Oh my goodness, friends, do I have a treat for you today! Picture this: a golden, flaky crust enveloping gooey, melted cheese and savory pepperoni, all slathered in rich marinara sauce. Yes, I’m talking about **Homemade Stromboli**! This delightful dish has journeyed its way into my heart (and kitchen) over the years, and let me tell you, it’s stood the test of time.
I fondly remember the first time I attempted to make stromboli. I was hosting a pizza night with friends and wanted to impress everyone. As the aroma filled my kitchen, so did the laughter and enjoyment around the dining table. It was a hit! Since then, it has become a go-to for cozy nights in and game day spreads. Not only is it super fun to make, but it’s also unbelievably versatile. You can throw in any of your favorite ingredients and create a masterpiece that reflects your taste buds!
What’s in Homemade Stromboli?
Let’s take a quick look at the ingredients that make this stromboli so irresistible:
1 pound pizza dough: You can use store-bought for convenience or try making your own if you’re feeling adventurous! I have a soft spot for a classic, chewy crust.
1 cup marinara sauce: This serves as the delicious base layer. I like to go for a quality jarred sauce or homemade if I have it on hand. A little extra never hurts for dipping!
8 ounces mozzarella cheese, shredded: The classic melty cheese that pulls apart beautifully. Go for whole milk mozzarella if you want an extra creamy texture – you won’t regret it!
4 ounces pepperoni slices: The star of the filling! You can swap this for any of your favorite meats, like sausage or even veggies if you prefer something lighter.
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: This adds a lovely savory bite to the mix. I love the extra depth it brings!
1 tsp Italian seasoning: A mix of herbs that heightens the flavor of the stromboli.
1 egg: We’ll use this for a lovely egg wash that gives the finished product its golden sheen.
1 tbsp olive oil: Because we all know a little drizzle of olive oil makes everything better!
Fresh parsley, chopped: A little sprinkle for garnish never hurt anyone. It also adds a pop of color!
Salt and pepper to taste: Always necessary to elevate the flavors.
Is Homemade Stromboli Good for You?
Now, I know what you’re thinking. Is stromboli really healthy? Well, like anything, it’s all about moderation! While it might not be a kale salad, it does pack in some nutrients. Here’s the breakdown:
Pizza Dough: It’s the foundation. Using whole wheat dough can boost fiber content, making it a bit heartier.
Cheese: Both mozzarella and Parmesan provide calcium and protein, essential for bone health and muscle function!
Pepperoni: It adds flavor, but it’s a bit heavier on the sodium and fat, so it can be nice to mix in veggies or leaner proteins for a healthier twist.
Serve it with a side salad or some roasted veggies, and you’ve balanced out your meal beautifully!
Ingredients List
This delicious Homemade Stromboli makes about 4 servings:
– 1 pound pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
– 1 cup marinara sauce (plus extra for dipping)
– 8 ounces mozzarella cheese, shredded
– 4 ounces pepperoni slices
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 tsp Italian seasoning
– 1 egg (for egg wash)
– 1 tbsp olive oil
– Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
– Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make Homemade Stromboli?
Ready to dive into the world of stromboli-making? Here’s how to do it step-by-step:
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Roll out the pizza dough on a lightly floured surface into a large rectangle (about 12×16 inches).
3. Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce over the dough, leaving about an inch of border around the edges.
4. Evenly distribute the shredded mozzarella cheese over the marinara sauce.
5. Layer the pepperoni slices on top of the mozzarella.
6. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning evenly over the filling.
7. Starting from one long side, carefully roll the dough into a tight log. Pinch the seams and ends to seal the stromboli.
8. Place the rolled stromboli seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
9. In a small bowl, beat the egg and brush it over the top of the stromboli for a golden finish.
10. Using a sharp knife, make diagonal slits across the top of the stromboli to allow steam to escape.
11. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
12. Let the stromboli rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
13. Serve warm with additional marinara sauce for dipping and garnish with fresh parsley.
Customizing Your Stromboli Creations
Here’s where the creative fun comes in! Feel free to mix up the fillings based on what you have on hand. Want to throw in some sautéed bell peppers, spinach, or even some sautéed mushrooms? Go for it! This dish is all about letting your imagination run wild.
And don’t forget, if you have leftovers (if they even last that long!), you can store them in the refrigerator and reheat them in the oven for the best results.
So there you have it! Homemade Stromboli, ready for you to tackle. I can’t wait for you to give this a try. Trust me, once you make it, you’ll be hooked! Please let me know how it turns out and feel free to share your delicious variations. Happy cooking!
