The aroma of freshly baked bread fills the air as you slice into your golden-brown Stromboli. Picture the gooey cheese stretching with every bite while pepperoni and veggies mingle in a symphony of flavors. This is not just food; it’s a culinary hug wrapped in dough!

I remember the first time I made this delightful treat for my family. We had just returned from a long day of hiking and were starving. One taste of this warm Italian Stromboli and the grumbles turned to cheers! It’s a dish perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights in.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Italian Stromboli offers an effortless way to impress guests with incredible flavors
- Its customizable fillings make it versatile for any taste preference
- The golden crust creates a visual feast that draws everyone to the table
- Perfect for lunchboxes or a quick dinner option that never gets old
Sharing memories around the dinner table is priceless, and my family’s reaction to my first homemade Stromboli was nothing short of magical.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Pizza Dough: You can buy pre-made dough or whip up your own; both work beautifully.
- Italian Sausage: Use mild or spicy sausage based on your preference; it adds fantastic flavor.
- Cheese: Mozzarella is classic, but feel free to mix it up with provolone or parmesan.
- Bell Peppers: Colorful bell peppers add crunch and sweetness; chop them finely for even distribution.
- Olive Oil: Brush the top before baking for a golden finish; it also enhances flavor.
- Pizza Sauce: Use store-bought or homemade sauce for dipping; it’s essential for that authentic touch.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Preheat your kitchen with excitement because we’re diving into creating this mouthwatering dish!
Prepare Your Dough: If you’re using homemade dough, let it rise according to instructions until doubled in size. Store-bought dough should sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
Sauté the Filling: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the Italian sausage until browned and crumbly. Add chopped bell peppers and cook until tender—about five minutes should do the trick.
Roll Out Your Dough: On a floured surface, roll out your pizza dough into a rectangle about 12×18 inches. Don’t worry about perfection; rustic charm is part of its appeal!
Add the Goodies: Spread an even layer of pizza sauce over the rolled-out dough. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese generously over the sauce followed by the sausage mixture.
Tuck & Roll: Starting at one end, tightly roll up your dough like a sleeping bag full of delicious surprises! Pinch seams to seal everything inside—no leaks allowed!
Bake It Up: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place your rolled Stromboli on a parchment-lined baking sheet and brush with olive oil before cutting slits on top to release steam.
Place in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and bubbly! The aroma wafting through your home will make you wonder why you don’t make this every day.
With each step taken together in this cooking adventure, I hope you find joy not only in making but also sharing this delightful Italian Stromboli with friends and family! Enjoy every slice!
You Must Know
- This Italian Stromboli recipe is a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to customize
- Don’t skip the egg wash for a golden crust that beckons with a crunchy sound when you bite in
- The gooey cheese and tender dough create a satisfying texture that will leave you wanting more
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out the dough, layer your fillings, then seal well. Bake until golden brown for a perfect Stromboli.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to switch up meats or veggies! Try adding sautéed mushrooms or swap mozzarella for pepper jack for an extra kick.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover Stromboli in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, ensuring it stays crispy.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Ensure your filling isn’t too wet; excess moisture makes the dough soggy
- Experiment with different cheeses like provolone or cheddar for varied flavors
- Let it rest after baking; this helps set the filling and makes slicing easier
Creating this delicious Stromboli always brings back memories of family gatherings where everyone would dive into it eagerly, often leading to some friendly debates over who got the last slice.
FAQ
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the dough a day before and refrigerate it for optimal flavor development.
What fillings work best with this Italian Stromboli recipe?
Meats like salami, pepperoni, and ham are great choices along with assorted veggies.
Is there a vegetarian version of Stromboli?
Absolutely! Use spinach, artichokes, and various cheeses for a delightful meat-free option.

Italian Stromboli
- Author: Mery Mack
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Serves 8 slices
Description
Indulge in this savory Italian Stromboli, a delightful rolled sandwich packed with cheese, meats, and veggies—perfect for any meal or gathering!
Ingredients
- Pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
- Mozzarella cheese (or provolone/parmesan)
- Bell peppers (chopped)
- Olive oil
- Pizza sauce (for dipping)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- If using homemade dough, let it rise until doubled in size. For store-bought, allow to sit at room temperature for 30 minutes.
- In a skillet over medium heat, brown the Italian sausage until crumbly. Add chopped bell peppers and sauté until tender.
- Roll out pizza dough into a rectangle, approximately 12×18 inches.
- Spread pizza sauce over the dough, then layer with mozzarella and the sausage mixture.
- Tightly roll up the dough from one end and pinch seams to seal.
- Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet, brush with olive oil, and cut slits on top to release steam.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and bubbly.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (100g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: Customize fillings by adding sautéed mushrooms or using pepper jack cheese for an extra kick. Ensure fillings aren't too wet to prevent soggy dough. Let the Stromboli rest after baking for easier slicing.