Description
This Tremendous Cheesy Pepperoni Stromboli combines layers of melted mozzarella, provolone, and Parmesan cheeses with savory pepperoni, all rolled inside a golden, crispy pizza dough crust. Perfectly seasoned with Italian herbs and garlic powder, this classic Italian-American main course is easy to prepare and perfect for a hearty meal served with marinara sauce for dipping.
Ingredients
Scale
Dough and Base
- 1 pound pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 egg (beaten, for egg wash)
Cheese and Meat Filling
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded provolone cheese
- 1/2 cup sliced pepperoni
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Accompaniments
- Marinara sauce for serving
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Roll Out Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pizza dough into a large 10×14 inch rectangle, creating an even base for your fillings.
- Brush with Olive Oil: Lightly brush the dough surface with olive oil to add flavor and help the crust crisp up beautifully.
- Add Fillings: Evenly sprinkle the shredded mozzarella, provolone, sliced pepperoni, and grated Parmesan cheese over the dough, making sure to leave a 1-inch border around the edges to seal properly.
- Season: Sprinkle Italian seasoning and garlic powder evenly over the top for that classic savory flavor.
- Roll the Dough: Carefully roll the dough jelly-roll style starting from one long side. Pinch the seam and the ends firmly to seal the stromboli so none of the fillings escape during baking.
- Prepare for Baking: Place the rolled stromboli seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet. Brush the entire surface with the beaten egg wash to create a golden, shiny crust.
- Vent the Stromboli: Use a sharp knife to cut 3–4 small slits on top to allow steam to escape while baking, preventing sogginess.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the interior is cooked through with bubbly melted cheese.
- Rest and Serve: Allow the stromboli to rest for 5 minutes after baking to let the cheese set slightly for easier slicing. Serve warm with marinara sauce on the side for dipping.
Notes
- Feel free to add cooked vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach for extra flavor and nutrition.
- You can swap in sausage or ham in place of the pepperoni to vary the meat options.
- For a spicier kick, add red pepper flakes or use spicy pepperoni varieties.
- Make sure to seal the edges tightly to prevent filling leakage while baking.
