Italian Stromboli is your ticket to gooey cheese, spiced deli meats, and golden crust—all in one glorious bite. Originating from Italian-American kitchens, this dish takes the essence of pizza and wraps it into a neat, sliceable roll. Whether you’re prepping for a casual dinner or looking for a crowd-pleaser on game day, this homemade Italian Stromboli delivers every time. And don’t worry—if you’re a beginner, this step-by-step recipe has your back with clear guidance and pantry-friendly ingredients.

Why You’ll Love This Italian Stromboli

There’s something magical about slicing into a warm, cheesy roll and seeing those savory layers. Here’s why Italian Stromboli deserves a spot in your meal rotation:

Bold, Classic Flavor: Capicola and pepperoni bring the spice while mozzarella balances it all.
Beginner-Friendly: Whether you use frozen bread dough or pizza dough, it’s easy to work with.
Versatile Anytime Meal: Serve it for lunch, dinner, or even party appetizers.
Budget-Conscious: A little goes a long way—this recipe feeds plenty without expensive ingredients.

The Story Behind Italian Stromboli

Italian Stromboli isn’t actually from Italy—but its roots are still fascinating:

Italian-American Creation: Born in Philadelphia or South Jersey in the 1950s.
Named After a Movie: Thought to be inspired by the 1950 film Stromboli starring Ingrid Bergman.
Not a Calzone: While similar, Stromboli is rolled, not folded.
Pizzeria Staple: Found on menus across America and now in your own kitchen!

Key Ingredients in Italian Stromboli

These are the stars of the show—each one adds a special touch to your Stromboli:

Frozen Bread Dough or Pizza Dough: The base; soft, chewy, and golden once baked.
Pepperoni: Spicy and bold, it creates the first savory layer.
Capicola: Cured Italian pork that adds a smoky, slightly sweet depth.
Mozzarella Cheese: Melts perfectly and holds all the layers together.
Pizza Seasoning: A flavorful blend of herbs for that signature pizzeria taste.
Egg Wash: Optional, but it gives your crust that golden, glossy finish.
Marinara Sauce: Totally optional—but dipping makes it even more fun and delicious.

How to Make Italian Stromboli

Step-by-Step Instructions for Perfect Italian Stromboli

Thaw the Dough: Place frozen bread dough on a greased baking sheet and cover with plastic wrap. Let it defrost in the fridge for 6–8 hours or overnight. Then let it sit at room temperature for 1–2 hours.
Preheat Oven: Heat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Roll It Out: Lightly dust a surface and rolling pin with flour. Roll dough into an 8×13-inch rectangle.
Layer Fillings: Lay out the pepperoni, sprinkle ⅓ of the mozzarella, then add the capicola, and top with the rest of the cheese. Sprinkle 1 teaspoon of pizza seasoning over the layers.
Roll It Up: Roll tightly from the long edge, jelly-roll style. Tuck in the ends and pinch to seal. Optionally, brush edges with egg wash to help them stay shut.
Prepare the Pan: Re-spray the baking sheet and place the Stromboli seam-side down.
Final Touches: Brush with egg wash (if using), then sprinkle with the remaining pizza seasoning.
Bake and Serve: Bake for about 20 minutes until golden and crisp. Let it rest 1–2 minutes before slicing. Serve with marinara sauce for dipping if desired.

Italian Stromboli Tips and Twists

Make Your Stromboli Stand Out

Pro Tips:

Let dough come fully to room temp before rolling to prevent tearing.
Don’t overload the fillings—it can break the dough while baking.
Use parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Slice with a serrated knife for cleaner cuts.
Always bake seam-side down for best structure.

Creative Variations:

Veggie Stromboli: Add sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or roasted red peppers.
Spicy Twist: Use hot capicola or add crushed red pepper flakes.
Cheesy Overload: Mix in cheddar or provolone for a gooier bite.

Storage, Reheating, and Make-Ahead Tips

Your Italian Stromboli is just as good the next day—if not better.

Storage: Wrap in foil or store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Oven works best—350°F for 10 minutes to keep it crisp. Avoid microwaving.
Make-Ahead: Assemble it fully (without baking), wrap tightly in plastic, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Apply egg wash right before baking.

Serving Suggestions for Italian Stromboli

Pair your warm slices with delicious sides and drinks:

Roasted Broccoli and Carrots – Bright, healthy contrast to the rich Stromboli.
Simple Avocado Toast with Egg – Makes a fun brunch combo.
Cucumber Tomato Salad – Crisp and refreshing on the side.
Grilled Shrimp with Garlic Sauce – Add a protein-packed twist to dinner.
Lemonade or Iced Tea – A cool drink balances the warm, cheesy bites.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use pizza dough instead of frozen bread dough?
Absolutely! Both work great—pizza dough is quicker if you don’t plan ahead.

Can I make Stromboli vegetarian?
Yes, swap the meats for mushrooms, peppers, spinach, and cheese.

Is egg wash necessary?
Nope, but it gives that nice golden shine and helps seal the edges.

Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes—wrap tightly in foil and freeze for up to 2 months.

Can I prep and bake later?
Yes. Assemble and refrigerate up to 24 hours in advance, then bake fresh.

Enjoy Your Italian Stromboli

Italian Stromboli is everything you want in a comfort food—cheesy, savory, and endlessly customizable. It may look impressive, but it’s surprisingly simple to make, even if you’re new to cooking. Whether you’re prepping for guests or just want something warm and satisfying for dinner, this recipe won’t disappoint. Don’t forget that final dip in marinara sauce—it’s the cherry on top of this Italian-American classic.

Explore More Recipes

If you loved this Italian Stromboli, you’ll adore these other hearty favorites from Abby’s Recipes:

Chicken Alfredo Lasagna – Creamy layers of pasta and chicken that pair beautifully with a slice of Stromboli.
How to Make Carbone Spicy Rigatoni – Craving more bold Italian flavor? This spicy pasta hits the spot.
Quick Crispy Chicken Wraps – A quick, protein-packed lunch option.
Roasted Broccoli and Carrots – The perfect veggie side dish.
Blueberry Bread Pudding – End your Italian feast with a fruity dessert that feels like home.

Easy Italian Stromboli with Deli Meats and Cheese

This Italian Stromboli is a beginner-friendly classic filled with mozzarella, pepperoni, and capicola, all rolled in soft dough and baked golden. It’s the perfect comfort food—crispy outside, gooey inside, and totally irresistible.

Course Appetizer, Dinner, Lunch

Cuisine American, Italian

Keyword deli meat stromboli, easy stromboli recipe, homemade stromboli, Italian Stromboli, stromboli with pepperoni

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 20

Total Time 35

Servings 6 servings

Calories 350kcal

Author Abby Marlow

Ingredients

1 lb frozen bread dough or prepared pizza dough
1/4 lb sliced pepperoni
1/4 lb sliced capicola
1 1/2 cups freshly shredded mozzarella cheese
1 1/2 tsp pizza seasoning divided
1 egg
1 tbsp water
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
Non-stick spray for greasing
Marinara sauce for dipping (optional)

Instructions

Place dough on a greased baking sheet, cover with plastic wrap, and thaw in the fridge for 6–8 hours. Let sit at room temp 1–2 hours.
Preheat oven to 400°F. Lightly flour a surface and rolling pin.
Roll out dough into an 8×13-inch rectangle.
Layer pepperoni, 1/3 of the mozzarella, then capicola, followed by remaining cheese. Sprinkle with 1 tsp pizza seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Roll up jelly-roll style. Tuck ends and pinch seams to seal. Brush edges with egg wash if desired.
Re-grease baking sheet, transfer stromboli seam-side down.
Brush with egg wash and sprinkle remaining pizza seasoning.
Bake 20 minutes until golden. Let cool slightly before slicing. Serve with marinara if desired.

Notes

Let the dough come to room temperature for easier rolling. To switch it up, try provolone instead of mozzarella. Italian Stromboli reheats beautifully in the oven for crisp leftovers.