There’s something undeniably comforting about pizza flavors wrapped up in warm, golden dough—and Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Stromboli delivers that comfort in every single bite. Crispy on the outside, gooey on the inside, and packed with bold Italian-American flavors, this stromboli is the kind of recipe that turns an ordinary night into something memorable.

Stromboli is often confused with calzones or pizza rolls, but it deserves its own spotlight. Rolled instead of folded, baked until beautifully golden, and sliced into irresistible spirals, stromboli is designed for sharing. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family, hosting game night, or looking for a fun twist on pizza night, this recipe checks every box.

This version leans fully into classic pizza flavors—savory pepperoni, stretchy mozzarella, nutty provolone, and rich marinara—all sealed inside soft pizza dough brushed with olive oil and herbs. The result? A bakery-style stromboli that tastes like it came straight from your favorite pizzeria, only better because it’s homemade.

Why This Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Stromboli Works

This recipe is designed to be approachable, reliable, and deeply satisfying. The dough crisps up without drying out, the cheese melts evenly, and the pepperoni infuses the entire roll with flavor as it bakes. Rolling the fillings instead of stacking them ensures every slice gets the perfect balance of crust, cheese, and meat.

It’s also incredibly flexible. You can prep it ahead, customize the fillings, or serve it as a main dish, appetizer, or party snack. One stromboli feeds several people, making it cost-effective and crowd-friendly.

Ingredients

1 pound pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
1 cup marinara sauce, divided
1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup shredded provolone cheese
1 ½ cups sliced pepperoni
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh parsley, chopped (optional garnish)

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 400°F (205°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly brush with olive oil.
On a lightly floured surface, roll the pizza dough into a large rectangle, approximately 10×14 inches.
Spread ¾ cup of marinara sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border on all sides.
Sprinkle mozzarella and provolone cheeses evenly over the sauce.
Layer pepperoni slices evenly across the cheese.
Sprinkle Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and crushed red pepper flakes over the fillings.
Starting from the long edge, carefully roll the dough into a tight log, tucking in the sides as you roll.
Place the stromboli seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
Brush the top with olive oil and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese.
Using a sharp knife, cut a few small slits across the top to allow steam to escape.
Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
Let rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm with remaining marinara sauce for dipping.

Pro Tips for Perfect Stromboli

Don’t overfill: Too much filling can cause leaks and soggy dough.
Seal tightly: Pinch seams and tuck ends to keep everything inside.
Rest before slicing: This helps the cheese set slightly for cleaner slices.
Use parchment: It prevents sticking and makes cleanup easy.

Variations to Try

Meat Lover’s Stromboli: Add cooked sausage and bacon.
Veggie Pizza Stromboli: Use mushrooms, bell peppers, olives, and onions.
Spicy Stromboli: Add hot pepperoni and extra chili flakes.
Four-Cheese Stromboli: Mozzarella, provolone, fontina, and Parmesan.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Stromboli as:

A main dish with a fresh green salad
A game-day appetizer sliced into small rounds
A party platter centerpiece with multiple dipping sauces
A make-ahead freezer meal for busy nights

Storage & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through for best texture. Stromboli can also be frozen whole or sliced for up to 2 months.

Fun Food Fact

Stromboli is named after the volcanic island of Stromboli in Italy—but it’s actually an Italian-American creation, developed in the U.S. as a portable, shareable twist on pizza. Its rolled shape is said to resemble lava flowing from a volcano!