Crispy Golden Ham and Cheese Stromboli Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

To produce an exceptionally crisp crust with an appealing sheen, lightly brush the outer surface with olive oil before placing it in the oven. This encourages uniform browning and adds a delicate bakery-style snap to the exterior crust upon slicing.

If the top of the roll appears sufficiently browned before the full bake time elapses, lay a loose sheet of aluminum foil over the stromboli for the remaining minutes.

This protects the outer shell from scorching while internal heat finishes melting the cheese layers completely.

Variations

• Pepperoni and Provolone: Swap half of the deli ham for thinly sliced sandwich pepperoni and substitute sharp provolone for half of the mozzarella to add a classic pizzeria note.
• Herb and Garlic Crust: Brush the exterior dough lightly with olive oil and sprinkle with dried Italian seasoning and garlic powder before baking for extra aroma and flavor.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezer

Wrap baked, cooled slices tightly in foil and freeze for up to 1 month.

Reheat

Bake cold slices on a sheet at 350°F (175°C) for 10 to 12 minutes until heated through and crisp.

Allow any leftover pieces to cool for no more than 2 hours at room temperature. Transfer cooled portions into an airtight container or wrap them securely in aluminum foil before storing them in the refrigerator.

The entire log can be assembled, tightly rolled, and sealed up to 4 hours in advance. Wrap the unbaked roll in parchment paper and chill in the refrigerator.

Transfer directly to the preheated oven, adding 3 to 5 minutes to the total baking duration.

Serving ideas

Slice the rested stromboli crosswise into generous 1.5-inch pieces using a serrated bread knife.

Arrange the slices on a wooden cutting board to highlight the visible concentric rings of ham and melted mozzarella, offering a rustic presentation suitable for casual gatherings.

Pair each portion with a small ramekin of warm marinara sauce for dipping to provide a vibrant, acidic balance to the rich melted cheese.

Accompany with a crisp chopped green salad tossed in Italian vinaigrette to create a complete, well-rounded dinner plate.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Crispy Golden Ham and Cheese Stromboli

Prep 15 minCook 25 minRest 5 minTotal 45 minServes 4

Ingredients

• 1 lb pizza dough, store-bought or made ahead
• 8 oz deli ham, thinly sliced
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup marinara sauce, store-bought or made ahead, for dipping

Instructions

1. Heat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the pizza dough on a lightly floured surface and roll it out with a rolling pin into an even rectangle measuring approximately 10 by 14 inches.
2. Arrange the deli ham across the surface of the dough, leaving a 1-inch clear border around all edges. Scatter the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the ham. Roll the dough tightly from the long side into a log, tucking the ends inward, and press firmly along the seam to seal.
3. Transfer the rolled log seam-side down onto the prepared baking sheet. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 25 minutes until the exterior is crisp and deep golden brown. Let rest for 5 minutes, slice into thick pieces, and serve alongside warm marinara sauce for dipping.

Contains: gluten, milk

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

420

Protein

20 g

Carbohydrates

44 g

Fat

18 g

Fiber

2 g

Sugar

4 g

Sodium

920 mg

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