Stromboli, a cousin of the calzone, fits into that category, and when you’re finished, you can feed the neighborhood.
What Is Stromboli?
Stromboli is a long roll of meat and cheese wrapped in pizza dough, which is then cut into individual slices for serving. It’s an Italian-American invention from the 1950s, apparently named for the film “Stromboli,” which was on the silver screen at the time. There is also a real place called Stromboli; it’s a volcanic island off the north coast of Sicily.
How to Make Stromboli
Begin with dough from your favorite local pizzeria or supermarket – or make your own! Roll it out and add layers of salami, ham, mozzarella, and provolone. I like to temper all this richness with a sprinkle of capers and a few peppadews (which are tangy and slightly spicy pickled red peppers that you can find at most grocery store salad bars, or buy in jars). I usually roll out the dough on floured parchment paper, which I then use to help roll the dough and all the layers of meat and cheese into a log. Then I pick up the parchment on both sides — like a sling — and set it on the baking sheet. Bake the stromboli until golden, cut into colorful slices, and serve warm. To make this a meal, serve your stromboli with a Caesar Salad or a simple soup, like tomato soup or Italian Egg Drop Soup.
Can You Make Stromboli Ahead of Time?
Yes, indeed! Prepare and roll your stromboli, transfer it to a baking dish, and cover loosely with plastic wrap. Refrigerate overnight, and when ready to bake, let it warm slightly on the counter while the oven preheats.
Swaps & Substitutions
The sky is the limit when it comes to other fillings for your stromboli. Here are a few suggestions!
Vegetarian: Fill your stromboli with mushrooms, bell peppers, olives, or any combination of favorite veggies.Swap the meats: Use pepperoni, deli ham, Canadian bacon, cooked sausage, or even shredded chicken or beef.Swap the cheeses: Try fontina, provolone, asiago, gruyere, Swiss, or any other cheese that suits your fancy!
More Easy Recipes With Pizza Dough
Spinach and Artichoke Sheet Pan Pizza Sausage Rolls BBQ Chicken Sheet Pan Pizza Pepperoni Pizza Pockets Homemade Pizza
Peppadew peppers can also often be purchased in jars, sometimes under the name “sweet piquante peppers.” Substitute roasted red peppers if you can’t find peppadews.
