How To Make An Easy Stromboli

The smell of homemade Stromboli baking in the oven always makes everyone wander into the kitchen. This recipe has been a family favorite in our house for years — it’s one of those meals that disappears before it even hits the table. I love how simple it is to make, especially with this soft, buttery dough that rolls out like a dream.

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You can fill it with whatever you have on hand — deli meats, veggies, or extra cheese (always extra cheese in our house!). And if you’re in a hurry, using frozen bread dough works perfectly, too. Either way, this Stromboli turns out golden, melty, and absolutely RIDIC-ULICIOUS every single time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This homemade Stromboli is a showstopper that’s easier than it looks! With a soft, buttery dough that’s incredibly easy to roll out and fill, you can customize it with all your favorite meats, cheeses, and veggies. It’s perfect for game night, casual dinners, or a make-ahead meal that reheats beautifully.

The best part? You can make the dough completely from scratch — no fancy equipment required. It’s soft, golden, and perfectly chewy, wrapping around those RIDIC-ULICIOUS fillings like a cozy blanket.

Homemade Stromboli Dough

This dough is simple, foolproof, and a dream to work with. It’s soft, rolls out beautifully, and bakes up tender with a gorgeous golden crust. You can use it for Stromboli, calzones, or even mini pizza rolls.

Ingredients for the Dough:

• 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F)
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
• 1 large egg
• 2 tablespoons melted butter
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 3–3 ¼ cups all-purpose flour

Instructions for the Dough:

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Stir and let it sit for 5–10 minutes, until foamy.
2. Add in the egg, melted butter, and salt. Mix until combined.
3. Gradually add flour, one cup at a time, mixing after each addition until a soft dough forms.
4. Knead for 5–7 minutes (by hand or with a dough hook) until smooth and elastic.
5. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm spot for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

Now you’re ready to fill, roll, and bake your Stromboli!

💡 Shortcut Tip: For a time-saver, use thawed frozen bread dough instead of homemade. Let it rise once before rolling out — it works beautifully in this recipe!

Filling Ideas (with Amounts & Weights)

Here’s where the fun really begins — layering all those delicious meats, cheeses, and seasonings! For one full Stromboli, I typically use around 8–10 ounces of meat and 6–8 ounces of cheese, but feel free to adjust the amounts to your taste. Use a little less for a lighter roll or load it up generously for an extra hearty version — it’s completely up to you.

Here are a few tried-and-true combinations to get you started:

• Classic Italian Stromboli:
  • 3 ounces sliced salami
  • 3 ounces sliced pepperoni
  • 3 ounces sliced ham
  • 6–8 ounces shredded mozzarella or provolone cheese
    Sprinkle lightly with Italian seasoning or crushed red pepper flakes.
• Three-Meat & Cheese Lovers:
  • 3 ounces each of salami, ham, and pepperoni (about 9 ounces total)
  • 8 ounces mozzarella and provolone combined
• Chicken Bacon Ranch:
  • 1½ cups (about 8 ounces) cooked chicken, diced or shredded
  • 3 ounces crispy bacon
  • 6 ounces shredded cheddar or mozzarella
  • A drizzle of ranch dressing before rolling
• Veggie Supreme:
  • 1 cup sautéed spinach
  • ½ cup roasted red peppers
  • ½ cup mushrooms
  • 6–8 ounces mozzarella or provolone
• Cheesesteak Style:
  • 8 ounces thinly sliced cooked steak or deli roast beef
  • ½ cup sautéed onions and peppers
  • 6 ounces provolone cheese

💡 Tip: Keep your filling layer about ¼ inch thick and leave a 1-inch border around the edges before rolling. That helps the dough seal properly and keeps your cheese from escaping while baking.

How to Make Stromboli

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Roll out the dough into a 12×18-inch rectangle on a lightly floured surface.
3. Add your fillings, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges.
4. Roll it up jelly-roll style from the long side, pinching the seams and tucking in the ends.
5. Place seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
6. Brush with melted butter or egg wash and sprinkle with Italian seasoning or garlic powder.
7. Bake for 25–30 minutes, until golden brown and bubbly.
8. Cool slightly before slicing, then serve with warm marinara for dipping.

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Serving Suggestions

Slice your Stromboli into thick rounds and serve it with:

• Marinara or pizza sauce
• A side salad or soup
• Or enjoy it just as it is — warm, cheesy, and full of flavor!

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Storage and Reheating

Reheat: Warm in the oven at 350°F for 10–12 minutes, or until heated through.

Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Freeze: Wrap baked Stromboli tightly in foil and freeze for up to 2 months.

FAQ

Can I use store-bought dough instead?

Yes! While homemade dough gives the best flavor and texture, store-bought pizza dough works in a pinch.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely. Prepare the dough, let it rise once, then refrigerate overnight. Bring to room temperature before rolling out.

What’s the difference between Stromboli and Calzone?

A Stromboli is rolled like a log and sliced after baking, while a Calzone is folded in half and sealed like a pocket.

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