Italian Stromboli is a delicious and versatile dish, perfect for lunch, dinner, or as an appetizer at gatherings. This recipe features a delectable combination of deli chicken ham, Genoa salami, and sandwich pepperoni, layered with creamy provolone or mozzarella cheese, all wrapped in a golden, crispy pizza crust. The finishing touch of a savory garlic butter mixture makes this Stromboli irresistibly flavorful. It’s a great way to enjoy all your favorite Italian deli flavors in one bite-sized package, ideal for family meals or entertaining guests. The recipe is straightforward and easy to follow, making it a favorite for both novice and experienced cooks alike.
Ingredients
- 1 tube of Pillsbury pizza crust (or similar)
- 8 slices deli chicken ham
- 10 slices Genoa salami
- 12 slices sandwich pepperoni
- 8 slices provolone cheese or mozzarella (shredded cheese can also be used)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons chopped parsley
- 3 tablespoons Parmesan cheese
Instructions
Prepare Garlic Butter Mixture:
- Melt the Butter:
- Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in the microwave or on the stove. Once melted, mix in 2 cloves of minced garlic, 2 teaspoons of chopped parsley, and 3 tablespoons of Parmesan cheese. Stir well to combine and set aside.
Preheat and Prep:
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to the temperature recommended on the pizza crust tube, typically around 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
Prepare the Dough:
- Stretch the Pizza Crust:
- Unroll the pizza crust onto the prepared baking sheet. Use your hands to gently stretch the dough to nearly the size of your baking sheet, forming a large rectangle.
Layer Ingredients:
- Add the Meats:
- Start by layering 8 slices of deli chicken ham evenly over the stretched pizza crust. Follow with 10 slices of Genoa salami, then 12 slices of sandwich pepperoni, ensuring an even distribution of the meats.
Add Cheese:
- Layer the Cheese:
- Layer 8 slices of provolone or mozzarella cheese over the meats. If using shredded cheese, sprinkle about 1 to 1½ cups evenly over the meats.
Roll and Seal:
- Roll the Stromboli:
- Carefully roll the Stromboli lengthwise, starting from one end and rolling tightly until you reach the other end. Make sure the seam is sealed well to prevent the filling from spilling out during baking.
- Pinch and mold the ends of the dough underneath the Stromboli to seal them securely.
Prepare for Baking:
- Score the Dough:
- Use a serrated knife to score the top of the Stromboli a few times. This allows steam to escape during baking, helping to prevent the crust from becoming soggy.
Top with Garlic Butter:
- Spread Garlic Butter:
- Evenly spread the prepared garlic butter mixture over the top of the Stromboli. This adds a rich, savory flavor and helps the crust turn a beautiful golden brown.
Bake:
- Bake the Stromboli:
- Place the Stromboli in the preheated oven and bake according to the instructions on the pizza crust tube, usually around 15-20 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and cooked through.
Serve and Enjoy:
- Cool and Slice:
- Once baked, remove the Stromboli from the oven and allow it to cool slightly, about 5 minutes. This makes slicing easier and helps the flavors meld together.
- Slice the Stromboli into desired portions and serve warm.
Serving Suggestions
- Dip it: Serve with a side of marinara sauce for dipping.
- Accompaniments: Pair with a simple salad or some roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
- Appetizer: Cut into smaller slices to serve as an appetizer at parties.
Notes
- Customizing Fillings: Feel free to customize the fillings to your preference. You can add other deli meats like turkey or roast beef, or include vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or olives.
- Cheese Variations: While provolone and mozzarella are traditional choices, you can experiment with other cheeses like cheddar, gouda, or pepper jack for different flavors.
- Storage: Leftover Stromboli can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
- Freezing: To freeze, wrap the unbaked Stromboli tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, unwrap and bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
FAQs
- Can I use homemade pizza dough?
- Yes, you can use homemade pizza dough if you prefer. Just roll it out to a similar size as the store-bought dough and follow the same instructions.
- What can I use instead of Pillsbury pizza crust?
- Any brand of refrigerated pizza dough will work. You can also use fresh pizza dough from a bakery or homemade dough.
- Can I make Stromboli ahead of time?
- Yes, you can assemble the Stromboli ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap.
- How do I prevent the Stromboli from getting soggy?
- Ensure that the ingredients are not too wet. Pat dry any vegetables or meats with high moisture content before adding them to the dough. Scoring the top of the Stromboli also helps release steam during baking.
- What other sauces can I serve with Stromboli?
- Besides marinara, you can serve Stromboli with ranch dressing, garlic butter sauce, or even a spicy sriracha mayo.
Enjoy this Italian Stromboli recipe for its delicious, customizable flavors and easy preparation. It’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection!