Easy Cheesy Ham and Pepperoni Stromboli Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

For a more polished presentation, brush the exterior of the stromboli with a beaten egg wash before baking. This gives the crust a beautiful, glossy finish and a deeper golden color. Additionally, sprinkling a little bit of dried oregano or garlic powder over the egg wash can add an extra layer of savory flavor that complements the ham and pepperoni filling perfectly.

If you find that your oven bakes unevenly, rotate the baking sheet halfway through the cooking time. This ensures that the crust browns evenly on all sides. Also, avoid slicing the stromboli immediately after removing it from the oven.

Letting it rest for at least five minutes allows the internal steam to subside and the cheese to stabilize, which results in cleaner slices and less mess on your cutting board.

Variations

• Veggie Delight: Replace the ham and pepperoni with sautéed bell peppers, onions, and sliced mushrooms. Ensure all vegetables are well-drained after cooking to prevent excess moisture from making the dough soggy during the baking process.
• Spicy Italian: Add a layer of sliced jalapeños or a dash of crushed red pepper flakes over the cheese before rolling. This adds a nice kick that pairs well with the salty pepperoni and melted mozzarella.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

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

Freezer

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

Reheat

Reheat in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes until crispy and warmed through.

Store any leftover stromboli in an airtight container to maintain its texture. If you have a significant amount left over, wrap the individual slices in plastic wrap before placing them in the container.

This helps prevent the crust from drying out or absorbing moisture from the refrigerator, ensuring that it remains as delicious as possible when you are ready to enjoy it again later in the week.

You can assemble the stromboli up to two hours before baking, but keep it in the refrigerator until you are ready to put it in the oven. If you assemble it too far in advance, the dough may absorb too much moisture from the fillings and become soggy. For the best results, assemble, roll, and bake as close to your serving time as possible for that fresh, crispy experience.

Serving ideas

Serve the stromboli warm, sliced into thick, generous portions. It pairs wonderfully with a side of warm marinara sauce for dipping, which adds a bright, acidic contrast to the savory ham and melted cheese.

A simple side salad with a crisp vinaigrette is also an excellent accompaniment that balances the richness of the pastry, making for a complete and satisfying meal that is perfect for any occasion.

When presenting the stromboli, arrange the slices on a wooden board or a large serving platter to showcase the beautiful layers inside. Having the dipping sauce in a separate bowl allows guests to help themselves, keeping the crust crisp for as long as possible.

This dish is best enjoyed while it is still warm and the cheese remains stretchy and gooey, so serve it promptly after the recommended resting period.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Easy Cheesy Ham and Pepperoni Stromboli

Prep 15 minCook 25 minRest 5 minTotal 45 minServes 4

Ingredients

• 1 lb store-bought or made ahead crust dough
• 6 oz deli ham, thinly sliced
• 3 oz pepperoni slices
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Roll out the crust dough on a lightly floured surface into a large rectangle, approximately 10 by 14 inches, ensuring an even thickness across the entire sheet for consistent baking results throughout the process.
2. Distribute the slices of ham evenly over the surface of the dough, leaving a one-inch border around the edges. Follow with a layer of pepperoni slices, and finally, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the meat layers to ensure a gooey center.
3. Tightly roll the crust dough into a log shape, pinching the seams and ends firmly to seal all the fillings inside. Place the stromboli seam-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 25 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.

Contains: gluten, milk

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

420

Protein

18.5 g

Carbohydrates

35 g

Fat

22 g

Fiber

1.5 g

Sugar

2 g

Sodium

950 mg

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