Stromboli Pizza is a popular Italian American dish, which is essentially a stuffed pizza that is served in slices.
Our authentic Italian Stromboli recipe features an easy homemade pizza dough filled with tomato sauce, shredded mozzarella cheese and a selection of Italian charcuterie like pepperoni.
Stromboli is baked in a hot oven until the exterior is nicely browned and becomes crunchy. It’s sliced so you can see the mouth-watering interior and is best served with a healthy tossed salad.
Our meat lovers Stromboli Pizza recipe is finger-licking-good, featuring stringy melted cheese and a delicious trilogy of Italian cured meats.
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What is Stromboli Pizza?
Stromboli is a type of pizza that is folded and rolled up like a sandwich, creating a portable, convenient cutlery-free meal.
It is made with the same dough as traditional pizza but is stuffed with various ingredients such as meats, cheeses, and vegetables before being rolled up and baked in the oven.
The result is a crispy, golden brown crust with a warm and gooey filling.
Origins of Stromboli Pizza
The origins of Stromboli pizza are murky, with no clear consensus on where the dish was first invented. Some say it originated in the small town of Stromboli, located off the coast of Sicily. However, others claim it was created in the United States by Italian immigrants.
Regardless of its origins, Stromboli pizza has become a popular dish in both Italy and the United States. In Italy, it is often served as a street food or as a quick meal at pizzerias. In the United States, it is commonly found in Italian-American restaurants.
Travel to Italy by Making Stromboli Pizza at Home
I love traveling to Europe!
During my first visit to the continent I traveled for 5 months by train and plane. I had the opportunity to eat my way through Ireland, Scotland, England, Wales, Portugal, Spain, Belgium, Holland, Luxembourg, Iceland, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Finland, Russia, Estonia, Latvia, Poland, Czech Republic, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Lichtenstein, Croatia, Bosnia, Hungary, Romania, Slovakia, Greece, Turkey, France, Malta and Italy.
What I love most about traveling to Italy is the opportunity to sample unique dishes in each region and city. The dishes in Tuscany (Florence, Pisa, Volterra, Saturnia, Pitigliano, Sorano, Montalcino, Siena) are unique from what you’d find in Venice, Modena, Milan, Rome and the Amalfi Coast.
Stromboli Pizza can be enjoyed throughout Italy at local pizzerias and at Italian American restaurants throughout the US and Canada. It’s rise in popularity on Food Network shows has made it a popular recipe families can make with their kids at home.
Once back home from an Italian holiday you’ll have a newfound appreciation for the flavours of Italy and can impress friends and family by making our authentic Italian Stromboli recipe!
Calzone v Stromboli
Stromboli and calzone are both popular Italian dishes that are often confused with each other. Although they have some similarities, there are some distinct differences.
Stromboli is a type of turnover that is made from pizza dough that is rolled out and filled with a variety of ingredients such as cheese, sauce, meats, vegetables, and spices. The dough is then rolled up into a cylinder shape and baked in the oven. The resulting dish is typically sliced into pieces and served as a snack, appetizer, or main course.
Calzone, on the other hand, is a type of pizza turnover that is made from the same pizza dough as stromboli, but it is folded in half to create a half-moon shape. The filling ingredients are then placed inside the folded dough, and the edges are crimped or sealed to prevent the filling from leaking out during baking. Calzone is typically served as an easy cutlery-free meal.
Where To Eat Stromboli
If you live in a large city in Canada or America you’ll likely have access to a local Italian restaurant that serves Stromboli pizza.
Haven’t traveled to Italy before? It may be helpful to first sample Italian Stromboli at a local restaurant to better understand how the dish is served. You can determine the best cheeses and meats to stuff the dough, ideal size to slice for each guest and complimentary side dishes to serve at the table.
In Toronto, popular Italian restaurants in Yorkville, King West and Ossington that may serve Stromboli Pizza include: Buca, Superpoint, Amano, Fabbrica, Oretta, FIGO, Nodo, Locale Mercatto, The Good Son, Taverna Mercatto, Ascari Enoteca, Il Fornello, Gusto 101 or Bar Vendetta.
My Family Loves Italian Stromboli
I love cooking regional Italian dishes for my family and friends.
I first made this authentic Italian Stromboli recipe on a sunny summer morning at our family cottage in Muskoka. I prepared the dough in the morning and assembled the stromboli before noon so we could enjoy a slice for lunch with a freshly tossed salad.
I knew my family would enjoy Stromboli because they love pizza, Italian cold cuts, and mouth-watering melted mozzarella cheese.
Once everyone at the table had enjoyed their first bites smiles spread from ear to ear. They loved the textural contrast: a crunchy exterior, soft and moist bread, oozing tomato and cheese and crispy charcuterie hidden inside.
This Stromboli Pizza is now my go to recipe whenever we have company coming over as it perfectly serves a crowd without too much fuss and kids love it!
Health Benefits
This easy homemade Stromboli Pizza recipe is packed full of healthy ingredients!
Olive Oil is ranked as one of the healthiest fats and is a staple in the Mediterranean diet. It contains vitamins E and K and plenty of beneficial fatty acids and antioxidants.
Whole wheat flour is rich in vitamins B-1, B-3, and B-5, along with riboflavin and folate. It also has more iron, calcium, protein, and other nutrients than white flour.
Rich in a group of phytochemicals called carotenoids, tomatoes may help reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke, and provide protection against cancer. Tomatoes are also a good source of immune-boosting vitamin C.
Consuming dairy products (such as milk and cheese) provides health benefits — especially improved bone health. Dairy foods provide nutrients that are vital for health and maintenance of your body. These nutrients include calcium, potassium, vitamin D, and protein.
Pork is an excellent source of protein and provides several important vitamins and minerals. It’s an excellent source of thiamin, selenium, niacin, vitamin B-6 and phosphorus, zinc, riboflavin and potassium.
A useful source of copper, calcium, manganese, and phosphorus, sesame seeds help support circulatory, digestive and skeletal health.
Eggs contain two vital nutrients that are not present in many foods: iodine and vitamin D. Eggs are also rich in tissue-building protein and vitamin B12, which helps your body manufacture blood cells.
Stromboli Pizza Recipe Cooking Tips
This authentic Italian Stromboli recipe is quick and easy to make at home. We’ve provided some ticks and tricks to get you started:
- We used all purpose flour when making the dough but you can substitute with “best for bread flour,” if you prefer.
- Ensure the warm water is 100-110F to ensure that it activates the yeast. This will ensure the yeast leavens the dough. If the yeast does not activate it is likely expired or wasn’t store property so go out and buy more yeast.
- We used a generic tomato sauce in this recipe but you can use tomato pasta sauce, pizza sauce, or crushed tomatoes.
- If you like spicy food sprinkle the interior with hot chili oil or chili flakes.
- Use a young cheese like shredded mozzarella as it melts nicely when baked in the oven. We like to use a combination of cheese so have used agred parmesan in this recipe but you can use other hard Italian cheeses like asiago or pecorino.
- This meat lovers Stromboli Pizza is stuffed with 3 kinds of cured Italian charcuterie made with pork. We like to use classic pepperoni, spicy Calabrese salami and Capocollo ham. Feel free to get creative with your cold cuts, Parma ham and Bresaola also taste great.
- Before baking, wash the exterior of the dough with a beaten egg using a pastry brush. This ensures the exterior will brown nicely in the oven.
- We’ve sprinkled the dough with sesame seeds and an Italian herb blend. You can also sprinkle with kosher salt, cracked pepper and finely grated parmesan as a substitute.
- Let the Italian Stromboli sit for at least 10 minutes to cool slightly before slicing and serving. This will ensure the filling solidifies and is easy to serve.
Alternative Stuffing Options
One of the best things about Stromboli pizza is the versatility it offers when it comes to stuffing options. While the classic filling typically includes mozzarella cheese, pepperoni, and other meats, there are plenty of other options to consider. Here are a few alternative stuffing options to try:
- Vegetarian: If you’re looking for a meat free option, try stuffing your Stromboli with sautéed mushrooms, onions, peppers, and spinach. Add some feta or goat cheese for extra flavour and texture.
- Buffalo Chicken: For a spicy twist, try stuffing your Stromboli with buffalo chicken and crumbled blue cheese.
- Philly Cheesesteak: Channel your inner Philadelphia with a filling of thinly sliced steak, sautéed onions and peppers, and sliced provolone cheese.
- Hawaiian: For a tropical twist, try stuffing your Stromboli with ham, pineapple, and mozzarella cheese.
When To Serve Stromboli
Stromboli pizza is the perfect meal for special occasions. Here are some serving suggestions for when you can enjoy this delicious Italian dish:
- Game Day: Stromboli pizza is a great finger food for game day. Make a few different flavours and let guests mix and match.
- Picnic: Pack a few slices in a picnic basket for a tasty and convenient meal on the go.
- Party Appetizer: Slice up your Stromboli Pizza into bite-sized pieces and serve as an appetizer at your next party.
- Dinner: Stromboli can also be served as a filling and satisfying dinner. Pair with a salad or soup for a nutritious meal.
What To Serve With Italian Stromboli
There’s nothing more comforting than munching into a slice of Italian Stromboli as whispers of stringy melted mozzarella pull away from your lips.
This homemade stuffed pizza can be enjoyed at lunch on its own as a snack with a glass of Italian red wine.
For a more substantial meal pair a slice with a healthy fresh salad like Vegetarian Roasted Pumpkin Feta Salad, Roasted Beetroot Salad, Garlic Lemon Chickpea Avocado Salad and Fennel, Apple, Celery and Roasted Hazelnut Salad.
If you’re hosting an Italian-themed dinner party we suggest serving this Stromboli Pizza as part of a decadent buffet including other popular recipes:
- Burrata Bruschetta Crostini
- Lumache Rigate Snail Pasta with Garlic Butter
- Creamy Saffron Tagliatelle Pasta with Ricotta and Mint
- Mafalda Pasta Noodles
- Ndunderi Amalfi Lemon Ricotta Gnocchi
- Fresh Fig Prosciutto Grilled Cheese Sandwich
- Gorgonzola Risotto al Radicchio
- Crispy Roast Chicken and Leek Risotto
- Sartu Di Riso Italian Baked Risotto
- Cheesy Polenta
- Involtini di Pollo
- Aperol Gin Cocktail
- Italian Prosecco and Gin Cocktail
- Amaretto Disaronno Sour
- Negroni Spritz Cocktail
How To Make Traditional Stromboli Pizza (RECIPE VIDEO)
Italian Meat Lovers Stromboli Pizza
Equipment
- measuring cups
- measuring spoons
- Mixing bowls
- Rolling pin
- whisk
- Pastry brush
Ingredients
Stromboli Pizza Dough
- 2 cups All Purpose Flour
- 3/4 cup Warm Water
- 2 tbsp Olive Oil
- 1 tsp Kosher Salt
- 2 tsp Active Dry Yeast
- 2 tsp White Sugar
Stromboli Filling
- 1/2 cup Tomato Pizza Sauce
- 2 cups Mozzarella Cheese shredded
- 0.5 cups Parmesan Cheese shredded
- 120 g Sliced Pepperoni
- 60 g Sliced Calabrese Salami
- 60 g Sliced Capocollo Ham
Topping
- 1 Small Egg
- 1 tsp Water
- 1/2 tsp Garlic Powder
- 1 tbsp Parmesan Cheese grated
- 1 tsp Sesame Seeds
- 1/2 tsp Italian Herbs
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, add the sifted flour and create a well in the center. Combine the warm water, olive oil and salt. Pour mixture in the well. Sprinkle yeast and sugar over water, gently stir and allow yeast to activate, approximately 5 minutes. Mix the dough until well incorporated. Cover the dough and let rise for an hour.
- Generously flour your work surface and roll out the dough into a 12"x 17" rectangle. Place dough onto a silpat or parchment paper lined baking sheet.
- Spread the tomato sauce onto the dough, but leave about 1/2 an inch of dough along the edges to keep the sauce from oozing out.
- Spread out the cold cut slices evenly and top with the shredded mozzarella and parmesan cheese (leave 1 tbsp to sprinkle on the top).
- Roll up the stromboli tightly as possible, without pushing out the toppings. Pinch edges together to close seams.
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, until golden brown. Slice and serve with a fresh salad.
Nutrition
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