Why Make This Recipe

Italian Stromboli Stuffed Bread is an excellent choice for anyone wanting to enjoy a delicious, comforting meal. This crowd-pleasing dish is not only easy to prepare but also versatile, allowing you to customize the fillings based on your preferences. Whether it’s for a family dinner, a casual gathering with friends, or game day snacks, this stromboli delivers great flavors wrapped in a soft, homemade bread.

How to Make Italian Stromboli Stuffed Bread

Ingredients

440 grams all-purpose flour
7 grams active dry yeast
240 milliliters warm water (about 45°C)
30 milliliters olive oil
13 grams sugar
6 grams salt
170 grams sliced pepperoni
170 grams sliced Genoa salami
170 grams sliced ham or prosciutto
200 grams shredded mozzarella cheese
50 grams grated Parmesan cheese
1 small green bell pepper, thinly sliced (optional)
1 small red onion, thinly sliced (optional)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
1 egg
15 milliliters water (for egg wash)
Marinara sauce, for serving

Directions

Dissolve the yeast and sugar in the warm water in a small bowl. Allow it to stand for 5–10 minutes until the surface becomes frothy.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Pour in the yeast mixture and olive oil. Mix until a cohesive dough forms.
Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead by hand for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl. Cover and set in a warm area for 60–90 minutes until it doubles in volume.
While the dough rises, thinly slice all the meats, peppers, and onions. Mix minced garlic with Italian seasoning in a small bowl.
Deflate the risen dough. On a floured surface, roll it into a rectangle approximately 30 x 40 centimeters.
Arrange the sliced pepperoni, salami, and ham evenly over the dough, leaving a 2-centimeter border. Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly, then add sliced bell pepper and onion if desired. Evenly scatter the garlic-seasoning mixture over the top.
Starting from a long edge, tightly roll the dough into a log. Pinch edges and ends to seal completely.
Position the log seam-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Lightly cover and let it rest briefly while the oven preheats.
Beat the egg with water. Brush the surface of the rolled dough with the egg wash. Using a sharp knife, make several shallow diagonal slashes to allow steam to escape.
Bake in a preheated oven at 200°C for 25–30 minutes, or until thoroughly golden and cooked through.
Remove from the oven and let cool for 5–10 minutes. Slice into portions and serve warm with marinara sauce.

How to Serve Italian Stromboli Stuffed Bread

Serve Italian Stromboli Stuffed Bread warm, sliced into generous pieces, alongside a bowl of marinara sauce for dipping. It makes a perfect starter or main dish. Feel free to add a side salad or some steamed veggies to round out your meal.

How to Store Italian Stromboli Stuffed Bread

Once cooled, store any leftover stromboli in an airtight container. Keep it at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate it for about a week or freeze for up to three months. To reheat, just warm it in the oven until heated through.

Tips to Make Italian Stromboli Stuffed Bread

Make sure the water is warm but not too hot when activating the yeast. This helps the yeast to rise effectively.
Don’t skip the resting period for the dough; it allows the gluten to develop and makes the bread softer.
Feel free to customize with your favorite fillings, such as different cheeses or vegetables.

Variation

Try a vegetarian version by replacing the meats with roasted vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, and spinach, and adding more cheese if you like!

FAQs

1. Can I use store-bought dough?
Yes, you can use store-bought pizza or bread dough to save time. Just roll it out and follow the same steps for filling and baking.

2. What can I do if my dough doesn’t rise?
If the dough doesn’t rise, it may be due to inactive yeast. Check the yeast’s expiration date and ensure the water was warm enough.

3. Can I freeze Stromboli before baking?
Yes, you can assemble the stromboli, wrap it in plastic wrap, and freeze it. Bake it straight from the freezer by adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.