There’s something so satisfying about pulling a golden, freshly baked Italian Meat & Cheese Stromboli from the oven. With layers of savory meats, melted cheese and a crisp yet tender crust, it’s the kind of comforting, shareable meal that feels perfect for a relaxed evening or casual gathering at home.
It starts with simple pizza dough and pantry-friendly fillings, so it’s easy enough for a weeknight. If you love stuffed, rolled dough, you will also enjoy our Chicken Bacon Ranch Stromboli.
Why You’ll Make This Again
- Simple ingredients: store-bought pizza dough, deli meats and cheese.
- Crisp outside, gooey inside: golden crust with melted mozzarella and provolone.
- Ready in 45 minutes: only 15 minutes of hands-on prep.
- Great for sharing: perfect for game night, parties or a casual dinner.
- Serves 6: easy to slice and serve with marinara.
How This Comes Together
Roll the pizza dough into a rectangle, layer on the meats and cheeses, and season with Italian seasoning and garlic powder. Roll it into a tight log, seal the seams, brush with egg wash and melted butter, and top with Parmesan. Bake until deeply golden, rest for a few minutes, then slice and serve with warm marinara.
What You’ll Need
- 1 lb pizza dough
- 1½–2 cups Italian meats (pepperoni, salami, ham)
- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½–1 cup provolone cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1 egg + 1 tablespoon water (for egg wash)
- 2–3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
For Serving
- Marinara sauce
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes | Serves: 6
Estimated Nutrition: about 480 calories and 22 g protein per serving.
Step-by-Step Directions
Step 1: Preheat
Preheat your oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
Step 2: Roll the dough
On a lightly floured surface, roll the pizza dough into a rectangle about 10×14 inches.
Step 3: Add the meats
Leave a 1-inch border around the edges and layer the Italian meats evenly over the dough.
Step 4: Add the cheese
Sprinkle the mozzarella and provolone cheeses on top.
Step 5: Season
Add the Italian seasoning and garlic powder evenly across the filling.
Step 6: Roll it up
Starting from the long side, carefully roll the dough into a tight log.
Step 7: Seal
Pinch the seams and tuck the ends underneath, then place seam-side down on the baking sheet.
Step 8: Brush
Brush the top with the egg wash, then with melted butter.
Step 9: Top with Parmesan
Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the top.
Step 10: Bake
Bake for 25–30 minutes, until the crust is golden brown and cooked through.
Step 11: Rest
Let the stromboli rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing.
Step 12: Serve
Serve warm with marinara sauce on the side.
How to Serve It
Slice into thick pieces with a serrated knife and serve warm with marinara for dipping. A simple green salad or Caesar salad makes it a full dinner.
Leftovers & Storage
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat slices in a 350°F oven or air fryer for 8–10 minutes to bring back the crisp crust. You can also freeze sliced stromboli for up to 2 months.
Make It Even Better: Pro Tips
- Use room-temperature dough: it rolls out easier and doesn’t shrink back.
- Leave a border: a 1-inch edge helps the seams seal.
- Roll tightly: this keeps the filling in and the slices neat.
- Don’t skip the egg wash: it gives the crust its golden shine.
- Rest before slicing: the cheese sets so it doesn’t run out.
Easy Ways to Change It Up
- Veggie add-ins: add sautéed peppers, onions or mushrooms.
- Spicy kick: add banana peppers or red pepper flakes.
- Different meats: try Italian sausage or capicola.
- Garlic butter top: mix garlic into the melted butter.
Quick Questions
What is the difference between stromboli and calzone?
A stromboli is rolled into a log and sliced, while a calzone is folded into a half-moon shape.
Can I use homemade pizza dough?
Yes, homemade or store-bought dough both work well.
How do I keep it from getting soggy?
Pat the meats dry and avoid adding sauce inside. Serve the marinara on the side.
Can I make it ahead?
Yes, assemble it, cover and refrigerate up to 4 hours, then add the egg wash and bake.
Can I freeze it?
Yes, freeze baked slices for up to 2 months and reheat in the oven.
A Cozy, Cheesy Dinner
This stromboli is warm, golden and made for sharing. Serve it with plenty of marinara and watch it disappear.
Enjoy!
— Ava
Italian Meat & Cheese Stromboli
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll the pizza dough into a rectangle about 10×14 inches.
- Leave a 1-inch border around the edges and layer the Italian meats evenly over the dough.
- Sprinkle the mozzarella and provolone cheeses on top.
- Add the Italian seasoning and garlic powder evenly across the filling.
- Starting from the long side, carefully roll the dough into a tight log.
- Pinch the seams and tuck the ends underneath, then place seam-side down on the baking sheet.
- Brush the top with the egg wash, then with melted butter.
- Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the top.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, until the crust is golden brown and cooked through.
- Let the stromboli rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing.
- Serve warm with marinara sauce on the side.
