Parmesan as a finishing touch for even more cheesy flavor. If you’re feeling fancy, a drizzle of good olive oil right before serving adds a lovely sheen and extra richness.
Side Dishes
This Classic Stromboli Recipe pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad tossed in a zingy vinaigrette. For a heartier spread, serve it alongside roasted vegetables or a classic minestrone soup. And of course, don’t forget a big bowl of extra pizza sauce for dipping—trust me, everyone will want it!
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, slice the stromboli into bite-sized pieces and arrange them on a platter with toothpicks for easy grabbing. If you’re serving a crowd, bake a few different strombolis with various fillings and label each one. For a family meal, serve it whole on a wooden board and let everyone slice their own—homestyle, rustic, and always a hit.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’ve got leftover slices, lucky you! Let them cool completely, then wrap tightly in foil or place in an airtight container. They’ll keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making them perfect for lunchboxes or quick snacks.
Freezing
This Classic Stromboli Recipe freezes beautifully. Wrap individual slices or the whole (cooled) baked stromboli in plastic wrap and then foil. Store in the freezer for up to 2 months. To enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge or reheat straight from frozen if you’re in a hurry.
Reheating
For best results, reheat slices in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through and crisp on the outside. You can microwave in a pinch, but the crust will be softer. Always serve with extra pizza sauce to keep things saucy and delicious.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought pizza dough for this Classic Stromboli Recipe?
Absolutely! Store-bought dough works great and saves time. Just let it come to room temperature so it’s easy to stretch and roll. If you love baking from scratch, homemade dough is wonderful too.
What other meats can I use?
Feel free to get creative! Try turkey, roast beef, or even cooked sausage. The combination of meats is what makes this Classic Stromboli Recipe so satisfying, so mix and match to suit your tastes.
Can I make this stromboli vegetarian?
Definitely. Swap out the meats for sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, spinach, or your favorite roasted veggies. Add a sprinkle of feta or goat cheese for an extra pop of flavor.
How do I prevent the stromboli from getting soggy?
Make sure to leave a border around the edges when adding sauce, and don’t overload with wet ingredients. Baking on parchment ensures a crisp bottom, and letting it cool slightly before slicing helps the crust stay firm.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Kids love the cheesy, meaty goodness of this Classic Stromboli Recipe! You can even get little hands involved in adding the fillings or rolling it up. For picky eaters, try using their favorite deli meats or cheeses.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for the ultimate crowd-pleaser, look no further than this Classic Stromboli Recipe. It’s hearty, customizable, and always delivers that wow-factor, whether for a party or a weeknight dinner. Give it a try—you’ll be amazed how easy (and fun!) homemade stromboli can be.
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Classic Stromboli Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Classic Stromboli recipe features a golden, crispy crust stuffed with layers of savory salami, ham, pepperoni, mozzarella cheese, and pizza sauce. Perfectly baked and sliced, it’s an ideal shareable dish for gatherings or a delicious family meal, served with extra pizza sauce for dipping and garnished with fresh parsley.
Ingredients
Dough and Sauce
- 1 pizza dough (about 12×14 inches)
- ½ cup pizza sauce, plus additional for dipping
Cheese
- 1 ½ cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
Meats
- 10–12 slices of salami
- 12 thin slices of deli ham
- 12–13 slices of pepperoni
Other
- 1 egg, beaten
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare Dough: Roll the room-temperature pizza dough out into a large rectangle approximately 12×14 inches on a piece of parchment paper. Then transfer the parchment paper with the dough onto a baking sheet.
- Add Sauce and Cheese: Spread the pizza sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a 2-inch border around the edges. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the sauce layer.
- Add Meats: Layer the slices of salami, deli ham, and pepperoni evenly over the mozzarella cheese to ensure balanced flavor in every bite.
- Roll and Seal: Brush the exposed dough edges with the beaten egg to help seal. Starting from one long side, roll the dough tightly into a jelly roll shape, pinching edges together and tucking underneath to secure the stromboli.
- Egg Wash and Season: Brush the top of the rolled stromboli with the remaining beaten egg. Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese and garlic powder evenly over the top for added flavor and a golden crust.
- Score and Bake: Make shallow diagonal cuts about every 2 inches along the top of the stromboli to allow steam to escape. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes or until the crust is golden brown. Check the bottom for a nice browned finish to ensure it’s fully cooked.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the stromboli to rest for a few minutes before slicing it into 8-10 pieces with a sharp serrated knife. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm with extra pizza sauce for dipping.
Notes
- Use room temperature dough to make rolling easier and ensure better texture.
- Feel free to substitute or add other deli meats like turkey or prosciutto according to preference.
- To make ahead, assemble the stromboli, cover, and refrigerate. Bake directly from the fridge by adding a few extra minutes to baking time.
- Ensure not to overfill to avoid difficulty sealing the dough properly.
- Use parchment paper for easy transfer and cleanup.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approx. 1/8th of stromboli)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 1.5 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg