The RollUp Champion Easy Cheesy Pepperoni Stromboli with Garlic Butter Glaze

Easy Cheesy Pepperoni Stromboli

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Preparation time:35 Mins

Cooking time:25 Mins

Servings:6-8 slices

Ingredients:

• 1 cup warm water (105°F-115°F)
• 2 ¼ teaspoons Active Dry or Instant Yeast
• 1 teaspoon Granulated Sugar
• 2 ½ cups All-Purpose Flour, plus more for dusting
• 1 teaspoon Fine Sea Salt
• 2 tablespoons Olive Oil, plus extra for greasing
• 2 cups Shredded Whole Milk Mozzarella Cheese
• ½ cup Provolone Cheese (sliced or shredded)
• 6 oz Sliced Pepperoni
• ¼ cup Grated Parmesan Cheese
• 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano
• ½ teaspoon Garlic Powder (for filling)
• 4 tablespoons Unsalted Butter, melted (for glaze)
• 2 cloves Fresh Garlic, minced (for glaze)
• 1 teaspoon Dried Parsley (for glaze)
• 1 large Egg beaten with 1 tablespoon water (optional Egg Wash)
• Coarse Salt or Sesame Seeds (for topping)

Instructions:

• Activate Yeast: Whisk yeast and sugar into warm water. Let stand 5–10 minutes until foamy (bloomed).
• Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk flour and salt.
• Mix and Knead: Add the yeast mixture and olive oil to the dry ingredients. Mix until a shaggy dough forms. Knead for 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
• First Rise: Place dough in an oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover and let rise in a warm spot for 1.5–2 hours until doubled in size.
• Preheat & Prep: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• Roll Out: Gently punch down the dough. On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough into a large rectangle, approximately 10x14 inches.
• Prepare Filling: In a small bowl, mix the mozzarella, provolone, Parmesan, oregano, and garlic powder.
• Layer: Leave a 1-inch border clear on the long edge furthest from you. Sprinkle the cheese mixture evenly over the dough, then layer the pepperoni slices over the cheese.
• Roll Up: Starting from the long edge closest to you, tightly roll the dough away from you, like a jelly roll. Pinch the final seam closed firmly and tuck the ends underneath.
• Transfer & Glaze Prep: Carefully transfer the roll (seam side down) onto the prepared baking sheet. Brush the entire surface lightly with the egg wash, if using, and sprinkle with coarse salt or sesame seeds.
• Score and Bake: Cut 3–4 diagonal slits across the top of the roll to allow steam to escape. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until deep golden brown.
• Garlic Butter Finish: While baking, melt the butter and stir in minced garlic and parsley.
• Serve: Immediately brush the hot Stromboli liberally with the garlic butter mixture after removing it from the oven. Let rest 5 minutes before slicing crosswise into thick pieces.

Nutrition Facts

Calories:1683 kcal

Protein:35.3 g

Fat:59.7 g

Carbs:92.5 g

Fiber:27.0 g

Sugar:0.0 g

Sodium:7580 mg

Recipe Info

Category:Main Course

Cuisine:Italian-American

The Appeal of the Rolled Italian Bake: Why Stromboli Wins Over Pizza

There is something inherently satisfying about food that neatly packages flavor into a portable, golden crust. While pizza reigns supreme in many households, the Cheesy Pepperoni Stromboli offers a delightful alternative that feels both familiar and elevated. It’s less about the flat expanse of toppings and more about the textural adventure—a spiral of salty meats, gooey cheese, and aromatic herbs all bound together by soft, chewy bread. This format inherently locks in moisture and concentrates the flavor profile, transforming simple ingredients into a deeply gratifying meal. It provides all the comfort of classic Italian-American fare but demands less fuss when it comes to slicing and serving.

Unlocking Golden Goodness: Introducing Your Cheesy Pepperoni Stromboli Masterpiece

We are about to embark on crafting what might become your new go-to for casual entertaining and substantial weeknight dinners. This Cheesy Pepperoni Stromboli Recipe isn't just about assembling ingredients; it's about engineering a perfect cross-section of texture and taste. The goal is a crust that achieves a beautiful, lacquered brown hue, yielding slightly under pressure to reveal an interior molten with mozzarella and dotted with spicy, perfectly cupped pepperoni. This recipe leans into simplicity, ensuring that even those new to baking yeast doughs can achieve stunning results, making it a true contender for the Best Pepperoni Stromboli title in your kitchen.

Beyond the Calzone: Defining This Superior Italian Pocket

People often confuse Stromboli with a calzone, but they are distinct cousins in the Italian-American culinary family. A calzone is typically folded into a half-moon shape and sealed, resembling a large turnover, and often uses ricotta cheese. Our Stromboli With Pepperoni is defined by its rolling technique—it starts as a flat sheet of dough layered edge-to-edge with ingredients and then rolled tightly into a long cylinder, much like a jelly roll. This spiral construction ensures that every slice presents a beautiful, uniform swirl of cheese and meat, which is a significant advantage over a standard pocket fold.

Perfect Pairing Potential: When to Serve This Crowd-Pleaser

Due to its hearty nature, this baked roll shines brightest when shared. It naturally slots into the category of Movie Night Recipes , being easy to handle while watching the screen. However, its impressiveness means it’s also fantastic for casual gatherings. Think game days or potlucks where finger foods are preferred but require substance. Served alongside a bright salad or a bowl of simple dipping sauce, it moves seamlessly from appetizer status to a filling main course for a family of four to six people.

A Secret Weapon Against Bland Weeknight Meals

In the realm of easy weeknight cooking, sometimes we need something that feels like a weekend project without the time commitment. This Pepperoni Stromboli Recipe Easy execution, especially if using store-bought dough, cuts the complexity significantly. The bulk of the time is passive rising, leaving you free to prep side dishes. When that golden-brown aroma fills your home, it instantly elevates the atmosphere, transforming an ordinary Tuesday dinner into something memorable.

Assembling the Foundation: Dough and Dairy Components

The structure of any great baked item rests entirely on its foundation. For this Tasty Stromboli Recipe , we dedicate time to creating a soft, slightly elastic pizza dough. We begin by activating 2 ¼ teaspoons of yeast in 1 cup of lukewarm water (ideally between 105° F and 115° F) along with 1 teaspoon of sugar. This blooming process confirms your yeast is active and ready to work its magic. Once bloomed, we combine this with 2 ½ cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of fine sea salt, and 2 tablespoons of olive oil.

The Necessary Bread Base: Store-Bought vs. Homemade Dough Decisions

While this recipe is designed to showcase the superior texture of a homemade yeast dough—which requires about 1.5 to 2 hours for its initial rise—it is crucial to know that alternatives exist. If time is severely constrained, you can certainly utilize quality pre-made Pizza Dough Recipes bought from the grocery store. However, for the ultimate experience in a Cheesy Baked Stromboli , the homemade dough, kneaded until smooth and elastic, provides a subtle chewiness that store-bought often lacks.

Achieving Peak Melt: The Optimal Blend of Italian Cheeses

The cheese blend is where we dial up the richness. We use 2 cups of shredded whole milk mozzarella—the undisputed champion for that classic stringy pull. To introduce a touch more savoury depth and tang, we incorporate ½ cup of sliced or shredded provolone cheese. Finally, a light ¼ cup of grated Parmesan is sprinkled into the mix to boost the salty, umami notes, binding the filling together before it melts into delicious submission.

Incorporating Blistered Italian Long Hots for Subtle Heat

While pepperoni provides a baseline spiciness, we can add nuance by introducing roasted peppers. If you can source Italian long hots, roasting them until the skins blister, peeling them, and slicing them thinly, adds a smoky sweetness and a gentle warmth that complements the cured meat beautifully. These should be tossed directly into the cheese mixture to ensure they stay put during the rolling process.

Essential Tools for Seamless Rolling and Sealing

Success in achieving that perfect spiral relies on proper handling. You will need a rolling pin to create a uniform 10x14 inch rectangle. A baking sheet lined with parchment paper is non-negotiable, as it prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. Finally,, have a pastry brush ready; this is essential for applying the final, flavour-boosting glaze that transforms the crust.

Phase One: Preparing the Canvas and Crafting the Filling

Once the dough has sufficiently doubled in size after its initial rise, gently punch it down on a lightly floured surface. This step deflates the large air pockets, setting the stage for a tighter final product. After a brief knead to redistribute the gases, use your rolling pin to work the dough into that crucial 10x14 inch rectangle. Aim for even thickness across the entire surface; thick edges or thin centres will result in uneven baking.

While the dough rests briefly or while you roll it out, combine your filling components. In a bowl, toss the shredded mozzarella, provolone, the ¼ cup of Parmesan, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, and ½ teaspoon of garlic powder. This dry mixing step ensures the herbs are evenly distributed rather than clumping in one spot. Then, layer the 6 ounces of sliced pepperoni evenly over the cheese mixture, leaving a 1-inch bare border along one of the long edges—this margin is vital for creating a secure final seal.

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The Art of the Tight Roll: Structuring Your Cheesy Pepperoni Stromboli

This is the defining moment of any Easy Stromboli Recipe . Starting from the long edge nearest to you, begin rolling the dough up tightly, maintaining even pressure across the length. Think of it like rolling a carpet—slow and steady to avoid trapping air pockets inside. Once the entire mass is rolled, you will have a substantial cylinder. Take the bare edge strip you left earlier and moisten it lightly with water (this acts as glue), then firmly press it against the seam of the roll to seal it shut. Flip the Stromboli over so the seam is resting on the parchment-lined baking sheet, securing the structure underneath. Tuck the ends inward slightly to fully encapsulate the filling.

Baking to Perfection: Achieving That Golden, Bready Hug

The magic happens quickly once the Stromboli hits the hot oven, transforming the raw dough into a glorious, savory centerpiece.

Pre-Bake Prep: Tempering the Dough and Tenderizing Peppers

If your kitchen environment was cool, allowing the assembled roll to rest at room temperature for 10 minutes before baking can prevent the dough from snapping back too aggressively in the oven’s heat. While this is optional, it promotes better shape retention. If you opted to include fresh, blistered long hots, ensure they are fully drained of any excess oil or moisture before layering them in the filling; excess liquid is the enemy of a crisp bottom crust.

Layering Strategy: Ensuring Edge-to-Edge Flavor Distribution

The technique of layering must be strategic: cheese base first, followed by the pepperoni, ensuring that the filling does not extend right up to the bare sealing edge. This prevents the cheese from melting out prematurely and gluing your Stromboli to the pan before the dough cooks through.

Sealing Secrets: Preventing Cheesy Blowouts During Baking

The integrity of the seal is perhaps the most critical step. After rolling, press that final seam together aggressively. A weak seal will burst under the pressure of the steam and melting cheese, resulting in a messy bake. After sealing, use a sharp knife to cut 3 to 4 diagonal slits across the top surface. These steam vents are essential; they direct the internal pressure outwards in controlled releases, preventing catastrophic seam failures.

The Garlic Butter Glaze Ritual: Applying the Finishing Touch

For that signature, addictive crust, we employ a dual-glaze technique. First, for colour, brush the entire surface lightly with an egg wash (one egg beaten with a tablespoon of water). Then, sprinkle generously with coarse salt or sesame seeds. Once baked to a deep golden brown at 400° F ( 200° C) after about 20 to 25 minutes, the final step seals the deal. Immediately upon exiting the oven, brush the steaming hot roll with a mixture of 4 tablespoons of melted unsalted butter infused with 2 finely minced garlic cloves and 1 teaspoon of dried parsley. This infusion immediately soaks into the crust, delivering incredible aroma and flavour.

Troubleshooting and Timing: Mastering the Bake Cycle

Baking time is generally 20 to 25 minutes at 400° F ( 200° C). You are looking for a deep golden-brown exterior and a slight bubbling visible through the steam vents. If the top browns too quickly before the inside is cooked, reduce the oven temperature to 375° F and tent the roll loosely with foil for the remaining baking time. Achieving this balance is key to a Cheesy Baked Stromboli that is cooked through without being dry.

Elevating Your Experience: Creative Twists on the Classic Stromboli

Once you’ve mastered the fundamental Stromboli Recipe Easy approach, experimentation is encouraged.

Storing Leftovers: Maintaining Freshness for Later Snacking

If you happen to have leftovers (which is rare!), wrap the cooled slices tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in an airtight container. Stored correctly in the refrigerator, this delicious Cheesy Pepperoni Stromboli remains fresh for up to three days.

Reheating Techniques for Crisp Crust Revival

Do not microwave leftover Stromboli; it compromises the crust’s texture. The best way to restore that bakery-fresh crunch is by reheating slices directly on a baking sheet in an oven preheated to 350° F for about 8 to 10 minutes, or until the cheese is molten again.

Flavor Variations: Swapping Meats and Incorporating Creamy Ricotta Layers

To pivot from pepperoni, try substituting with cooked, crumbled Italian sausage seasoned with fennel, or use thin slices of prosciutto and smoked ham. For an even creamier interior—a nod to the calzone—you can spread a thin layer of seasoned ricotta cheese (drained well) over the mozzarella before adding the meats.

Serving Suggestions: The Best Dipping Sauces for Your Creation

While the garlic butter glaze provides immense flavour, this dish demands a dipping sauce for ultimate satisfaction. A slightly warm, simple marinara sauce provides the perfect acidic counterpoint to the richness of the meats and cheese. Alternatively, a robust ranch dressing or even a zesty pesto makes for an excellent, if less traditional, accompaniment to your Cheesy Pepperoni Stromboli .