Cheesy Pepperoni Stromboli Recipe for Family Fun Recipe
If you’re searching for the ultimate family dinner that’s as fun to make as it is to eat, this Cheesy Pepperoni Stromboli Recipe for Family Fun is sure to become your new go-to. Imagine a golden, crispy pizza roll stuffed with layers of gooey mozzarella, sharp cheddar, zesty sauce, and classic pepperoni—every bite feels like a celebration! This stromboli is not only crowd-pleasing and easy to customize, but also perfect for getting everyone, especially the kids, involved in the kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity: each ingredient is thoughtfully chosen to contribute big flavor, melty texture, and inviting color. Don’t be afraid to improvise with what you have on hand, but these staples are what make the Cheesy Pepperoni Stromboli Recipe for Family Fun so irresistible.
- Pizza dough: Grab a pound of store-bought or homemade dough—a pillowy, slightly chewy base that rolls up perfectly.
- Pizza sauce: About 1 cup, this brings that familiar tangy tomato flavor and keeps the stromboli moist.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: 1 1/2 cups offer gooey classic stretch in every cheesy bite.
- Shredded provolone or cheddar cheese: 1/2 cup adds sharpness or buttery richness, balancing the mozzarella.
- Italian seasoning: Just 1/2 teaspoon for that essential herby aroma we all love in pizzeria favorites.
- Garlic powder: 1/4 teaspoon rounds out the flavors with a savory, garlicky punch.
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional): 1/4 teaspoon for a pop of heat—use more or less to suit your crowd.
- Pepperoni slices: 25–30 pieces create bold, spicy pockets throughout the stromboli.
- Egg (beaten): For that beautiful sheen and a crisp, golden-brown crust.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: 1 tablespoon provides a savory, salty finish on top.
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional): A sprinkle at the end adds color and a fresh, herby lift.
How to Make Cheesy Pepperoni Stromboli Recipe for Family Fun
Step 1: Get Prepped and Preheat
Let’s dive right in! Start by preheating your oven to 400°F to ensure that perfect, even bake. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to keep the stromboli from sticking. This is a simple step, but it sets you up for stromboli success.
Step 2: Roll Out the Dough
On a lightly floured surface, roll out your pizza dough into a big rectangle, about 10 by 14 inches. Don’t stress about it being exact—just aim for an even thickness throughout. This generous canvas will make rolling easy later.
Step 3: Sauce and Cheese Time
Spread pizza sauce over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border all around. Now, scatter on all that shredded mozzarella and cheddar or provolone. Sprinkle with Italian seasoning and garlic powder for those rich, herby notes, and if you like a kick, add a dash of red pepper flakes too. Here’s where you can really let little hands help out—it’s almost impossible to go wrong!
Step 4: Layer and Roll
Arrange the pepperoni slices evenly across the cheese. Starting from one long edge, roll the dough up jelly-roll style, tucking in the sides as you go. Take your time here and roll gently to keep everything inside. When you finish, carefully transfer your log to the baking sheet seam-side down.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Brush the top with your beaten egg for that professional, bakery-style sheen, then sprinkle with grated Parmesan. Before baking, make 4 or 5 tiny slits in the top with a sharp knife to let the steam escape—this keeps your Cheesy Pepperoni Stromboli Recipe for Family Fun from getting soggy.
Step 6: Rest, Slice, and Serve
Bake for 20–25 minutes until puffed up and beautifully golden brown. Let it rest for just five minutes (torture, I know!) so the cheese can settle and the slices hold their shape. Garnish with fresh parsley if you’d like, then slice and serve alongside extra pizza sauce or marinara for dipping.
How to Serve Cheesy Pepperoni Stromboli Recipe for Family Fun
Garnishes
Freshly chopped parsley is the stromboli’s finishing touch, adding a colorful pop and bright flavor. If you’re feeling extra, a light dusting of more Parmesan on top makes each slice look and taste irresistible. Don’t forget to serve with a little bowl of warm pizza sauce or marinara for dunking—double the fun, double the delicious.
Side Dishes
Pair your Cheesy Pepperoni Stromboli Recipe for Family Fun with a crisp green salad tossed in Italian dressing, some roasted veggies, or even classic garlic breadsticks for a truly feast-worthy table. The stromboli is cozy and filling, so light, fresh sides are perfect to round out the meal without overwhelming your taste buds.
Creative Ways to Present
Let every family member choose their favorite dipping sauces—think ranch, spicy mustard, or zesty tomato salsa for a build-your-own experience. For parties, slice the stromboli into smaller “pinwheels” and arrange them on a platter so everyone can grab a piece. The interactive, slice-and-dip style really brings out the spirit of this Cheesy Pepperoni Stromboli Recipe for Family Fun!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, simply wrap them tightly in foil or transfer to an airtight container. Pop them in the fridge where they’ll keep fresh and tasty for up to three days without losing that wonderful flavor and melty-cheese goodness.
Freezing
This stromboli freezes like a dream! Wrap individual slices or the entire roll (well-cooled) in plastic wrap, then foil. Stash your Cheesy Pepperoni Stromboli Recipe for Family Fun in the freezer for up to one month. Perfect for future busy nights or a quick grab-and-go lunch.
Reheating
For best results, reheat slices in a 350°F oven until hot and crisp, about 10 minutes. The toaster oven is also a great option and helps maintain that signature crunchy crust. The microwave will work, too—just know the texture might soften a little.
FAQs
Can I use other fillings besides pepperoni?
Absolutely! Try sliced mushrooms, bell peppers, olives, or even leftover cooked sausage. The Cheesy Pepperoni Stromboli Recipe for Family Fun is highly customizable, so get creative and let everyone choose their favorite additions.
What’s the best way to stop the stromboli from getting soggy?
Leaving a border when spreading the sauce prevents leaks, and those steam-release slits on top allow moisture to escape. Baking seam-side down also helps keep everything neatly inside and the crust nice and crisp.
Can kids help make this recipe?
Definitely! Kids love sprinkling cheese, laying out pepperoni, and rolling up the dough. It’s a fantastic way to teach basic cooking skills, spark creativity, and make your Cheesy Pepperoni Stromboli Recipe for Family Fun a true family event.
How do I know when it’s done baking?
The stromboli will be deeply golden and crisp on top, the cheese should be bubbly, and the internal temp should hit about 200°F for best results. If you see any cheese oozing from the slits, you know it’s ready!
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble your stromboli and refrigerate it (unbaked) for up to eight hours. When you’re ready, let it sit out as the oven preheats and bake as directed. Fresh-baked flavor with zero last-minute stress!
Final Thoughts
There’s just nothing like gathering everyone around the table to share a homemade Cheesy Pepperoni Stromboli Recipe for Family Fun—it’s warm, oozy, and destined to bring out smiles. Try it once and you’ll find any excuse to bake it again. Enjoy every cheesy, crispy, pepperoni-packed bite!
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Cheesy Pepperoni Stromboli Recipe for Family Fun Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Cheesy Pepperoni Stromboli recipe is a perfect choice for a fun family dinner. Filled with gooey cheese, savory pepperoni, and flavorful seasonings, this stromboli is sure to be a hit with everyone at the table.
Ingredients
Pizza Dough:
1 pound (store-bought or homemade)
Pizza Sauce:
1 cup
Shredded Mozzarella Cheese:
1 1/2 cups
Shredded Provolone or Cheddar Cheese:
1/2 cup
Italian Seasoning:
1/2 teaspoon
Garlic Powder:
1/4 teaspoon
Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (optional):
1/4 teaspoon
Pepperoni Slices:
25–30
Egg (for egg wash):
1, beaten
Grated Parmesan Cheese:
1 tablespoon
Chopped Fresh Parsley for Garnish (optional):
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll out the dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pizza dough into a large rectangle, about 10×14 inches.
- Add toppings: Spread the pizza sauce over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border. Layer on the cheeses, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes. Arrange pepperoni slices over the cheese.
- Roll the stromboli: Roll up the dough jelly-roll style into a log, tucking in the ends. Transfer to the baking sheet seam-side down.
- Brush with egg wash: Brush the top with beaten egg and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
- Bake: Cut slits in the top, then bake for 20–25 minutes until golden brown.
- Rest and serve: Let the stromboli rest before slicing. Garnish with parsley and serve with extra sauce.
Notes
- Involve the kids by letting them help with the layers or choose their favorite toppings.
- Customize with additional ingredients like mushrooms, bell peppers, or olives.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/6 of stromboli)
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 780 mg
- Fat: 19 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 15 g
- Cholesterol: 50 mg
