There’s something about pulling a golden, bubbling Cheesy Italian Stromboli out of the oven that just feels like a win. The smell alonegarlic, melted mozzarella, that perfect crispy crustgets everyone to the table fast.
I started shooting stromboli back in 2016 when a chef friend showed me how to seal the edges tight so nothing leaks. That one trick changed everythingnow the cheese stays inside where it belongs, and every slice looks as good as it tastes. After styling dozens of these for the blog, I’ve learned exactly what makes one photo-worthy and totally craveable.
Thomas Baker
Easy Cheesy Italian Stromboli Recipe Perfect for Dinner
This Easy Cheesy Italian Stromboli is a deliciously satisfying dinner option loaded with melty mozzarella, provolone, savory Italian ham or salami, and pepperoni. It’s simple to prepare and perfect for sharing, bringing a cozy Italian touch to your table.
Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper.
On a lightly floured surface, stretch and roll out the pizza dough into a rectangle approximately 12 by 14 inches.
Layer the provolone cheese evenly over the dough, then add the Italian ham or salami, followed by the pepperoni, and spread the shredded mozzarella on top, leaving a 1-inch margin around the edges.
Starting at one long edge, roll the dough up snugly like a jelly roll, then press and pinch the edges to seal completely.
Place the rolled stromboli seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
Brush the top generously with melted butter, then sprinkle with garlic powder and Italian seasoning all over.
Make a few diagonal cuts across the top to allow steam to escape during baking.
Bake the stromboli in the oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the crust turns golden and the cheese inside is bubbly.
Allow the stromboli to rest for about 5 to 10 minutes before slicing.
Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired and serve warm alongside marinara sauce for dipping.
Notes
Feel free to customize this stromboli by adding your favorite veggies or extra cheese for a personalized touch. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator and reheated in the oven for best results.
Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Italian Stromboli
This is one of those recipes that looks fancy but comes together in about half an hour. The golden, buttery crust practically crackles when you slice into it, and the layers of melted mozzarella, provolone, and Italian meats make every bite ridiculously satisfying.
Weeknight-friendly: Store-bought pizza dough means you skip the rising time and get straight to the good partrolling, stuffing, and baking.
Customizable: Swap the meats, add extra cheese, or tuck in your favorite seasonings. It’s very forgiving.
Crowd-pleaser: Everyone from picky eaters to hungry teenagers will ask for seconds. It’s that kind of recipe.
Great for leftovers: Slices reheat beautifully, making lunch the next day feel like a win.
Key Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty here is simplicity. You’re working with pizza dough, two kinds of cheese, Italian meats, and a few seasonings that bring everything together. Nothing exotic, nothing complicatedjust solid flavors that layer up beautifully.
Pizza dough is your base. Store-bought works perfectly, but if you’ve got homemade on hand, even better. Mozzarella cheese gives you that stretchy, melty goodness, while provolone cheese slices add a sharper, richer flavor. The combination is what makes the filling taste like the best deli sandwich, wrapped in warm bread.
For the meats, Italian ham or salami and pepperoni bring the classic Italian flavors. The Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and melted butter brushed on top create that golden, aromatic crust. A sprinkle of fresh parsley at the end adds a pop of color and freshness.
How It All Comes Together
Once your oven is preheated and your dough is rolled out into a rectangle, you’re basically building a delicious spiral. Start by layering the provolone slices across the dough, leaving a border so you can seal the edges later. Then add your Italian ham or salami, followed by the pepperoni, and finish with a generous layer of shredded mozzarella.
Rolling it up is easier than it looksjust start from one long side and roll tightly, like you’re making a jelly roll. Pinch the seams and ends to seal everything in. That’s the trick I learned back in 2016, and it’s what keeps all that melted cheese from escaping.
Brush the top with melted butter, sprinkle on the garlic powder and Italian seasoning, then make a few diagonal slits across the top. Those little cuts let the steam escape and give you a prettier finish. Bake until golden and bubbling, let it rest for a few minutes, then slice and serve.
Tips and Swaps to Make It Your Own
Ingredient
Easy Swap
Italian ham or salami
Use turkey, prosciutto, or omit for a lighter version
Pepperoni
Try cooked sausage crumbles or skip for a milder taste
Mozzarella cheese
Use a blend of Italian cheeses or add parmesan for extra sharpness
Pizza dough
Puff pastry works in a pinch for a flakier texture
Butter
Olive oil brushed on top works beautifully too
Pro Tip: If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the filling or brush the top with garlic butter mixed with a dash of hot sauce.
Serving and Storage Made Simple
Slice your stromboli into thick rounds and serve it warm with marinara sauce on the side for dipping. It’s perfect for a cozy dinner, game day, or even a casual weekend lunch. Pair it with a simple green salad or roasted veggies to round out the meal.
Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to three days. Wrap slices tightly in foil or store them in an airtight container. To reheat, pop them in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes until warmed through and the crust crisps back up. You can also microwave individual slices for a quick bite, though the oven gives you that fresh-baked texture again.
Storage Method
Duration
Best For
Refrigerator (wrapped)
3 days
Quick lunches and next-day dinners
Freezer (wrapped tightly)
Up to 2 months
Make-ahead meals
Reheat in oven
10 min at 350°F
Crispy crust and melty cheese
Note: If freezing, slice first so you can grab just what you need. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
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FAQs (Cheesy Italian Stromboli)
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the entire dish up to 24 hours before baking. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate. Let it come to room temperature for 15 minutes before baking, and add 5-10 extra minutes to the cooking time.
What type of cheese works best?
A combination of mozzarella and ricotta creates the perfect texture and flavor. The mozzarella provides that classic stretchy pull, while ricotta adds creaminess. Avoid pre-shredded cheese as it contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting.
How do I prevent the dough from getting soggy?
Pat all ingredients completely dry before assembling, especially any vegetables or meats. Use a light layer of olive oil on the dough and avoid overfilling. Bake on the bottom rack for the first 10 minutes to ensure a crispy bottom crust.
Can I freeze leftover portions?
Absolutely! Wrap individual slices in aluminum foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat frozen slices in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes, or thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat for 8-10 minutes until heated through.
What should I serve alongside this dish?
A fresh Italian salad with arugula and tomatoes pairs beautifully with this hearty meal. Marinara sauce makes an excellent dipping sauce, and roasted vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers complement the rich flavors perfectly.
You’ll love how this Cheesy Italian Stromboli turns outgolden and crispy on the outside, gooey and melted inside. The whole thing takes about thirty minutes, start to finish. Every slice looks camera-ready, and the smell gets everyone hovering around the kitchen. It’s one of those recipes that delivers exactly what you hope for.
If you want extra flavor, brush a little garlic butter on top halfway through bakingit makes the crust even more irresistible. Swap in your favorite deli meats or add roasted peppers for a twist. Leftovers reheat beautifully in a hot oven, so the crust stays crisp. I learned that trick shooting dozens of these over the years, and it never fails.
Did you grow up with stromboli nights, or is this your first time trying one? I’d love to see how yours turns outtag me or drop a photo in the comments. Save this recipe for your next cozy dinner or game day gathering. It’s the kind of meal that brings everyone together, and honestly, that’s my favorite part.
With a passion for wholesome cooking inspired by family traditions, I create healthy, simple recipes focused on sourdough, shrimp, chicken, and balanced meals for everyday wellness.
Every recipe here is tested in my kitchen using U.S. measurements and easy-to-find ingredients, so you can cook confidently.
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