Hot Italian Stromboli
The ultimate comfort food, this Hot Italian Stromboli is a cheesy, crispy delight packed with flavors. Perfect for a cozy dinner or a fun gathering, it’s an easy weeknight dinner that will impress your family and friends. Why not try it tonight?
Equipment
- Oven
- Baking Sheet
- Chef's Knife
Ingredients
- 1 pound pizza dough
- 1/2 cup basil pesto
- 2/3 cup marinara sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1-3 tablespoons crushed Calabrian chili paste or chili flakes, to taste
- 1 jar (16 ounces) roasted red peppers drained and sliced
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded provolone cheese
- 6 ounces thinly sliced pepperoni
- 2-4 ounces thinly sliced deli chorizo
- 1 cup baby arugula
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- 1 egg beaten
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400° F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking. This step is essential for achieving that perfect crispy exterior on your stromboli.
- Divide the pizza dough into two equal balls. On a floured surface, roll each piece into a large rectangle, approximately 9×13 inches. This will be the canvas for your delicious filling.
- Spread each piece of dough generously with basil pesto and marinara sauce. Make sure to leave a small border around the edges. Then, sprinkle on the crushed Calabrian chili paste or chili flakes, followed by the Italian seasoning. Arrange the roasted red peppers evenly over the sauce. Finally, top with equal amounts of mozzarella and provolone cheeses, followed by the pepperoni and chorizo. To finish off, add the baby arugula for a fresh contrast.
- Next, tuck in two sides of the dough and roll it up tightly, much like a cinnamon roll. Be sure to pinch the seams to seal everything in. Place the rolled stromboli seam side down on the prepared baking sheet.
- Brush the tops of the stromboli with the beaten egg. This will give it a beautiful golden color as it bakes. Sprinkle with sesame seeds for an added crunch. Using a sharp knife, cut two small slits on top of the dough to allow steam to escape while baking.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes. Keep an eye on it; you're looking for a golden-brown crust that’s crispy and inviting. When it’s done, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing. Serve warm to enjoy the gooey cheese and flavorful filling!
Notes
- Tip 1: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven to restore crispness.
- Tip 2: You can freeze unbaked stromboli. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing. Bake directly from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
- Tip 3: Serve your stromboli with a fresh salad, like a simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette, for a bright contrast.
- Tip 4: Substitute the meats with sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or other vegetables to create a delicious vegetarian version.
- Tip 5: Experiment with different cheeses like feta or gouda for a unique flavor profile.
- Tip 6: Try adding fresh herbs like basil or oregano for an additional burst of flavor.