Ingredients

Scale

Here’s a breakdown of what goes into this crispy, cheesy stromboli and why each ingredient plays a role.

For the Stromboli

1 lb refrigerated pizza dough or homemade pizza dough — Forms the crispy, golden exterior that holds all the cheesy, savory filling.
6 oz sliced pepperoni — Adds classic, slightly spicy pizza flavor throughout every slice.
2 cups shredded low-moisture mozzarella cheese — Provides that classic, stretchy, gooey pizza cheese pull.
½ cup shredded provolone cheese — Adds a slightly sharper, more complex cheese flavor alongside the mozzarella.
¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese — Contributes a salty, nutty, umami-rich finish.
⅓ cup pizza sauce — Adds classic tangy tomato flavor throughout the filling.
1 tsp Italian seasoning — A classic herb blend that reinforces the pizza-inspired flavor profile.
½ tsp garlic powder — Adds savory, aromatic depth to the filling.
¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes — Adds a subtle kick of heat throughout the stromboli.
¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper — Adds a subtle, warm bite.

For the Garlic Butter Topping

3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted — Forms the rich, flavorful base that’s brushed over the finished stromboli.
2 cloves garlic, minced — Adds bold, aromatic garlic flavor to the buttery topping.
1 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese — Adds extra salty, cheesy flavor to the topping.
½ tsp Italian seasoning — Reinforces the herb flavor on the exterior of the stromboli.
1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley — Adds fresh, herbal brightness and a pop of color.

For Serving

Warm marinara or pizza sauce — A classic dipping option that complements the pizza flavors inside.
Garlic butter — Reserve extra garlic butter for dipping alongside the stromboli.
Ranch dressing — A popular, tangy dipping option that pairs surprisingly well with the crispy, cheesy stromboli.

Optional Add-Ins

This recipe is easy to customize based on your favorite pizza toppings. Consider adding:

Italian sausage (for a heartier, meatier filling)
Sliced mushrooms (for an earthy addition)
Roasted bell peppers (for sweetness and color)
Banana peppers (for tangy, mild heat)
Black olives (for briny flavor)
Sliced jalapeños (for extra spice)
Fresh basil (for a fragrant, herbal finish)
Extra provolone cheese (for an even cheesier filling)

Instructions

This recipe comes together in a series of straightforward steps. Here’s exactly how to make it from start to finish.

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (205°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 2: Roll Out the Dough

Lightly flour your work surface and roll the pizza dough into approximately a 10 × 14-inch rectangle.

Step 3: Add the Sauce

Spread a thin layer of pizza sauce over the dough, leaving about a 1-inch border around the edges. Avoid using too much sauce, as excess moisture can make the stromboli soggy.

Step 4: Add the First Layer of Cheese

Sprinkle half of the mozzarella and provolone evenly over the sauced dough.

Step 5: Add the Pepperoni

Arrange the pepperoni slices over the cheese, slightly overlapping them to ensure every bite gets plenty of pepperoni flavor.

Step 6: Season the Filling

Sprinkle the Parmesan, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, red pepper flakes, and black pepper evenly over the pepperoni layer.

Step 7: Add the Remaining Cheese

Top with the remaining mozzarella and provolone cheese.

Step 8: Roll the Dough

Starting from one long side, carefully roll the dough into a tight log, working slowly to keep the filling contained.

Step 9: Seal the Stromboli

Pinch the seam and both ends firmly closed to prevent the filling from leaking out during baking.

Step 10: Transfer to the Baking Sheet

Place the stromboli seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.

Step 11: Cut Steam Vents

Using a sharp knife, cut 4–5 small diagonal slits across the top of the stromboli to allow steam to escape during baking.

Step 12: Make the Garlic Butter

Combine the melted butter, minced garlic, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, and parsley in a small bowl.

Step 13: Brush with Garlic Butter

Brush the garlic butter generously over the entire surface of the stromboli.

Step 14: Bake

Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the crust is deeply golden and the cheese inside is hot and melted.

Step 15: Rest Before Slicing

Let the stromboli rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This resting period allows the filling to set slightly, helping it stay inside the slices rather than spilling out.

Step 16: Slice and Serve

Cut into thick slices and serve warm with marinara, pizza sauce, garlic butter, or ranch dressing for dipping.