SPICY ITALIAN STROMBOLI

This quick and easy spicy Italian Stromboli and a family favorite that can be made in minutes. Loaded with delicious cured meats and smothered in three different kinds of cheese wrapped in crispy pizza dough.

Taste the fiery flavors of Italy with this Spicy Italian Stromboli: a delicious twist on pizza night. Protein-packed pepperoni and deli chorizo, spiced with Calabrian chiles and roasted red peppers, and cheeses and marinara sauce, all encased in pizza dough. Bake until hot and bubbly, then slice and enjoy!

This easy-to-make dinner is a game-changer, better than any local pizzeria. Trust me; this recipe is so delicious that it'll quickly become a family favorite!

Italian Stromboli Ingredients

Pizza Dough – Pizza dough is the base of the Stromboli, and you can either make it from scratch or buy it pre-made from the store. Although fresh dough works well, but it's worth experimenting with frozen dough as it makes the Stromboli soft and almost gooey in the middle but is extremely crispy all around. 

Basil Pesto – This herby and garlicky sauce made from fresh basil, garlic, pine nuts, parmesan cheese, and olive oil adds a fresh herbaceous flavor to the Stromboli.

Marinara Sauce – For a sweet and tangy tomato flavor.

Calabrian Chiles – Known for their bold, spicy flavor, these chiles add a perfect fiery kick to the Stromboli you’ll love. 

Roasted Red Peppers – Add Roasted red peppers to balance the spicy flavors.

Mozzarella Cheese – Mild and melty mozzarella cheese is a staple in Italian cuisine and the secret behind Stromboli's creamy texture and slightly salty flavor.

Parmesan Cheese – Adds a nutty and sharp flavor

Provolone Cheese – This semi-hard cheese has a mild buttery flavor which melts beautifully and imparts a creamy texture to the Stromboli.

Uncured Pepperoni – Uncured pepperoni is the shining star of this Italian Stromboli recipe because it adds a rich and bold flavor to the dish. Uncured pepperoni is typically made with high-quality meats and spices, resulting in a more natural and authentic taste.

How to make the best Italian Stromboli

Preheat Your Oven

Before assembling your Spicy Italian Stromboli, preheat your oven to 400°F.

Prepare baking tray

Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.

Roll Out Your Pizza Dough

Start by rolling out store-bought pizza dough into a rectangular shape, ideally 8x12 inches, on a floured surface.

Add Your Toppings

Transfer the dough to a large baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Spread the marinara sauce over the dough about ½-inch edge all around. Add the pesto sauce to the marinara. spread the chopped Calabrian peppers onto the sauce and lightly combine. 

Add shredded cheeses over the top. Next, layer spicy pepperoni, spicy salami, and chorizo slices. As a final touch, top with a handful of chopped baby spinach.

Roll Up Your Dough

Roll up the dough like a cinnamon roll, and place the roll seam side down. Press and fold over the ends to ensure the mixture stays inside. Brush the uncooked stromboli roll with the lightly beaten egg and sprinkle with parmesan and parsley.

Brush the tops of the stromboli with the beaten egg, then sprinkle with Everything Bagel seeds. Take a sharp knife and cut two small slits on the top of the dough.

Bake Your Stromboli

Bake in the oven for 20-25 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Slice and Serve

Once the Stromboli is done, remove it from the oven. Let the stromboli rest for 3-5 mins, then cut in 4 sections, and serve. Serve hot and enjoy the delicious flavors of spicy cured meats and melted cheese wrapped in crispy pizza dough.

FAQ’s

What is Italian Stromboli?

Italian Stromboli is basically a stuffed bread made by layering pizza dough with various toppings and then rolling it up and baking it until golden. After baking, it is often sliced and served hot as a main dish or as an appetizer. You can customize the fillings in Italian Stromboli according to your tastes, making it a versatile and delicious meal option for all age groups.

Can I prepare Italian Stromboli ahead of time?

While you can prepare the Stromboli ahead of time up to the point of baking, it's best to bake it right before serving to enjoy flavors. for the freshest and tastiest results. Once you have layered the Stromboli with your desired toppings, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator until you are ready to bake it.

However, if you have leftovers, you can reheat them in the microwave for a quick and easy meal fix the following day. Place the leftover Stromboli on a microwave-safe dish and heat it in 30-second increments until it's heated through.