Ingredients:
- 1 tube Pillsbury pizza crust
- 8 slices deli ham
- 10 slices Genoa salami
- 12 slices sandwich pepperoni
- 8 slices provolone cheese or mozzarella (or shredded cheese, as desired)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons chopped parsley
- 3 tablespoons Parmesan cheese
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to the temperature specified on the tube of pizza crust dough. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter. Mix in the minced garlic, chopped parsley, and Parmesan cheese. Set aside.
- Stretch the pizza crust out to almost the size of your baking sheet.
- Layer the deli meats on the stretched pizza crust. Begin with the ham, followed by the salami, and then the pepperoni.
- Layer the cheese on top of the meats.
- Carefully roll the Stromboli longwise, ensuring to seal the seam tightly.
- Seal the ends of the Stromboli well by pinching them and molding any excess dough to the underside of the Stromboli.
- Use a serrated knife to score the top of the Stromboli a few times, allowing steam to escape while baking.
- Top the Stromboli with the garlic butter mixture, spreading it evenly over the top.
- Bake the Stromboli in the preheated oven for the same duration as instructed on the back of the pizza dough tube. There’s no need to par-bake it separately.
- Once baked, remove the Stromboli from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes.
- Slice the Stromboli into desired portions and serve with marinara sauce for dipping, if desired.
Enjoy your delicious Italian Stromboli!
Here are some helpful tips to make your Italian Stromboli even more delightful:
- Quality Ingredients: Choose high-quality deli meats and cheese for the best flavor. Freshly sliced meats and cheeses from the deli counter often have more flavor compared to pre-packaged options.
- Variety: Experiment with different combinations of meats and cheeses to suit your taste preferences. You can add ingredients like Italian sausage, roasted red peppers, or even vegetables like bell peppers and onions for added flavor and texture.
- Seasonings: Don’t be afraid to add additional seasonings or herbs to the garlic butter mixture for extra flavor. Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper flakes, or basil can enhance the taste of your Stromboli.
- Proper Rolling Technique: When rolling the Stromboli, make sure to roll it tightly to prevent the filling from spilling out during baking. Press down gently as you roll to compact the ingredients and create a firm seal.
- Cheese Distribution: Ensure that the cheese is evenly distributed throughout the Stromboli to ensure every bite is cheesy and delicious. You can layer the cheese slices or sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over the meats.
- Golden Brown Crust: Bake the Stromboli until the crust is golden brown and crispy. This will give it a delicious texture and ensure that the dough is fully cooked.
- Resting Time: Allow the Stromboli to rest for a few minutes after baking before slicing. This allows the cheese to set slightly and makes it easier to cut into neat slices without the filling oozing out.
- Dipping Sauces: Serve your Stromboli with a variety of dipping sauces for added flavor. Marinara sauce, ranch dressing, or balsamic glaze are popular options that complement the flavors of the Stromboli.
- Presentation: For an extra special touch, sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley over the top of the baked Stromboli before serving. This adds a pop of color and freshness to the dish.
- Customization: Feel free to customize the Stromboli to suit your taste preferences. Whether you like it extra cheesy, spicy, or loaded with toppings, don’t be afraid to get creative and make it your own!
Here are some secrets to help you achieve Stromboli perfection:
- Proper Dough Handling: Handle the pizza dough gently to prevent it from tearing or becoming too thin in spots. If the dough tears, you can pinch it back together, but try to avoid overworking it.
- Even Layering: Ensure that the meats and cheeses are evenly layered across the dough. This will help distribute the flavors throughout the Stromboli and prevent any one area from being too heavy with ingredients.
- Sealing the Edges: Seal the edges of the Stromboli tightly to prevent the filling from leaking out during baking. Use your fingers to press and seal the edges well, and tuck any excess dough underneath for a clean finish.
- Scoring the Top: Score the top of the Stromboli with a sharp knife before baking to allow steam to escape. This will help prevent the dough from becoming soggy and ensure a crispy crust.
- Quality Ingredients: Use high-quality ingredients, including fresh deli meats, flavorful cheeses, and a good quality pizza dough. Fresh ingredients will elevate the flavor of your Stromboli and make it truly delicious.
- Balanced Fillings: Aim for a balanced combination of meats, cheeses, and any additional fillings you choose to include. Avoid overstuffing the Stromboli, as this can make it difficult to roll and may cause it to burst open during baking.
- Baking Temperature and Time: Follow the baking instructions for the pizza dough closely, but keep an eye on the Stromboli as it bakes. Adjust the temperature or baking time if needed to achieve a golden brown crust without burning the edges.
- Resting Period: Allow the Stromboli to rest for a few minutes after baking before slicing. This will allow the cheese to set slightly and make it easier to cut into neat slices without the filling oozing out.
- Serve with Dipping Sauce: While it’s traditional to serve Stromboli with marinara sauce for dipping, feel free to experiment with different sauces to find your favorite combination. Ranch dressing, garlic aioli, or balsamic glaze can all complement the flavors of the Stromboli.
- Enjoy Fresh: Stromboli is best enjoyed fresh out of the oven when the crust is crispy and the cheese is gooey. Serve it hot and enjoy every delicious bite!
By following these secrets, you’ll be well on your way to creating the perfect Italian Stromboli every time!
Here are some popular questions and their answers related to Italian Stromboli:
- What is Italian Stromboli?
- Italian Stromboli is a type of rolled sandwich made with pizza dough that’s filled with various Italian meats, cheeses, and sometimes vegetables. It’s typically baked until golden brown and served sliced.
- What’s the difference between Stromboli and calzone?
- While both Stromboli and calzone are Italian-inspired stuffed bread dishes, they have some differences. Stromboli is typically made by rolling pizza dough around a filling of meats and cheeses, while calzone is made by folding pizza dough over a filling to create a half-moon shape. Additionally, Stromboli is often sliced and served, while calzone is typically served whole.
- What kind of meats can I use in Stromboli?
- You can use a variety of Italian meats in Stromboli, including pepperoni, salami, ham, prosciutto, and Italian sausage. Feel free to mix and match based on your preferences.
- Can I make Stromboli ahead of time?
- Yes, you can assemble the Stromboli ahead of time and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. Just be sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out.
- How do I reheat leftover Stromboli?
- To reheat leftover Stromboli, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and wrap the Stromboli in aluminum foil. Bake for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat individual slices in the microwave for about 1-2 minutes.
- What dipping sauces go well with Stromboli?
- Marinara sauce is a classic dipping sauce for Stromboli, but you can also serve it with ranch dressing, garlic aioli, or balsamic glaze for added flavor.
- Can I freeze Stromboli?
- Yes, you can freeze Stromboli either before or after baking. If freezing before baking, assemble the Stromboli, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. If freezing after baking, allow the Stromboli to cool completely, then wrap it tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat frozen Stromboli in the oven until heated through.
- How do I prevent my Stromboli from getting soggy?
- To prevent your Stromboli from getting soggy, make sure to score the top of the dough before baking to allow steam to escape. Additionally, avoid overfilling the Stromboli with wet ingredients, and be sure to bake it on a preheated baking sheet or pizza stone to ensure a crispy crust.
- Can I make vegetarian Stromboli?
- Yes, you can make vegetarian Stromboli by omitting the meat and filling it with a combination of vegetables, cheeses, and herbs. Some popular vegetarian fillings include roasted vegetables, spinach, mushrooms, and sun-dried tomatoes.
- What’s the best way to serve Stromboli?
- Stromboli is best served hot and sliced into individual portions. You can serve it as a main dish alongside a salad or as a party appetizer with dipping sauces on the side. Enjoy!
