Homemade Italian Stromboli — Crispy, Cheesy, and Packed with Meaty Goodness

Oh my goodness, get ready to have your mind blown and your taste buds singing! This homemade Italian Stromboli is an absolute game-changer. Forget takeout — once you try this crispy, cheesy, meaty delight, you'll be making it weekly. It’s shockingly easy to prepare and perfect for a cozy family dinner or a fun game day snack.

Stromboli is a classic Italian-American favorite known for its delicious layers of meats and cheeses wrapped in golden, flaky dough. This recipe uses store-bought pizza crust to cut down prep time without sacrificing any flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Italian Stromboli

Easy and quick: Uses convenient pizza dough for a fast homemade meal
Loaded with Italian deli meats: Ham, Genoa salami, and pepperoni for bold flavor
Golden, buttery crust: Brushed with a parmesan-parsley butter for a rich finish
Perfect for entertaining: Feed a crowd or enjoy leftovers for lunch
Great for weeknights or game day: Simple prep, impressive results

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 tube (8 oz) Pillsbury pizza crust
8 slices deli ham
10 slices Genoa salami
12 slices sandwich pepperoni
8 slices provolone or mozzarella cheese (or 1 cup shredded mozzarella)
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
2 teaspoons chopped fresh parsley
3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

Equipment Needed

Baking sheet
Parchment paper
Small mixing bowl
Pastry brush or spoon for butter mixture
Sharp knife

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat & Prepare

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

2. Roll Out the Dough

Unroll the pizza crust onto the prepared baking sheet. Gently stretch it into a rough rectangle, about 12x8 inches.

3. Layer the Fillings

Layer the cheese evenly over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges. Then layer the ham, Genoa salami, and pepperoni on top. Make sure the layers are even to ensure every bite bursts with flavor.

4. Roll It Up

Starting from one of the longer sides, carefully roll the dough into a tight log. Pinch the seam and the ends firmly to seal and prevent filling from leaking during baking.

5. Brush with Butter Mixture

In a small bowl, mix the melted butter, chopped parsley, and grated Parmesan. Brush this all over the stromboli for a glossy, golden crust packed with flavor.

6. Slash the Top

Make several diagonal slits (about 1 inch deep) across the top to allow steam to escape and to help the stromboli bake evenly.

7. Bake to Golden Perfection

Bake for 18-22 minutes, until the crust is golden brown and puffed, and the cheese inside is melted and bubbly.

8. Rest & Slice

Let the stromboli rest for 5-10 minutes on the baking sheet before slicing. This helps the filling set and keeps the cheese from oozing out. Slice thick and serve warm.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with warm marinara sauce or your favorite pizza dipping sauce
Pair with a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal
Perfect as a party appetizer or a hearty lunch

Storage & Reheating Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days
Reheat in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes to crisp the crust back up
Stromboli also freezes well — wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use homemade pizza dough instead of store-bought?
A: Absolutely! Homemade dough adds extra flavor but store-bought keeps it quick and easy.

Q: What cheeses work best in stromboli?
A: Provolone and mozzarella melt beautifully and provide that classic Italian flavor.

Q: Can I add veggies to my stromboli?
A: Yes! Roasted peppers, spinach, or mushrooms work great inside

This homemade Italian Stromboli combines crispy, flaky dough with layers of savory deli meats and melty cheese for a crowd-pleasing meal that’s easy enough for weeknights and special enough for gatherings. Once you try it, takeout will be a thing of the past!

Homemade Italian Stromboli" servings