🧀 Cheesy Pepperoni & Mozzarella Stromboli

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Crispy, golden crust wrapped around gooey mozzarella and spicy pepperoni—perfect for weeknight dinners, game days, or anytime you’re craving cheesy comfort.

Servings & Timing

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes

  • Cook Time: 25 minutes

  • Total Time: 35 minutes

  • Servings: 4–6

Dietary Badges: Kid-Friendly | Comfort Food | W-W Adaptable (with tweaks)

Ingredients

→ Main Components

  • 1 sheet pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)

  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

  • ½ cup sliced pepperoni

→ Seasoning & Extras

  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning

  • 1 tbsp olive oil

  • Optional: Marinara sauce for dipping

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).

  2. Roll out dough into a rectangle (~10″x14″).

  3. Layer fillings – Add mozzarella and pepperoni, leaving a 1-inch border.

  4. Season – Sprinkle with Italian herbs for a flavor punch.

  5. Roll up – Starting from the long edge, roll into a tight log. Pinch seam and tuck ends.

  6. Bake – Place seam-side down on a baking sheet. Brush with olive oil and cut 3–4 shallow slits on top.

  7. Bake 20–25 minutes until golden brown and crispy.

  8. Cool & slice – Let rest a few minutes before slicing. Serve warm with marinara.

Quick Tips

  • Don’t overload with filling—less is more for a crisp roll.

  • Use parchment paper for easy cleanup.

  • Serve with warm marinara or ranch for dipping.

đź’ˇ Introduction

This Cheesy Pepperoni & Mozzarella Stromboli is everything you want in a cozy Italian-inspired bite—crispy on the outside, melty on the inside, and packed with that classic pepperoni pizza flavor. It’s one of those “how is this so easy?!” recipes I turn to when the kids are hangry and I need dinner on the table fast.

Step-by-Step Cooking Guide

🧄 Roll & Fill

Start by rolling out your dough on a floured surface. Layer shredded mozzarella evenly, followed by pepperoni slices. Leave about 1 inch around the edges to make sealing easier.

Tip: Blot your pepperoni with a paper towel to reduce excess grease.

🌿 Season & Roll

Sprinkle Italian seasoning generously for that herb-forward flavor. Then roll the dough up tightly like a jelly roll, seam-side down.

Tip: Press the ends shut like a calzone to hold in the melty goodness.

🔥 Bake & Slice

Brush with olive oil for a golden crust, then cut 3–4 shallow slits on top for steam to escape. Bake until deep golden and irresistible.

Ingredient Deep Dive & Substitutions

  • Pizza Dough: Store-bought is a lifesaver, but homemade gives you full control. Try whole wheat or W-W 2‑ingredient dough for a lighter option.

  • Mozzarella: Use part-skim for fewer points. Mix in provolone for a bolder cheese pull.

  • Pepperoni: Turkey pepperoni shaves off fat & points. Or go veggie with sautĂ©ed mushrooms, spinach, or olives.

  • Italian Seasoning: Can sub in a mix of basil, oregano, and garlic powder.

  • Olive Oil: Helps crisp the crust—use spray oil to cut calories.

Variations & Serving Suggestions

Flavor Variations

  • 🍄 Add sautĂ©ed mushrooms, bell peppers, or onions for a veggie twist.

  • 🧀 Swap mozzarella for cheddar or provolone for extra punch.

  • 🌶️ Stir crushed red pepper into the cheese for a kick.

Dietary Tweaks

  • W-W Friendly: Use 2-ingredient dough + turkey pepperoni + part-skim cheese.

  • Vegetarian: Skip pepperoni, sub in roasted veggies or spinach & feta.

  • Dairy-Free: Use vegan mozzarella or skip cheese and focus on sauce and veggies.

Serving Ideas

  • Serve with warm marinara or garlic dipping sauce.

  • Pair with a fresh garden salad for balance.

  • Slice into pinwheels for a party-friendly appetizer.

Storage, Reheating & Make-Ahead

Storage

  • Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Wrap in foil or place in an airtight container.

Reheating

  • Reheat in a 350°F oven for 8–10 minutes for best texture. Microwave works but may soften crust.

Freezing

  • Freeze assembled, unbaked stromboli wrapped tightly. Bake from frozen at 375°F for 35–40 minutes.

Make-Ahead

  • Assemble the stromboli up to 24 hours in advance. Keep refrigerated and bake when ready.

Nutrition Info (Per Slice, based on 6 servings)

  • Calories: ~280

  • Protein: 13g

  • Fat: 14g

  • Carbs: 26g

  • W-W Points (est.): 7–8 (can be reduced with swaps)

  • Allergens: Gluten, Dairy

FAQs

Q: Can I make this with crescent dough or puff pastry?
A: Yes! Crescent dough works great for mini versions. Puff pastry adds a buttery twist but is richer.

Q: Can I freeze this after baking?
A: You can! Slice it first, wrap individually, and reheat in the oven or toaster oven.

Q: What dipping sauces go best?
A: Classic marinara is perfect. Ranch, garlic butter, or spicy tomato sauce work too!

🧡 Kristy’s Note

This one’s on repeat at my house! Whether it’s a Friday movie night or a quick dinner after soccer practice, my kids devour it, and I love that it’s customizable. W-W folks—don’t worry! With a few tweaks, you’ve got a low-point version that still feels indulgent.

More Craveable Ideas

  • Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Peppers

  • W-W Friendly Zucchini Pizza Boats

  • Baked Spinach Artichoke Pasta Casserole

đź’¬ Share the Yum!

Tried this Stromboli? I’d LOVE to hear what you stuffed yours with! Drop a comment, leave a rating, and don’t forget to tag your creations with #KristyCooksHealthy—let’s get cheesy!

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