Introduction

Craving something cheesy, crispy, and totally satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen? This Cheesy Pepperoni Stromboli is about to become your new weeknight hero. Imagine golden pizza dough wrapped around layers of gooey mozzarella, spicy pepperoni, and zesty marinara—baked until bubbly and perfect. Whether you're feeding picky kids, hungry teens, or just treating yourself to a comfort food classic, this recipe checks all the boxes.

You’ll love this Cheesy Pepperoni Stromboli for its bold flavor, fast prep time, and crowd-pleasing goodness. Bonus: it’s freezer-friendly and ideal for game night, lunchboxes, or quick dinners.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✅ Ready in under 30 minutes
✅ Uses simple ingredients you already have
✅ Easily customizable (swap meats, add veggies, go vegetarian!)
✅ Perfect party appetizer or dinner
✅ Loved by kids and adults alike
✅ Make-ahead and freezer-friendly

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Stromboli:

1 lb refrigerated pizza dough (or homemade)
1 cup marinara sauce (plus extra for dipping)
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
20–25 slices of pepperoni
1 egg (for egg wash)
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 tablespoon grated Parmesan (optional)

Substitutions:

Swap mozzarella for provolone or fontina.
Use turkey pepperoni or veggie crumbles for a lighter version.
For dairy-free: use vegan cheese and skip the Parmesan.

Pro Tips:

🧀 Freshly shredded cheese melts better than pre-shredded!
🍕 Don’t overfill the stromboli or it may tear during baking.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface into a large rectangle (about 10x14 inches).
Spread marinara over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges.
Sprinkle cheese evenly on top of the sauce.
Layer pepperoni slices over the cheese in a single layer.
Roll the stromboli tightly from one long side to the other, like a jelly roll. Pinch the seam and tuck the ends under.
Transfer to the baking sheet seam-side down.
Brush with egg wash and sprinkle with Italian seasoning and Parmesan.
Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbling.
Let cool for 5–10 minutes, then slice and serve with extra marinara for dipping!

Recipe Notes & Tips

Storage Tips:
🧊 Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Reheating Tips:
🔥 Reheat slices in a toaster oven or oven at 350°F (175°C) until warm and crispy.

Variations to Try:

Add sautéed mushrooms, onions, or bell peppers.
Make a BBQ chicken stromboli with BBQ sauce, chicken, and red onion.
Go vegetarian with spinach, ricotta, and artichokes.

Nutrition Facts

Calories	Protein	Carbs	Fat
450	18g	36g	24g

Note: Nutritional values are approximate per serving.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

❓ Can I use store-bought dough?
✅ Yes! Store-bought dough works great and saves time.

❓ Can I make it ahead of time?
✅ Absolutely. Assemble, cover, and refrigerate up to 8 hours in advance.

❓ What’s the best cheese for stromboli?
✅ Mozzarella is a classic, but provolone or a mix of cheeses works wonderfully too.

❓ Can I freeze stromboli?
✅ Yes—bake it, cool completely, wrap in foil, and freeze. Reheat at 350°F until warm.

❓ Why did my stromboli split open while baking?
❌ You may have overfilled it or not sealed the seam well. Always roll tightly and pinch ends.

Conclusion

This Cheesy Pepperoni Stromboli is everything you want in a quick comfort food meal—crispy, gooey, spicy, and oh-so-satisfying. Whether you serve it for dinner, slice it up for a party, or stash a few in the freezer for a rainy day, it’s guaranteed to become a repeat recipe in your home.

✨ Try it tonight and don’t forget to tag us @Simple Recipes on Pinterest with your cheesy creations!