Cozy Italian Meat Bread

As seen on: Delicious Main Course Recipes

This delicious party favorite tucks pizza dough around layers of melting cheese and savory meats. It feeds a crowd and totally feels like a rolled-up pizza treat.

emilyscooks.com
Shared By Emily
Last revised on Fri, 23 May 2025 23:35:02 GMT
Golden crust hugs cheesy, meaty layers inside a baked roll, with warm marinara for dipping on the side. Save this
Golden crust hugs cheesy, meaty layers inside a baked roll, with warm marinara for dipping on the side. | emilyscooks.com

Gotta tell you, this Italian Stromboli I make always wows everyone at my place. Picture those cozy layers of gooey cheese and salty meats bundled in a crunchy, golden outside—it's something special, honestly. Whether it's just family night or a hangout with friends, this one's my go-to.

Irresistible Crowd Pleaser

The beauty of Stromboli? Make it your own every time. Whatever meat and cheese your crew prefers, throw it in there—still turns out awesome. Busy weekends? Leftovers hit the spot and save me from extra cooking.

Everything to Gather

  • Topping Stuff:
    • Crack an egg and beat it for that glossy shine
    • Parmesan or a sprinkle of sesame seeds—totally up to you
  • What Goes Inside:
    • Bit of garlic powder for a tasty punch
    • That classic Italian seasoning
    • Piles of gooey mozzarella
    • Salty provolone
    • Slices of hearty ham
    • Spicy rounds of pepperoni
    • Lots of good Italian salami
  • Dough Basics:
    • A splash of quality olive oil for that depth
    • Pinch of salt for the taste
    • Spoonful of sugar to help things along
    • Lovely all-purpose flour for rolling
    • Warm water like a comfy bath for the yeast
    • A bit of fresh yeast so things fluff up

How To Whip It Up

Dish Out Your Slices:
- Cut it up and dip into marinara that's nice and hot
Finish and Bake:
- Slather on that shiny egg, sprinkle whatever topping you want, and bake till your kitchen smells incredible
Get Rolling:
- Set your oven at 375°F
- Roll the dough flat, stack those meats and cheeses
- Tuck it all up tight and pinch those edges so nothing leaks
Dough Time:
- Let yeast get cozy with sugar and warm water
- Stir up all the dough stuff, knead it till it feels smooth
- Let it snooze for about an hour so it puffs up

Top Tricks from My Kitchen

  • Let the dough chill out on your counter first—so much easier to roll
  • Stick to dry veggies, trust me nobody wants a soggy bite
  • Got a favorite filling? Switch it up! You can't mess this up
  • Stash a whole one in the freezer—you'll thank yourself later
A crispy roll packed with melted cheese, herby topping, and rich slices of pepperoni showing inside. Save this
A crispy roll packed with melted cheese, herby topping, and rich slices of pepperoni showing inside. | emilyscooks.com

Stay Delicious

  • Store Leftovers: Pop it in the fridge—it’s good for 3 or 4 days.
  • Bring Back the Crunch: Toss leftovers in the oven to crisp up the crust again.
  • Freeze for Later: This one's freezer-friendly for two months, easy.
  • Prep in Advance: Just defrost in the fridge and bake when you're hungry.

Common Questions

→ How come my stromboli is leaking everywhere?

Keep fillings to a moderate amount and don't forget to leave some space along the edges. Pinch those sides tight, brush on egg wash, and bake with the seam tucked underneath.

→ Can I swap in other types of meats?

Go for any Italian deli meats you like. Just steer clear of anything too moist, or your dough will go mushy inside.

→ What can I do so I don't get big holes inside?

Roll it tight and press as you go so everything stays close together. Try not to pull the dough, just go gentle so it doesn't rip.

→ Is it possible to freeze stromboli?

You bet, toss it in the freezer before or after baking. Just wait on the egg wash if you haven't baked it yet.

→ My dough burst open—what did I mess up?

If you bought your dough, let it sit out till it's not cold, and avoid rolling it out too thin.

Stromboli Italian

Salami, ham, pepperoni, and cheese get stuffed into dough to make this rolled-up bread that's baked till it's crunchy and golden. It's basically a rolled pizza, but better.

Preparation Time
30 Minutes
Cooking Time
25 Minutes
Overall Time
55 Minutes
Shared By: Emily

Meal Type: Main Courses

Skill Level: Moderate

Cuisine Style: Italian-American

Makes: 8 Portions (1 stromboli)

Special Diet: ~

What You’ll Need

01 items 1/2 pound sliced pepperoni.
02 items 2 tablespoons olive oil.
03 items 1 cup marinara sauce, if you want.
04 items 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan.
05 items 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella.
06 items 1/2 pound sliced salami.
07 items 4 cups all-purpose flour.
08 items 1/2 cup fresh basil or parsley, chopped.
09 items 2 teaspoons salt.
10 items 1 large egg, beaten.
11 items 1/2 cup grated Parmesan.
12 items 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) instant dry yeast.
13 items 1 1/2 cups warm water.
14 items 1 teaspoon sugar.
15 items 1/2 pound sliced ham or prosciutto.
16 items Italian seasoning to sprinkle on top.

Steps To Make It

Step 01

Give it a few minutes to cool off, then cut it up and dig in.

Step 02

Slide it in the oven for 20-25 minutes until it turns a nice golden shade.

Step 03

Throw on a shower of Parmesan and a good pinch of Italian herbs.

Step 04

Paint the whole rolled dough with some beaten egg.

Step 05

Start at the long side and roll everything up tight, laying it seam down when you're done.

Step 06

Toss the meats, cheeses, and those fresh herbs all over the dough.

Step 07

If you're using marinara, swipe a light coating over the dough.

Step 08

Use your rolling pin to stretch the dough out into a rectangle, about 10 by 14 inches.

Step 09

Crank the oven up to 400°F so it heats up while you get everything else ready.

Step 10

Stir together flour, sugar, salt, and yeast. Pour in warm water and oil, knead it for five minutes or so, and let the dough puff up for about an hour.

Extra Notes

  1. Go for store-bought pizza dough if you don't feel like making it yourself.
  2. Prep this ahead and toss it in the fridge for up to a day before baking.

Essential Tools

  • Rolling pin.
  • Parchment paper.
  • Baking sheet.

Allergen Info

Review ingredients carefully for allergens, and consult a healthcare provider if you're unsure.
  • Has dairy from cheese.
  • Has wheat in the flour.
  • Has eggs.

Nutritional Info (Per Serving)

Keep in mind, this data is an estimate and not a substitute for professional dietary advice.
  • Calories: 485
  • Fat Content: 28 grams
  • Total Carbs: 42 grams
  • Protein Content: 24 grams