Stromboli

Stromboli is a delicious Italian-American dish that’s essentially a rolled-up pizza with a variety of fillings like meats, cheeses, and vegetables. It’s great for a family meal, party appetizer, or a fun twist on traditional pizza. Here’s a simple and tasty recipe for making homemade Stromboli:

Ingredients:

• 1 package (about 13.8 oz) refrigerated pizza dough (or homemade dough)
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup pepperoni slices (or any meat of choice like ham, sausage, or salami)
• 1/2 cup cooked spinach or sautéed mushrooms (optional for veggies)
• 1 cup marinara sauce (for dipping)
• 1 egg (for egg wash)
• 1 tbsp olive oil (optional for brushing)
• 1/2 tsp dried oregano (optional)
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder (optional)

Optional Add-ins:

• Green peppers, onions, or olives for extra flavor
• Fresh basil or other herbs for a fresh taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven:
   Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
2. Prepare the dough:
   Roll out the pizza dough on a lightly floured surface into a large rectangle (about 10×14 inches). If you’re using store-bought dough, follow the package instructions for rolling it out.
3. Layer the fillings:
   Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges. Then, layer the pepperoni slices (or other meats), followed by any optional vegetables like spinach or mushrooms. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the top.
4. Roll it up:
   Starting from one of the long sides, carefully roll up the dough like a jelly roll or burrito. Pinch the edges of the dough to seal it tightly and prevent the fillings from spilling out during baking.
5. Prepare the egg wash:
   In a small bowl, whisk the egg with a tablespoon of water. Brush this egg wash over the top of the rolled-up Stromboli to give it a golden, shiny finish while baking.
6. Cut slits and add seasoning:
   Using a sharp knife, make 3-4 shallow slits across the top of the Stromboli to allow steam to escape while baking. Optionally, brush the top with olive oil and sprinkle with garlic powder and oregano for extra flavor.
7. Bake the Stromboli:
   Transfer the Stromboli to the prepared baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the dough is golden brown and the cheese is melted inside.
8. Serve:
   Once the Stromboli is baked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Slice it into pieces and serve with marinara sauce for dipping.

Tips:

• Dough alternatives: If you prefer, you can use puff pastry or even crescent roll dough for a different twist.
• Make it personal: Customize the fillings to your liking by adding veggies, different types of cheese, or other meats.
• Freezing: Stromboli can be frozen before baking. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and bake from frozen at 375°F for about 25-30 minutes.

Enjoy your Stromboli—a hearty, cheesy, and flavorful treat that’s perfect for any occasion!