Dinner · Part 1 of 3: Ingredients
Cheesy Pizza Stuffed Stromboli for a Quick Dinner

- Prep
- Cook
- Total
- Serves
- 4
Discover the secret to a perfectly crispy, cheesy pizza stuffed stromboli that brings the best of Italian-American flavors right to your kitchen table for dinner tonight.
This pizza stuffed stromboli is the ultimate solution for a satisfying, crowd-pleasing dinner. By combining fresh pizza dough with layers of savory deli ham, zesty pepperoni, and plenty of gooey mozzarella cheese, this dish transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-quality meal.
It is designed for ease and speed, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights when a hot, cheesy meal is the only thing that will suffice. The process is straightforward and results in a golden, crunchy exterior that gives way to a molten, savory center that is sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
- 1 lb pizza dough, store-bought or made ahead
- 1/2 cup marinara sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 6 oz deli ham
- 2 oz pepperoni slices
Why this recipe works
The method of rolling the dough tightly around the fillings ensures that every bite contains a perfect ratio of crust, sauce, and cheese.
This technique creates a self-contained meal that traps heat and moisture inside, resulting in a tender interior that contrasts beautifully with the crisp, golden-baked outer crust.
Baking the stromboli on a high heat allows the dough to puff up and brown quickly while giving the internal cheese just enough time to melt into a cohesive, gooey layer. This approach prevents the dough from becoming soggy, as the marinara sauce is contained effectively within the tight spiral of the dough.
Notes and substitutions
For the best results, use a high-quality store-bought pizza dough that is at room temperature before rolling. If the dough is too cold, it will be difficult to stretch and may shrink back while working.
If preferred, homemade dough works equally well, provided it has been properly proofed and is elastic enough to hold the weight of the fillings.
The equipment required is minimal, consisting of a standard baking sheet and parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Using parchment paper is essential for an easy cleanup, especially if any cheese manages to escape during the baking process. A serrated knife is the best tool for slicing the hot loaf without compressing the layers.
- deli ham: cooked spicy sausage or roasted vegetables for a different flavor profile
- marinara sauce: pesto or garlic butter base for a non-tomato variation
Equipment
- baking sheet
- parchment paper
- rolling pin
- serrated knife
Up next · Part 2 of 3
3 steps · 25 min of cooking · what to look for at each stage
Step-by-step instructions (Part 2)