Short Description: A savory, rolled pizza bread stuffed with Italian deli meats and cheese, perfect as a crowd-pleasing appetizer or a satisfying main course.

Ingredients:

1 tube (13.8 oz) Pillsbury™ refrigerated pizza crust
8 slices deli ham
10 slices Genoa salami
12 slices sandwich pepperoni
8 slices provolone cheese (or substitute with 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese)
2 tablespoons butter, melted
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 teaspoons fresh parsley, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried)
3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
Optional: 1/2 cup marinara sauce or pizza sauce

Preparation:

Step 1: Preheat Oven:

Follow the pizza crust package instructions for preheating your oven. Typically, this will be around 400°F (200°C). Ensure the oven rack is positioned in the middle.

Step 2: Prepare Garlic Butter:

In a small bowl, melt the butter in the microwave or in a saucepan on the stove. Add the minced garlic, parsley, and Parmesan cheese to the melted butter. Mix well and set aside. This garlic butter mixture will add a rich, savory flavor to the Stromboli crust.

Step 3: Prepare Dough:

Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. This will prevent the Stromboli from sticking and make cleanup easier. Unroll the pizza crust dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Gently stretch the dough to approximately 12×15 inches, or close to the size of the baking sheet. Try to maintain a rectangular shape for even rolling.

Step 4: Layer Ingredients:

Start layering the ingredients evenly over the stretched dough. Begin with the ham, followed by the salami, and then the pepperoni. Distribute the meat slices so they cover the dough surface, leaving a small border (about 1 inch) around the edges.

Next, layer the provolone cheese slices (or shredded mozzarella) over the meat. Ensure the cheese covers the meat layer uniformly. If you prefer to include marinara sauce inside the Stromboli, spread it evenly over the cheese layer now, leaving the border uncovered.

Step 5: Roll It Up:

Starting from one of the long sides, begin rolling the dough tightly, similar to rolling a jelly roll. Seal the seam well by pinching the dough together along the entire length. Pinch and tuck the ends underneath the Stromboli to prevent the filling from leaking out during baking.

Step 6: Score the Top:

Use a sharp, serrated knife to make several diagonal slits (about 1-2 inches apart) across the top of the Stromboli. These slits will allow steam to escape during baking, preventing the Stromboli from bursting and ensuring even cooking.

Step 7: Add Garlic Butter:

Brush the entire surface of the Stromboli generously with the prepared garlic butter mixture. Make sure to get into the slits you’ve made to infuse the crust with flavor.

Step 8: Bake:

Carefully transfer the baking sheet with the Stromboli to the preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the Stromboli is golden brown and the crust is cooked through. The internal temperature should reach at least 165°F (74°C) to ensure the meats are heated properly.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

Easy to Customize: You can easily swap out ingredients to suit your taste. Use different meats, cheeses, or add veggies like spinach, roasted red peppers, or mushrooms.
Great for Sharing: Stromboli is perfect for parties, game day gatherings, or family dinners. It’s easy to slice and serve, making it a crowd-pleaser.
Make-Ahead Option: You can assemble the Stromboli ahead of time and keep it refrigerated until you’re ready to bake. Just add a few minutes to the baking time.
Delicious Flavor: The combination of savory meats, melted cheese, and garlic butter creates an irresistible flavor that everyone will love.
Simple Ingredients: The recipe uses easy-to-find ingredients, making it accessible for home cooks of all levels.

Serving Suggestions:

Marinara Sauce: Serve slices of Stromboli with warm marinara sauce for dipping.
Ranch Dressing: For a different twist, offer ranch dressing as a dipping option.
Side Salad: Pair the Stromboli with a fresh side salad for a complete meal. A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing works well.
Garlic Knots: Serve alongside garlic knots for an extra-indulgent Italian feast.
Soup: A bowl of minestrone or tomato soup complements the Stromboli nicely.

Tips:

Don’t Overfill: Be careful not to overfill the Stromboli with too many ingredients, or it will be difficult to roll and seal properly.
Seal Tightly: Ensure the seam is tightly sealed to prevent the filling from leaking out during baking.
Use Quality Ingredients: Opt for high-quality deli meats and cheeses for the best flavor.
Adjust Baking Time: Baking times may vary depending on your oven. Keep an eye on the Stromboli and adjust the baking time accordingly.
Let it Rest: Allow the Stromboli to cool for a few minutes before slicing to prevent the filling from spilling out.

Preparation Time:

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
Total Time: 40-45 minutes

Nutrition Information:

(Note: The following is an estimate, and nutritional values may vary based on specific ingredients and serving size.)

Calories: Approximately 350-450 per serving (depending on portion size and ingredients)
Protein: 20-25 grams per serving
Sodium: 800-1000 mg per serving

Conclusion:

This Italian Stromboli recipe is a fantastic way to bring a taste of Italy to your kitchen. With its customizable ingredients and simple preparation, it’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a party, enjoying a family dinner, or just craving something delicious, this Stromboli is sure to be a hit! Enjoy the delightful combination of savory meats, melted cheese, and flavorful crust in every bite.

Questions and Answers:

Q1: Can I add vegetables to the Stromboli?

A: Absolutely! Adding vegetables is a great way to customize your Stromboli. Consider adding spinach, roasted red peppers, mushrooms, or onions. Be sure to chop them finely and distribute them evenly over the cheese layer.

Q2: Can I make this ahead of time?

A: Yes, you can assemble the Stromboli ahead of time and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, add a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure it’s heated through.

Q3: What if I don’t have provolone cheese?

A: No problem! You can easily substitute provolone cheese with shredded mozzarella cheese. Mozzarella melts beautifully and has a mild flavor that complements the other ingredients.

Q4: Can I use a different type of dough?

A: While this recipe calls for Pillsbury™ refrigerated pizza crust, you can experiment with other types of dough. Homemade pizza dough or even puff pastry can be used, but be sure to adjust the baking time accordingly.

Q5: How do I prevent the bottom of the Stromboli from getting soggy?

A: To prevent the bottom of the Stromboli from getting soggy, make sure to use parchment paper on the baking sheet. This will create a barrier between the dough and the pan. Additionally, ensure your oven is preheated properly and that you’re baking the Stromboli on the middle rack.