Italian Stromboli – OMGosh

---

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Pizza in a Roll: All the flavors of pizza wrapped up in a portable, sliceable package.
• Customizable: Fill it with your favorite meats, cheeses, and veggies—make it your own!
• Perfect for Sharing: Great for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for later.
• Easy to Make: Just roll, stuff, and bake—no fancy skills required.

---

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Dough:

• 1 store-bought pizza dough (or homemade if you’re feeling adventurous)
• 1–2 tbsp olive oil (for brushing)

For the Filling:

• 1 cup marinara sauce (plus extra for dipping)
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 lb sliced pepperoni
• 1/2 lb cooked Italian sausage (optional, crumbled)
• 1/2 cup sliced black olives (optional)
• 1/4 cup sliced mushrooms (optional)
• 1/4 tsp Italian seasoning (for sprinkling)
• Red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

---

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat and Prep

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
2. If using store-bought dough, let it sit at room temperature for 15–20 minutes to make it easier to roll out.

2. Roll Out the Dough

1. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pizza dough into a rectangle about 12×16 inches. Aim for an even thickness to ensure even cooking.
2. Transfer the rolled-out dough to the prepared baking sheet.

3. Add the Fillings

1. Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges.
2. Sprinkle half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly over the sauce.
3. Layer on the pepperoni, cooked sausage (if using), and any additional toppings like olives or mushrooms.
4. Top with the remaining cheese to seal in the fillings.

1. Starting from one long side, carefully roll the dough into a tight log, tucking the filling inside as you go.
2. Pinch the seam and ends to seal the stromboli. Place it seam-side down on the baking sheet.
3. Use a sharp knife to cut a few small slits on top of the stromboli to allow steam to escape during baking.

5. Bake to Golden Perfection

1. Brush the top and sides of the stromboli with olive oil for a golden, crispy crust.
2. Sprinkle with Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes (if desired).
3. Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

6. Cool and Serve

1. Let the stromboli cool for 5–10 minutes before slicing to allow the filling to set.
2. Slice into thick pieces and serve with warm marinara sauce for dipping.

---

Serving Suggestions

• For Dinner: Pair with a side salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
• At Gatherings: Cut into bite-sized pieces and serve as an appetizer or party snack.
• With Extras: Add banana peppers, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor variety.
• Meal Prep: Make ahead, slice, and freeze for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week.

---

Pro Tips for Success

• Use Fresh Dough: If possible, use fresh pizza dough from your local pizzeria—it’s often better than store-bought.
• Don’t Overfill: Avoid overloading the stromboli with too many fillings, as it may burst while baking.
• Experiment with Sauces: Swap marinara for pesto or Alfredo sauce for a fun twist.
• Make Mini Strombolis: Divide the dough into smaller portions for individual servings—perfect for kids or parties.

---

Final Thoughts

This Italian Stromboli is a flavor-packed, crowd-pleasing dish that combines all the best parts of pizza into one golden, flaky roll. Whether you’re serving it for dinner, bringing it to a gathering, or simply indulging in a delicious snack, this recipe is sure to be a hit.

So grab your dough, pile on those toppings, and roll up this cheesy, savory masterpiece. One bite of this golden, gooey goodness, and you’ll understand why these strombolis are SOOOOOOOOO good—you won’t be able to resist making them again and again!