The Ultimate Deluxe Stromboli is the perfect fusion of Italian-American comfort and crispy, cheesy indulgence. This rolled, baked sandwich is stuffed with layers of cured meats, melty cheese, sautéed vegetables, and a bold tomato sauce — all wrapped in golden, crusty pizza dough. Whether served as a party appetizer, a weeknight dinner, or a game-day centerpiece, this homemade stromboli brings a restaurant-style experience straight to your table with customizable fillings and unbeatable flavor.
For more bold, savory ideas, try this rich Mushroom Sauce for Steak or explore the herb-forward simplicity of Rosemary Chicken.
Credit: Pinterest
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 1 pound fresh pizza dough – Store-bought or homemade, brought to room temperature.
For the Fillings:
- ½ cup marinara or pizza sauce – For flavor and moisture.
- 6 slices Genoa salami – Adds classic Italian spice.
- 6 slices deli ham – Mild and savory, balances the saltiness.
- 6 slices pepperoni – For bold, zesty flavor.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese – Melts beautifully and holds everything together.
- ½ cup shredded provolone cheese – Adds depth and richness.
- ½ cup sautéed bell peppers (red and green) – For sweetness and color.
- ½ cup sautéed onions – Adds natural sweetness and texture.
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning – For herby aroma.
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes – Optional, for a touch of heat.
For the Egg Wash:
- 1 egg, beaten – Helps give the crust that golden sheen.
- 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese – Sprinkled over top for savory finish.
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley or oregano – For garnish.
Cooking Time
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Servings: 4–6
Equipment Needed
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Rolling pin
- Pastry brush
- Knife or pizza cutter
- Skillet (for sautéing vegetables)
How to Make Ultimate Deluxe Stromboli
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Sauté the Vegetables
In a skillet, heat a small amount of oil and sauté the bell peppers and onions over medium heat for 5–7 minutes until soft and slightly caramelized. Set aside to cool slightly.
3. Roll Out the Dough
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pizza dough into a large rectangle, about 10×14 inches. The dough should be about ¼-inch thick.
4. Layer the Fillings
Spread the marinara or pizza sauce over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border on all sides. Layer the meats evenly: salami, ham, and pepperoni. Top with sautéed peppers and onions, then sprinkle the mozzarella and provolone cheeses. Season with Italian seasoning and optional red pepper flakes.
5. Roll and Seal
Starting from one long edge, carefully roll the dough into a tight log, like a jelly roll. Pinch the seam and tuck the ends underneath to seal. Transfer the rolled stromboli seam-side down onto the prepared baking sheet.
6. Add Egg Wash and Garnish
Brush the top of the stromboli with beaten egg. Sprinkle grated Parmesan and dried herbs over the top.
7. Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes or until golden brown and crispy on the outside.
8. Cool and Slice
Let the stromboli rest for 5–10 minutes after baking. Slice into thick pieces using a sharp knife or pizza cutter and serve warm with extra marinara sauce on the side.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 480
- Protein: 24g
- Fat: 26g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 980mg
Tips and Variations
Use What You Have:
Switch out meats and cheeses based on what’s available — try turkey, roast beef, or spicy capicola with cheddar or pepper jack.
Make it Veggie:
Omit the meats and fill with sautéed mushrooms, spinach, zucchini, and olives for a vegetarian twist.
Spicy Kick:
Add banana peppers or jalapeños for heat.
Homemade Dough Option:
Use your favorite pizza dough recipe for even more flavor.
Make-Ahead Tip:
Assemble the stromboli a few hours ahead, store in the fridge, and bake when ready to serve.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerator:
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. - Freezer:
Wrap individual slices tightly in foil or plastic wrap and freeze for up to 1 month. - Reheating:
Reheat in a 350°F oven for 10–12 minutes or until warmed through. Avoid microwaving to preserve the crispy crust.
Why This Recipe Works
The Ultimate Deluxe Stromboli shines because of its balance of textures and flavors — gooey cheese, crisp crust, savory meat, and saucy goodness all wrapped in one neat, sliceable roll. The combination of sautéed veggies with melty cheese and cured meats delivers a deli-meets-pizzeria taste in every bite, making it a crowd-pleasing meal or appetizer that’s both comforting and impressive.
Final Thoughts
This stromboli recipe takes a beloved concept and elevates it with deluxe ingredients and smart technique. Whether you’re serving it to guests, meal prepping for the week, or just treating yourself to something extra satisfying, the Ultimate Deluxe Stromboli is the kind of dish that makes people ask for seconds. It’s hearty, cheesy, and endlessly customizable — a true winner in any home kitchen.
Credit: Pinterest
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use store-bought dough?
Yes, store-bought pizza dough works perfectly and saves time.
What’s the difference between stromboli and calzone?
Stromboli is rolled like a log and sliced after baking; calzones are folded in half and sealed like a pocket.
Can I make this ahead?
Yes. Assemble it ahead and refrigerate for up to 8 hours before baking.
Can I make it spicy?
Absolutely. Add spicy meats like hot soppressata or more red pepper flakes.
Looking for a comforting starter or side to round out your meal? You’ll love the velvety warmth of this Creamy Potato and Pumpkin Soup.
ultimate deluxe stromboli
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat and Prep:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Lightly flour a work surface and roll out the pizza dough into a large rectangle (about 10×14 inches).
- Layer the Fillings:
- Spread a thin layer of pizza sauce over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges. Evenly sprinkle mozzarella and provolone cheeses over the sauce. Layer with pepperoni, sausage, ham, bell pepper, red onion, and olives. Top with Parmesan and Italian seasoning.
- Roll and Seal:
- Carefully roll the dough up tightly like a jelly roll, starting from the long edge. Pinch the seams and ends to seal. Place the roll seam-side down on the baking sheet.
- Brush and Score:
- Brush the top of the stromboli with beaten egg. Use a sharp knife to make 4–5 shallow slits on top to allow steam to escape. Optional: brush with melted butter for a glossy finish.
- Bake:
- Bake for 20–25 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through. Let it rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing.
- Serve:
- Slice into thick pieces and serve warm with extra pizza sauce or marinara for dipping.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, bake directly on a pizza stone or preheated baking steel.
- You can swap in turkey or chicken sausage, or go veggie with sautéed mushrooms and spinach.
- Don’t overload the fillings to avoid soggy dough—keep a balanced ratio.
- Great for meal prep! Stromboli can be wrapped in foil and reheated in the oven or air fryer.
