The Ultimate Homemade Stromboli Recipe for a Delicious Dinner

Looking for a dinner idea that’s easy, crowd-pleasing, and bursting with cheesy goodness? This Easy Stromboli Dinner Recipe delivers on every level. With golden, flaky dough wrapped around layers of melted cheese, savory meats, and Italian herbs, stromboli is the ultimate comfort food that’s perfect for busy weeknights, game days, or casual gatherings.

In just under an hour, you can serve up a warm, homemade stromboli that tastes like it came straight from an Italian pizzeria — but with minimal effort and maximum flavor.

What Is Stromboli?

Stromboli is an Italian-American classic, often confused with calzones. While calzones are typically folded over like a half-moon and sealed, stromboli is rolled up jelly-roll style and baked as a loaf. The result is a beautifully golden crust filled with layers of cheese, meats, and optional vegetables — and it’s sliced like a sandwich for easy serving.

Why You’ll Love This Stromboli Recipe

Quick and easy to prepare
Requires only a few ingredients
Perfect for using up deli meats and cheese
Kid-friendly and freezer-friendly
Impressive enough for entertaining

Ingredients for Easy Stromboli

Here’s what you need to make this irresistible dinner:

For the Dough (or Use Store-Bought)

1 lb pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)

For the Filling

1/2 cup marinara or pizza sauce (plus more for dipping)
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup sliced pepperoni
1/2 cup sliced ham or salami
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Red pepper flakes (optional)

For the Topping

1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
1 tablespoon melted butter
Pinch of garlic salt and parsley for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.

2. Roll the Dough

On a lightly floured surface, roll out your pizza dough into a rectangle approximately 10x14 inches. Keep the dough thin but not too stretched to avoid tearing.

3. Layer the Ingredients

Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges. Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese evenly, followed by pepperoni, ham (or salami), and Parmesan cheese. Finish with a sprinkle of Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes if using.

4. Roll and Seal

Starting from one of the long sides, tightly roll up the dough like a jelly roll. Pinch the seam closed and tuck in the ends. Carefully transfer to the baking sheet with the seam side down.

5. Brush and Bake

Brush the top with the beaten egg or melted butter. Make a few shallow slits across the top to allow steam to escape. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.

6. Cool and Slice

Let the stromboli cool for 5 minutes before slicing into 1-inch pieces. Serve with warm marinara sauce on the side for dipping.

Customizable Filling Ideas

One of the best things about stromboli is how versatile it is. Try these delicious variations:

Meat Lovers’ Stromboli

Pepperoni, Italian sausage, bacon, and salami

Vegetarian Stromboli

Sautéed mushrooms, spinach, bell peppers, onions, and olives with mozzarella and ricotta

Chicken Alfredo Stromboli

Shredded chicken, Alfredo sauce, mozzarella, and garlic

BBQ Stromboli

Pulled pork or shredded chicken, BBQ sauce, cheddar cheese, and red onion

Pro Tips for Perfect Stromboli

Don’t overfill: Too much filling can cause the dough to tear or bake unevenly.
Seal the edges well: Pinch them tightly so the cheese doesn’t ooze out.
Let it rest before slicing: This prevents the cheese from spilling out and helps keep the slices intact.
Reheat leftovers in the oven: This keeps the crust crispy instead of soggy like in the microwave.

Storage and Reheating

Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freeze: Wrap tightly in foil or plastic and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven at 375°F until warm.
Meal Prep Tip: Assemble and refrigerate unbaked stromboli up to 24 hours in advance.

Serving Suggestions

Pair your stromboli with:

A side Caesar or garden salad
Garlic knots or cheesy breadsticks
A bowl of tomato soup or marinara
A cold Italian soda, beer, or red wine

Why This Stromboli Recipe Is a Weeknight Hero

This cheesy stromboli recipe is more than just a dinner — it’s a comforting, customizable, and crowd-pleasing masterpiece. With the ease of one rolled loaf, you get all the flavors of your favorite pizza in a neat, sliceable form. Whether you’re feeding picky kids or entertaining friends, stromboli is always a win.