Cheesy Pepperoni Stromboli: A Golden, Crispy Pizza Roll Stuffed with Melty Perfection!
Get ready to level up your game night, family dinner, or casual get-together with this incredible Cheesy Pepperoni Stromboli! Forget the flat pizza; this is a golden, crispy, baked pizza roll, generously stuffed with gooey, melty mozzarella cheese and savory pepperoni. It’s easy to make, incredibly satisfying, and perfect for tearing apart and sharing. Prepare for a cheesy, pepperoni-packed delight that will disappear in minutes!
Why This Stromboli is a Must-Make
- Ultimate Comfort Food: All the beloved flavors of pizza in a fun, new format.
- Crispy & Chewy Texture: A beautiful golden crust gives way to a soft, cheesy interior.
- Melty Perfection: Packed with mozzarella that stretches with every bite.
- Feeds a Crowd: Easily sliced and shared, making it perfect for gatherings.
- Simple & Fun: Uses store-bought pizza dough for quick assembly.
What You’ll Need
Gather these simple ingredients to create your fantastic Cheesy Pepperoni Stromboli:
Ingredients:
- 1 lb store-bought pizza dough (room temperature is best for easy rolling)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (part-skim or whole milk)
- ½ cup sliced pepperoni (mini or regular size)
- 2 tbsp olive oil, divided (plus more for brushing)
- 1 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for extra flavor)
- ½ tsp garlic powder (optional, for garlic bread-like crust)
- ¼ tsp dried oregano or Italian seasoning (optional, for dough seasoning)
- Extra pizza sauce or marinara sauce, for dipping
Instructions: Roll Up the Pizza Fun!
1. Prepare the Dough & Preheat:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a large baking sheet with 1 tablespoon of olive oil or line it with parchment paper.
2. Roll Out the Dough:
On a lightly floured surface, unroll the store-bought pizza dough. Gently stretch or roll it into a large rectangle, approximately 12×16 inches. Try to keep the thickness even.
3. Layer the Fillings:
Leave about a 1-inch border clear around the edges of the dough. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the dough. Arrange the sliced pepperoni over the mozzarella cheese. Optional: If desired, you can sprinkle a little extra Parmesan cheese over the pepperoni.
4. Roll and Seal the Stromboli:
Starting from one of the long sides, carefully and tightly roll the dough up into a log. Once rolled, pinch the seam firmly to seal it closed. Pinch and tuck in the ends of the log to seal them as well, ensuring no filling escapes during baking.
5. Prepare for Baking:
Carefully transfer the sealed stromboli, seam-side down, to your prepared baking sheet. In a small bowl, combine the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil with the optional garlic powder and dried oregano/Italian seasoning. Whisk to combine. Brush the top and sides of the stromboli generously with this olive oil mixture. Using a sharp knife, make 3-4 shallow slits or vents across the top of the stromboli. This allows steam to escape and helps the crust get crispy.
6. Bake to Golden Perfection:
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the stromboli is golden brown and crispy on the outside, and the cheese inside is bubbly and melted. If your oven browns unevenly, rotate the baking sheet halfway through.
7. Rest, Slice, and Serve:
Remove the stromboli from the oven and transfer it to a cutting board. Let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing. This allows the cheese to set slightly, preventing it from oozing out excessively when cut. Slice the stromboli into thick pieces (about 1.5-2 inches thick). Serve warm with extra pizza sauce or marinara sauce for dipping. Enjoy your cheesy, pepperoni-packed creation!
Tips for Stromboli Success
- Room Temperature Dough: Allow your store-bought pizza dough to come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before unrolling. This makes it much easier to work with and prevent tearing.
- Don’t Overfill: It’s tempting to load it up, but too much filling can make the stromboli difficult to roll and prone to bursting. Stick to a single layer of cheese and pepperoni.
- Seal it Tight: Ensure all seams are firmly pinched and sealed. This is crucial to keep the delicious filling inside.
- Vent the Top: The slits on top are important for steam release, preventing the stromboli from puffing up too much and possibly cracking.
- Brush with Oil: The olive oil mixture on the outside not only adds flavor but also helps create that beautiful golden, crispy crust.
- Vary the Fillings: Get creative! Add sautéed mushrooms, diced bell peppers (cooked and drained), cooked crumbled sausage, or black olives to your filling. Just make sure any added veggies are low in moisture.
- Cheese Blend: While mozzarella is classic, a mix with provolone or even a little Parmesan inside can add more depth of flavor.
This Cheesy Pepperoni Stromboli is a fun, satisfying, and incredibly delicious way to enjoy your pizza cravings. It’s guaranteed to be a hit!