Dive into this Homemade Pepperoni Stromboli recipe. It is packed with pepperoni, ham, and ricotta, it’s just what you need for dinner or game day!
This Homemade Pepperoni Stromboli is a hearty, crowd-pleasing favorite that’s easy to make at home and full of classic Italian-American flavor. Pizza dough is rolled with layers of zesty pepperoni, ham, ricotta and savory seasonings, then baked until golden and crisp on the outside with a warm, cheesy center. It’s delicious for any occasion!
My family loves making this recipe because it is always a hit. For more recipes similar to this one you have to check out my pizza pinwheels, calzones, or even pizza bagel bites.
Table of Contents
What is Stromboli?
Stromboli is a type of turnover that is filled with cheese and Italian cold cuts. It is either made with pizza dough or Italian bread dough. It’s made with square pizza dough that has fillings and is then rolled into logs and cut.
Unlike Stromboli, Calzones are made with circular pieces of dough, which have fillings added on top and are then folded in half and sealed shut.
Recipe Ingredients
Fillings – I used a mix of pepperoni and ham for a savory flavor.
Cheese – A combination of mozzarella for melt and parmesan for a hint of sharpness creates a deliciously gooey center.
Sauce – A classic pizza sauce provides a tangy layer that balances the richness of the cheese and meats.
For a full list of ingredients and amounts, see the recipe card below.
Variations
Cheese Options – Mix up the flavors by swapping mozzarella with provolone for sharpness or fontina for a creamy touch. Add gouda for smokiness or Asiago for a tangy bite.
Spice Variation – Boost flavor by adding Italian seasoning to the sauce, or sprinkle garlic powder and red pepper flakes over the cheese. Blend oregano and basil into the ricotta for a fragrant finish.
How to Make Homemade Pepperoni Stromboli
Step 1: Preheat oven to 475°F (245°C). Line a standard-size baking sheet with parchment paper; set aside.
Step 2: Roll each ball of dough into a large and narrow rectangle (about 18×7 inches) on a lightly floured surface.
Step 3: Divide the sauce evenly between the dough, spreading it over the top, leaving about 1 inch from the edge.
Step 4: Divide the toppings evenly, and top each with ricotta, parmesan, mozzarella, pepperoni, and ham.
Step 5: Roll up the dough like a cinnamon roll, pinch the edges to seal, and fold where the seam is.
Step 6: Fold under the ends. Transfer the stromboli to the prepared baking sheet (laying them side by side, seam side down, with at least 4 inches between them). Brush with the beaten egg mixture, then using a sharp knife, cut small slits in the top.
Step 7: Place in the oven and bake for 14-18 minutes or until golden brown on top. Remove from the oven and brush with olive oil and top with parmesan and parsley. Allow to cool for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Expert Tips
Dust with Cornmeal – Sprinkle cornmeal on the baking sheet before placing the stromboli. This helps prevent sticking and gives the crust a bit of added crunch.
Use Cold Dough – Chilled dough is easier to roll out and helps maintain a neat shape when forming the stromboli.
FAQs
Yes, you can make the dough from scratch using a basic pizza dough recipe. Mix flour, yeast, water, salt, and a little olive oil, then let it rise until doubled in size before rolling.
It goes well with Italian favorites like Italian chicken noodle soup, cheesy garlic bread, or chicken Caprese pasta salad with pesto dressing.
Storage Info
To STORE Homemade Pepperoni Stromboli, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate for up to 3 days. For longer storage, FREEZE the stromboli in an airtight container for up to 2 months.
To REHEAT, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the stromboli for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual slices on high for 1-2 minutes, though the crust may lose some crispness.
More Delicious Pizza Recipes to Try
Homemade Pepperoni Stromboli Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 balls pizza dough
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce
- 1/2 cup ricotta
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 1/3 cup grated mozzarella cheese
- 1 (6 ounce) bag pepperoni*
- 8 slices deli ham
- 1 egg+1 tbsp water - beaten
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tbsp grated parmesan
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley - chopped(optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 475°F (245°C). Line a standard-size baking sheet with parchment paper; set aside.
- Roll each ball of dough into a large and narrow rectangle (about 18×7 inches) on a lightly floured surface.
- Divide the sauce evenly between the dough, spreading it over the top, leaving about 1 inch from the edge.
- Divide the toppings evenly, and top each with ricotta, parmesan, mozzarella, pepperoni, and ham.
- Roll up the dough like a cinnamon roll, pinch the edges to seal, and fold where the seam is.
- Fold under the ends. Transfer the stromboli to the prepared baking sheet (laying them side by side, seam side down, with at least 4 inches between them). Brush with the beaten egg mixture, then using a sharp knife, cut small slits in the top.
- Place in the oven and bake for 14-18 minutes or until golden brown on top. Remove from the oven and brush with olive oil and top with parmesan and parsley. Allow to cool for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Gooey cheese, crispy crust, and the best combo of meats!!! This stromboli is incredible!!!
Yum! What a great dinner or appetizer!! Loving that you can take out or add what you like.
Very bright idea! So excited to try this! My fam loves pepperoni, so glad to know this! Thanks a lot!
My family is going to love these!!
We were wanting pizza and this was perfect! Thanks for a great recipe!