🍞 Italian Stromboli Stuffed Bread – The Ultimate Cheesy Roll-Up
If you’ve ever craved something warm, cheesy, and full of Italian flavor, this Italian Stromboli Stuffed Bread is the answer. Picture a golden, crisp crust wrapped around layers of melty mozzarella, smoky pepperoni, savory ham, and aromatic herbs — all baked to bubbly perfection.
This dish combines the heart of Italian comfort food with the fun of a handheld meal. It’s a cross between pizza and a sandwich, yet it stands on its own as an irresistible main course or party appetizer. Whether you’re hosting game night, feeding a hungry family, or just craving something baked and cheesy, this homemade Stromboli will win everyone over.
🇮🇹 What Is Stromboli, Exactly?
Stromboli originated in the United States in the 1950s, inspired by Italian-American cuisine. It’s often compared to a calzone, but here’s the difference:
- Calzone is folded like a pocket.
- Stromboli is rolled up like a jelly roll.
This rolling method gives every bite a beautiful swirl of dough, meat, and cheese — the signature of a perfect Stromboli.
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Italian Stromboli Stuffed Bread
- Easy to make: Uses simple ingredients and store-bought pizza dough (or homemade, if you’re ambitious).
- Cheesy & flavorful: Melty mozzarella and sharp provolone give it the perfect gooey pull.
- Versatile filling: Use your favorite deli meats or even roasted veggies.
- Crowd-pleaser: Perfect for parties, holidays, or family dinners.
- Freezer-friendly: You can prep ahead and bake fresh when ready.
🛒 Ingredients
For the Dough (if homemade)
- 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast
- ¾ cup warm water (110°F)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Or use 1 lb store-bought pizza dough for convenience.
For the Filling
- ½ cup marinara sauce (plus extra for dipping)
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup provolone cheese, shredded
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup sliced pepperoni
- ½ cup sliced deli ham
- ½ cup cooked Italian sausage (optional)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
👩🍳 Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare the dough:
- If making from scratch, dissolve yeast and sugar in warm water. Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
- Add flour, salt, and olive oil. Mix and knead for 5–7 minutes until smooth.
- Cover and let rise for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- Roll out the dough:
- On a floured surface, roll the dough into a large rectangle, about 12×15 inches.
- Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce, leaving a 1-inch border on all sides.
- Layer the fillings:
- Sprinkle mozzarella, provolone, and Parmesan evenly.
- Add pepperoni, ham, and sausage (if using).
- Sprinkle Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes.
- Roll it up:
- Starting from the long edge, roll the dough tightly like a jelly roll.
- Pinch the seam to seal and tuck the ends underneath.
- Brush and bake:
- Place seam-side down on the baking sheet. Brush with beaten egg.
- Sprinkle with a pinch of Italian seasoning or grated Parmesan for a golden finish.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly.
- Cool and slice:
- Let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing into thick rounds.
- Serve warm with marinara dipping sauce.
Italian Stromboli Stuffed Bread
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- If making dough from scratch, activate yeast in warm water, then mix with flour, sugar, salt, and olive oil. Knead and let rise 1 hour.
- Roll dough into a 12×15-inch rectangle. Spread thin layer of marinara, leaving 1-inch border.
- Layer cheeses, meats, and seasonings evenly over dough.
- Roll tightly from long edge, seal seam, and tuck ends underneath.
- Brush with egg wash and sprinkle Parmesan. Bake 20–25 minutes until golden brown.
- Cool slightly, slice, and serve with marinara sauce for dipping.
Notes
🧀 Pro Tips from FoodieMoms
- Avoid soggy bread: Keep your sauce layer thin and make sure fillings aren’t too wet.
- Crispy crust hack: Brush the baked Stromboli with melted butter and garlic powder after removing it from the oven.
- Cheese pull perfection: Let it cool slightly before slicing — it helps the cheese stay gooey but not runny.
- For a twist: Add sautéed bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms for extra flavor.
🍕 Fun Variations
- Classic Italian: Ham, salami, pepperoni, mozzarella, and provolone.
- Veggie Lover’s: Spinach, mushrooms, roasted red peppers, olives, and mozzarella.
- Chicken Alfredo: Grilled chicken, mozzarella, and Alfredo sauce.
- Breakfast Stromboli: Scrambled eggs, bacon, cheddar cheese, and green onions.
🍽️ Serving Ideas
This Italian Stromboli Stuffed Bread is incredibly versatile:
- Serve as a main course with a side salad or roasted vegetables.
- Slice into smaller pieces for a party appetizer.
- Pack leftovers for a grab-and-go lunch — it reheats beautifully!
Pair with:
- A fresh Caesar salad
- Roasted garlic potatoes
- A glass of red wine or sparkling water with lemon
🧊 How to Store & Reheat
- Fridge: Wrap leftovers in foil and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Wrap unbaked Stromboli in plastic wrap, then foil. Freeze up to 2 months. Bake from frozen, adding 10 extra minutes to the cook time.
- Reheat: Warm in the oven at 350°F until heated through — this keeps it crispy!
🕵️♀️ Did You Know?
The name Stromboli actually comes from an Italian volcano! The dish got its name from the movie Stromboli (1950), and just like its namesake, it’s bursting with hot, cheesy flavor.
❤️ Why FoodieMoms Loves It
At FoodieMoms, we’re obsessed with comfort food that brings everyone to the table. This Italian Stromboli Stuffed Bread delivers all the cozy vibes — soft inside, crispy outside, and loaded with Italian flavor. It’s simple, satisfying, and oh-so-shareable.
