Cheesy Pizza Stuffed Stromboli for a Quick Dinner Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

For an extra golden finish, lightly brush the outside of the rolled dough with a small amount of olive oil or a beaten egg wash before placing it in the oven.

This creates a glossy, professional-looking crust that enhances the presentation and adds a hint of savory richness to every bite of the finished stromboli.

If the edges of the stromboli start to brown too rapidly during the baking process, loosely tent the loaf with a piece of aluminum foil.

This allows the center to heat through completely without burning the exterior, ensuring the mozzarella is perfectly melted and the ham is warmed through throughout the entire loaf.

Variations

• Veggie Delight: Replace the ham and pepperoni with a colorful mixture of sautéed bell peppers, onions, and sliced mushrooms. Ensure the vegetables are cooked and well-drained before adding to the dough to prevent excess moisture.
• Spicy Meat Lover: Swap the deli ham for cooked spicy sausage crumbles and add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce for a bolder, spicier flavor profile that pairs well with the mozzarella.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Keep in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Freezer

Wrap tightly in plastic and foil for up to 1 month.

Reheat

Warm in a 350°F oven until heated through and crispy.

Store any leftover stromboli in an airtight container once it has cooled to room temperature. It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to three days.

When ready to eat again, ensure the leftovers are reheated until they are piping hot, which helps restore some of the original texture and flavor of the crust.

The stromboli can be assembled up to two hours before baking and kept in the refrigerator, covered with plastic wrap. However, it is best to bake it fresh to maintain the crunch of the crust.

If assembling ahead, ensure the dough is cold when it goes into the oven to prevent the crust from becoming overly soft.

Serving ideas

Serve the warm stromboli sliced into thick, generous portions on a large platter. It pairs perfectly with an additional side of warm marinara sauce for dipping, which complements the cheesy interior and adds a bright, acidic contrast to the savory ham and pepperoni layers found inside the golden bread.

For a complete meal, accompany the stromboli with a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette. The freshness of the greens balances the richness of the cheese and dough, making for a satisfying and well-rounded dinner that feels special enough for guests yet simple enough for a regular weeknight.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Cheesy Pizza Stuffed Stromboli for a Quick Dinner

Prep 15 minCook 25 minRest 5 minTotal 45 minServes 4

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

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Roll out the pizza dough on a lightly floured surface into a large rectangle. Spread the marinara sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges to help with sealing.
2. Layer the shredded mozzarella, deli ham, and pepperoni over the marinara sauce. Carefully roll the dough tightly, starting from one long edge, and pinch the seams firmly to seal the filling inside. Place the log seam-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
3. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes or until the crust is deep golden brown and the cheese is bubbling inside. Remove from the oven and let the stromboli rest for at least 5 minutes before slicing to keep the filling intact.

Contains: gluten, milk

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

450

Protein

18 g

Carbohydrates

52 g

Fat

18 g

Fiber

2 g

Sugar

4 g

Sodium

950 mg

Automatic estimate from the ingredient list, not laboratory-verified.