Easy Italian Stromboli

If you need a quick dinner idea our Easy Italian Stromboli recipe ticks all the boxes for busy weeknights. It’s super simple to make with store-bought pizza dough, stuffed with sliced meats and gooey cheese, and sure to please even the pickiest eaters.

Ready in about 30 minutes, you’ll want to keep this easy recipe on hand for those nights when you’re scrambling to put a meal on the table. But it also makes a hearty snack, game day food or a casual party dish. You might want to make a double batch because it disappears fast (just sayin!).

But the best part is how much your kids will love this pizzeria-style meal. Made with their favorite pizza toppings and served with a dipping sauce, these hand-held bites are sure to win serious points with your tweens and teens. Be sure to try my baked Italian subs for another quick meal the whole family will love.

What is Stromboli?

This simple Italian-American dish has become a favorite for its versatility and easy preparation. It’s made with pizza dough, cheese and sliced meats, then rolled up like a log and baked until the crust is golden brown. Think of it as a rolled sandwich or pizza.

It’s often compared to calzones. But those are folded into a half-moon shape, whereas the Stromboli is rolled and sliced into pieces that are perfect for dipping into pizza sauce.

Italian Stromboli Ingredients

• Refrigerated store-bought pizza dough – the ultimate time-saver.
• Pizza sauce or pasta sauce – use your favorite brand or homemade version.
• Sliced salami and pepperoni – for a classic pizzeria taste.
• Mozzarella cheese – this melty cheese balances the meat flavors without overpowering them.
• Italian salad dressing – gives a golden, flavorful finish to the cooked dough.

How to Make Italian Stromboli with Pizza Dough

Set your oven to 400°F and grab a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Unroll your pizza dough and lay it flat on the sheet. Start by spreading sauce along one long edge of the dough. Sprinkle about ¾ cup of cheese over the sauce.

Next, layer the salami slices, then add the pepperoni slices on top. Finish with the rest of the cheese (about ¼ cup).

Roll the dough tightly from the side with all the toppings, like you do when making cinnamon rolls. Place it seam-side down in the center of the baking sheet. Pinch the ends with a fork to seal everything in.

Brush the top of the dough with Italian dressing, then take a sharp knife and cut 4-5 shallow slits across the top.

Pop it in the oven and bake for 20 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and cooked through. Let it cool for a few minutes before slicing.

Recipe Variations and Substitutions

• Instead of using a store-bought dough, you can make your favorite homemade pizza dough recipe if you have time.
• Try using Italian sausage or ground beef for a heartier filling.
• Switch up the cheese with provolone, parmesan cheese, or whatever you prefer.
• Customize the filling by adding your favorite pizza toppings like sliced mushrooms, black olives, green peppers or onions.
• If you like a little heat, add a couple of shakes of crushed red pepper flakes to the filling.

What to Serve with Semi-Homemade Stromboli

I like to serve slices with a side of warm pizza sauce or marinara for dipping. For a hearty meal, pair with simple, tasty sides like a Mediterranean wedge salad, air fryer sweet potato wedges, and a bowl of ambrosia salad with Cool Whip for dessert.

How to Store Leftover Stromboli with Pepperoni

If you have leftovers (seriously doubtful, tho!) wrap the slices in aluminum foil or place them in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through (about 10 minutes), or use an air fryer for crispier results. Avoid using the microwave as it can make the crust soggy.