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Rolled Italian Meat Bread

Featured in Hearty Main Courses.

This crowd-pleasing Italian specialty wraps pizza dough around layers of cured meats and melty cheese. Perfect for feeding a crowd, it's like a pizza in roll form.

Casey
Updated on Mon, 20 Jan 2025 20:06:13 GMT
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A golden, cheesy baked roll filled with layers of ham and melted cheese, served with a side of marinara sauce. Pin it
A golden, cheesy baked roll filled with layers of ham and melted cheese, served with a side of marinara sauce. | cookingwithcasey.com

Let me share my favorite Italian Stromboli recipe that always steals the show at family gatherings. The way those layers of Italian meats and melty cheese wrap up in that golden crispy crust creates something truly special. I love making this whether it's for a cozy family dinner or when friends come over.

A Versatile Family Favorite

What makes this Stromboli so wonderful is how you can make it your own. I switch up the meats and cheeses based on what my family loves and it turns out delicious every time. The leftovers are just as amazing which makes it perfect for busy weekends.

What You'll Need

  • For the Dough:
    • Fresh yeast to make it rise beautifully
    • Warm water just right for activating
    • All-purpose flour for that perfect texture
    • Sugar to feed our yeast
    • Salt for flavor
    • Good olive oil for richness
  • For the Filling:
    • Sliced Italian salami
    • Spicy pepperoni
    • Tender ham
    • Lots of mozzarella
    • Sharp provolone
    • Italian seasoning blend
    • Garlic powder for extra flavor
  • For the Top:
    • One beaten egg for shine
    • Sesame seeds or Parmesan if you like

Let's Make Stromboli

Start with Dough:
- Wake up your yeast in warm water with sugar
- Mix everything together knead until smooth
- Let it rest and rise for an hour
Build Your Roll:
- Heat the oven to 375°F
- Roll out your dough layer all those goodies
- Roll it up nice and tight seal the edges
Time to Bake:
- Brush with egg add your toppings and let it get golden
Ready to Share:
- Slice it up serve with warm marinara

My Best Tips

  • Let that dough come to room temp it's much easier to work with.
  • Keep those veggies dry nobody likes a soggy bottom.
  • Make it your own with your favorite fillings.
  • Keep one in the freezer for busy nights.
A deliciously baked, cheese-filled rolled pastry topped with melted cheese and parsley, revealing layers of pepperoni inside. Pin it
A deliciously baked, cheese-filled rolled pastry topped with melted cheese and parsley, revealing layers of pepperoni inside. | cookingwithcasey.com

Keep It Fresh

  • Save Some: Keeps well in the fridge for 3-4 days.
  • Warm It Up: Heat in the oven to get that crust crispy again.
  • Freeze Extra: Freezes beautifully for up to 2 months.
  • Plan Ahead: Thaw overnight then warm it up when ready.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Why is my stromboli leaking?

Don't overfill and leave a border around edges. Seal edges well with egg wash and place seam-side down.

→ Can I use different meats?

Yes, any Italian cured meats work well. Just avoid very wet ingredients that could make dough soggy.

→ How do I prevent gaps inside?

Roll tightly and press down gently as you go. Don't pull or stretch the dough too much.

→ Can I freeze stromboli?

Yes, freeze before or after baking. If before, don't add egg wash until ready to bake.

→ Why did my dough split?

Let dough come to room temperature if using store-bought, and don't roll too thin.

Italian Stromboli

A rolled Italian bread filled with layers of salami, pepperoni, ham and cheese, then baked until golden. Like a pizza rolled into a delicious bundle.

Prep Time
30 Minutes
Cook Time
25 Minutes
Total Time
55 Minutes
By: Casey

Category: Hearty Main Dishes

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: Italian-American

Yield: 8 Servings (1 stromboli)

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

01 4 cups all-purpose flour.
02 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) instant dry yeast.
03 1 teaspoon sugar.
04 2 teaspoons salt.
05 1 1/2 cups warm water.
06 2 tablespoons olive oil.
07 1 cup marinara sauce (optional).
08 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella.
09 1/2 cup grated Parmesan.
10 1/2 cup fresh basil or parsley, chopped.
11 1/2 pound sliced salami.
12 1/2 pound sliced pepperoni.
13 1/2 pound sliced ham or prosciutto.
14 1 large egg, beaten.
15 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan.
16 Italian seasoning for garnish.

Instructions

Step 01

Mix flour, yeast, sugar, and salt. Add warm water and oil, knead for 5-7 minutes, and let rise for 1 hour.

Step 02

Heat the oven to 400°F.

Step 03

Roll the dough into a 10x14 inch rectangle.

Step 04

Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce if using.

Step 05

Layer the cheeses, meats, and herbs over the dough.

Step 06

Roll the dough tightly from the long edge and place seam-side down.

Step 07

Brush the dough with the beaten egg.

Step 08

Top with Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning.

Step 09

Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.

Step 10

Let cool slightly before slicing and serving.

Notes

  1. Can use store-bought pizza dough to save time.
  2. Make ahead and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.

Tools You'll Need

  • Baking sheet.
  • Parchment paper.
  • Rolling pin.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Dairy (cheese).
  • Wheat (flour).
  • Eggs.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 485
  • Total Fat: 28 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 42 g
  • Protein: 24 g