Homemade Pepperoni Stromboli with Melted Mozzarella: A Family Favorite!
Let’s face it—some days you just want to whip up something that looks and tastes like a gourmet meal without the hours of slaving away in the kitchen. Homemade Pepperoni Stromboli with Melted Mozzarella hits all the right notes: it’s delicious, easy to make, and your family will think you’re a culinary genius!
Why You’ll Love This Homemade Pepperoni Stromboli
Imagine this: a golden, crispy crust enveloping gooey melted mozzarella, spicy pepperoni, and your favorite Italian herbs. The smell that wafts through your kitchen will make you feel like you’ve just walked into a local pizzeria. Best of all, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual family gatherings. This dish is like a warm hug when you’re feeling overwhelmed, and it’s somehow always a hit—even with the pickiest of eaters!
Ingredients
Gather up these simple ingredients, and you’re halfway to a delicious meal:
- 1 package of pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup sliced pepperoni
- 1/2 cup marinara sauce (plus extra for dipping!)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
Steps to Making Your Stromboli
Preheat the Oven: First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This is crucial as it ensures your tempo turns crispy!
Roll Out the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out your pizza dough into a large rectangle. Think of it as your golden canvas.
Layer the Goodies: Spread the marinara sauce evenly across the dough, leaving about an inch around the edges. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce, and layer the pepperoni on top. Honestly, you could throw in some sautéed bell peppers or mushrooms if you’re feeling adventurous!
Season It Up: Sprinkle Italian seasoning and garlic powder on top. A little extra flavor never hurt anyone!
Roll It Up: Carefully roll the dough starting from one of the longer sides, and keep it tight but not so tight that it bursts. Pinch the edges to seal in your deliciousness.
Prepare for Baking: Place the rolled stromboli seam-side down on a greased baking sheet. Brush it all over with olive oil and beat the egg in a small bowl for an egg wash, giving your stromboli that shiny, golden finish.
Bake: Pop it in your preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. Keep an eye on it towards the end—you want it beautifully golden brown!
Serve: Once baked, let it cool for 5-10 minutes before slicing. Serve hot with marinara sauce on the side for dipping. Trust me, no one will be able to resist!
Cooking Tips
- Cheese Choices: If you’re feeling gourmet, feel free to mix in provolone or fontina cheese for an extra layer of flavor. You won’t regret it!
- Lumpiness is Okay: If your sauce looks a little lumpy, don’t fret! That’s just the cheesy magic happening.
A Personal Touch
This Homemade Pepperoni Stromboli recipe quickly became a go-to in my home after realizing how much joy it brought my kids. They loved customizing their strombolis with all sorts of fillings, and let’s just say, it turned into a fun family tradition! Plus, I’d be lying if I said I didn’t enjoy sneaking in some extra veggies when no one was looking.
FAQs
Can I substitute the pepperoni in this recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap in cooked sausage, vegetables, or even ham if that’s more to your taste.
How can I store leftovers?
Leftover stromboli can be wrapped tightly and stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven to bring back some of that crispiness.
Wrap It Up
In just a short amount of time, you can create this Homemade Pepperoni Stromboli with Melted Mozzarella that’s sure to be a family favorite! Perfect for those busy nights or cozy weekends, this recipe is all about savoring simple pleasures and creating joyful family moments. So preheat that oven and get ready for the compliments to roll in!
And remember, whether you’re cooking for your family or just for yourself, it’s all about enjoying the process (and of course, the delicious results). Happy cooking!
Ready for more? Check out my classic marinara sauce recipe for the perfect companion to your stromboli, or explore my easy pizza dough guide to make it from scratch!
Meta Description: Homemade Pepperoni Stromboli with Melted Mozzarella is the perfect recipe for busy families. Quick, easy, and loaded with flavor, try it today!
Pepperoni Stromboli
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out your pizza dough into a large rectangle.
- Spread the marinara sauce evenly across the dough, leaving about an inch around the edges.
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce, and layer the pepperoni on top.
- Sprinkle Italian seasoning and garlic powder over the toppings.
- Carefully roll the dough starting from one of the longer sides, and pinch the edges to seal.
- Place the rolled stromboli seam-side down on a greased baking sheet.
- Brush with olive oil and beat the egg in a small bowl for an egg wash.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until beautifully golden brown.
- Let it cool for 5-10 minutes before slicing, and serve hot with marinara sauce on the side.