This Tremendous Cheesy Pepperoni Stromboli Recipe is a true crowd-pleaser that brings together the melty goodness of mozzarella, the spicy snap of pepperoni, and the savory touch of Parmesan in a golden, crispy crust. If you adore pizza flavors but want something a bit more fun and hand-held, this stromboli is your new go-to. It’s perfect for family dinners, casual get-togethers, or whenever you crave something warm, cheesy, and utterly satisfying. Trust me, once you make this, you’ll want to keep this recipe close—it’s a guaranteed hit every time!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting to know the ingredients for this Tremendous Cheesy Pepperoni Stromboli Recipe shows how simple touches come together to create magic. Each component plays its part: dough for tenderness and structure, cheeses for ooey-gooey appeal, pepperoni for that salty spice, and seasoning to elevate the whole experience.
- Pizza dough: Whether store-bought or homemade, rolled into a rectangle to form the perfect stromboli base.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully for that classic cheesy stretch everyone loves.
- Sliced pepperoni: Adds a zesty, slightly smoky flavor that balances the cheese perfectly.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Sprinkled inside for a sharp, nutty finish that lifts every bite.
- Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that adds savory complexity and depth.
- Beaten egg: Used as an egg wash to give the crust a gorgeous golden sheen and slight crunch.
- Marinara sauce: For dipping, bringing extra saucy richness and tang.
How to Make Tremendous Cheesy Pepperoni Stromboli Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Start by rolling your pizza dough into a neat rectangle on a lightly floured surface. This shape makes it easy to layer your fillings and roll everything up tightly, ensuring every bite bursts with flavor.
Step 2: Layer the Cheese and Pepperoni
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly over the dough, then add your sliced pepperoni on top. Don’t forget the Parmesan cheese and a light dusting of Italian seasoning—they bring that extra punch you won’t want to miss.
Step 3: Roll Up the Stromboli
Gently but firmly roll the dough into a log shape, starting from one of the longer sides. Take your time here—rolling tightly keeps the filling inside and creates layers of cheesy, pepperoni goodness in each slice.
Step 4: Seal and Brush with Egg Wash
Pinch the edges of your rolled stromboli to seal the filling inside. Then, brush the entire surface with beaten egg for that irresistible golden brown finish once baked.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Place the stromboli on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake in a preheated oven until the crust is crisp and golden and the cheese inside is bubbling irresistibly.
How to Serve Tremendous Cheesy Pepperoni Stromboli Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped basil or a dash of red pepper flakes can add a fresh, vibrant contrast to the rich, cheesy filling. A little cracked black pepper never hurts either!
Side Dishes
This stromboli pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed in tangy vinaigrette, or a bowl of roasted veggies for a balanced meal that complements the richness inside the stromboli.
Creative Ways to Present
Slice your stromboli into thick pinwheels for a fun appetizer or serve whole for a casual dinner that feels cozy and impressive. For parties, cut small bite-sized pieces and serve alongside marinara in mini dipping bowls.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover stromboli in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld beautifully overnight, making for an even tastier next-day meal.
Freezing
You can freeze this stromboli before baking by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. Freeze for up to 2 months, then thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.
Reheating
Reheat slices in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to preserve the crispy crust and melt the cheese back to gooey perfection. Avoid the microwave if you want to keep that lovely crust texture.
FAQs
Can I use different types of cheese in this recipe?
Definitely! While mozzarella and Parmesan are classic, you can experiment with provolone, cheddar, or even a bit of feta for a twist on the flavor.
Is it okay to use store-bought pizza dough?
Absolutely! Store-bought dough saves time and still delivers fantastic results. Just make sure to roll it out evenly to get the best texture.
How spicy is the pepperoni in this dish?
Most sliced pepperoni has a mild to moderate spice level, but you can choose spicy or mild varieties depending on your preference.
Can I prepare the stromboli vegetarian?
Yes! Simply leave out the pepperoni and add your favorite veggies like mushrooms, spinach, or roasted peppers for a delicious vegetarian version of this Tremendous Cheesy Pepperoni Stromboli Recipe.
What’s the best marinara sauce for dipping?
Go for a homemade or quality store-bought marinara with a good balance of acidity and sweetness. It should complement but never overpower the stromboli’s flavors.
Final Thoughts
There’s something incredibly comforting and joyful about making and sharing this Tremendous Cheesy Pepperoni Stromboli Recipe. It’s simple to prepare, endlessly satisfying, and guaranteed to become a favorite for everyone around your table. I can’t wait for you to try it and discover just how delicious homemade stromboli can be. Here’s to many cheesy, pepperoni-filled moments ahead!
Print
Tremendous Cheesy Pepperoni Stromboli Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Tremendous Cheesy Pepperoni Stromboli is a savory Italian-inspired baked delight featuring a golden, crispy pizza dough filled with melted mozzarella cheese, spicy pepperoni slices, and a sprinkle of Parmesan and Italian seasoning. Perfect as a hearty appetizer or main dish, served with warm marinara sauce for dipping.
Ingredients
Dough and Filling
- 1 pizza dough (store-bought or homemade), rolled into a rectangle
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup sliced pepperoni
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
Finishing and Serving
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- 1/2 cup marinara sauce (for dipping)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C) to ensure it reaches the optimal temperature for baking your stromboli.
- Prepare the Dough: Roll out the pizza dough into a large rectangle on a floured surface to make it easier to fill and roll.
- Add the Fillings: Evenly spread the shredded mozzarella cheese over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges. Layer the sliced pepperoni on top of the cheese, followed by a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese and the Italian seasoning.
- Roll the Stromboli: Carefully roll the dough starting from one long edge to create a tight log. Pinch the edges to seal the stromboli completely, preventing any filling from leaking out during baking.
- Apply the Egg Wash: Brush the beaten egg over the surface of the stromboli to give it a golden, glossy finish once baked.
- Bake: Place the stromboli on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased. Bake in the preheated oven for 18-22 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and cooked through.
- Cool and Slice: Remove from the oven and allow the stromboli to cool slightly before slicing into 4-6 servings.
- Serve: Serve warm with marinara sauce on the side for dipping for a perfect, cheesy, and flavorful experience.
Notes
- Use fresh or homemade pizza dough for best results, but store-bought dough works well too.
- Feel free to add veggies like bell peppers or onions for extra flavor and texture.
- Make sure to seal the edges properly to prevent cheese from leaking during baking.
- You can substitute mozzarella with a blend of Italian cheeses if desired.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated in the oven for a crisp crust.
