Italian Stromboli comes together with a golden pizza crust, generous layers of ham, salami, pepperoni, and creamy provolone or mozzarella. The dough is spread, stacked with savory fillings, tightly rolled, and brushed with fragrant garlic butter before baking until crisp. After a quick cool, each warm slice is ready to dip into your favorite marinara. The result is a melty, flavorful centerpiece that pairs rustic flavors and satisfying textures—great for family dinners or as an appetizer shared among friends. Each bite delivers rich cheese, tender meats, and a touch of herby Parmesan. Serve warm and enjoy the hearty taste of Italy at home.
Italian Stromboli is my favorite way to bring a little bit of Italy to the dinner table without the fuss of making dough from scratch. Creamy cheese and layers of savory meats all tucked into golden crust make it irresistible for cozy weeknights or gatherings.
The first time I tried this with my kids they ended up fighting over the last cheesy end piece it is rare for everyone to agree on dinner around here and this one does the trick every time.
Ingredients
- Pillsbury pizza crust: lets you get that bakery style base without needing to knead or proof dough
- Deli ham: adds a gentle savoriness and keeps the filling juicy choose ham that looks pink and moist
- Genoa salami: brings its signature tang and spice for a deep flavor choose well marbled slices
- Sandwich pepperoni: gives that classic pizzeria zest look for slightly thicker deli cut pepperoni
- Provolone cheese or mozzarella: gives melty richness fresh sliced or good quality shredded melts best
- Butter: is the base for a golden flavorful topping always use real unsalted for best flavor
- Minced garlic: works best when fresh not jarred it gives a sweeter finish
- Fresh parsley: lifts and brightens the garlic butter
- Parmesan cheese: adds a finishing salty punch opt for parmesan you grate yourself for real flavor
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
- Set your oven to the temperature listed on your pizza crust tube this ensures even baking and crispiness
- Make the Garlic Butter Topping:
- Melt butter in the microwave then stir in freshly minced garlic chopped parsley and parmesan cheese mixing until everything is well blended
- Prepare Baking Sheet and Dough:
- Line your baking sheet with parchment paper to keep things from sticking then stretch your pizza dough out to nearly the size of the sheet taking care not to tear it
- Layer the Meats and Cheese:
- Start by laying down the ham evenly then salami then pepperoni making sure each covers the previous to prevent dry spots finally cover every inch with slices of cheese for ultimate melt
- Roll up the Stromboli:
- Carefully roll the dough up the long way like a jelly roll tucking meats and cheese inside pinch the seam closed tightly and fold under the ends to seal everything in
- Score and Top:
- Make several shallow cuts across the top with a serrated knife to let steam escape brush the whole roll with your garlic butter mixture for unbeatable flavor and a golden crust
- Bake:
- Slide the Stromboli into the oven and bake according to the pizza crust package instructions usually similar to pizza bake time until crust is deeply golden and fragrant
- Cool and Slice:
- Let it cool for just a few minutes so the cheese settles then slice into thick pieces serve with your go to marinara or red sauce for plenty of dipping