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

Tips for success

To achieve the most consistent crunch, place the stromboli on the middle rack of the oven. If the top browns too quickly before the center is hot, you can loosely tent a piece of foil over the top for the final few minutes of baking. This ensures the dough cooks through while keeping the garlic butter topping from burning.

If you prefer a more intense garlic flavor, consider adding a small amount of freshly minced garlic to the melted butter wash instead of just using garlic powder.

The fresh garlic will roast during the baking process, providing a deeper, more aromatic finish that complements the salty ham and creamy cheese perfectly. Always whisk the mixture thoroughly to ensure the herbs are evenly distributed.

Variations

• Pepperoni and Mozzarella: Replace the deli ham with slices of pepperoni and add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter wash for a spicy kick that pairs perfectly with the melted cheese.
• Spinach and Feta: Swap the ham for well-drained, cooked spinach and crumbled feta cheese. This vegetarian variation offers a fresh, earthy flavor that works beautifully with the crispy, garlic-buttered crust.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Store in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezer

Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then foil; freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheat

Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven until the crust is crisp and the center is hot, about 10 to 15 minutes.

If you have leftovers, allow them to cool completely at room temperature for no more than 2 hours. Once cooled, wrap the stromboli tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container.

Store it in the refrigerator, where it will maintain its quality for up to 3 days. When ready to eat again, ensure it is reheated until the center is steaming hot to maintain the best texture.

You can assemble the stromboli in advance and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 2 hours before baking. If you need to prepare it further ahead, store the rolled, unbaked stromboli in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.

For the best results, brush the garlic butter on just before placing it into the oven to ensure the crust remains as crisp and fresh as possible.

Serving ideas

Serve the stromboli warm, sliced into thick, generous portions that showcase the layers of ham and melted cheese. It makes for a fantastic standalone meal when paired with a fresh side salad or some simple steamed vegetables to add a crisp, refreshing contrast to the richness of the pastry and cheese.

For a more substantial serving, consider offering a small side of warm marinara sauce for dipping. The acidity of the tomato sauce cuts through the saltiness of the ham and the richness of the cheese, enhancing the overall experience.

Arrange the slices on a wooden serving board for a rustic, appetizing presentation that highlights the golden, crispy crust.

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 mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp dried Italian herbs

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Roll out the pizza dough on a sheet of parchment paper into a large rectangle. Layer the deli ham slices evenly over the dough, leaving a small border at the edges. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the ham layer.
2. Tightly roll the dough starting from the long edge, tucking in the sides as you go to seal the filling inside. Place the roll seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet. In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, garlic powder, and dried Italian herbs. Brush this mixture all over the top and sides of the dough.
3. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes until the crust is deep golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing with a sharp knife to serve hot.

Contains: gluten, milk

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

450

Protein

18 g

Carbohydrates

42 g

Fat

22 g

Fiber

2 g

Sugar

1 g

Sodium

950 mg

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