Easy Cheesy Ham Italian Stromboli Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

For an extra layer of flavor, consider sprinkling a little bit of garlic powder or grated Parmesan cheese over the buttered crust before baking.

This adds a savory punch to the exterior that pairs perfectly with the melted mozzarella and ham inside the loaf.

If you find the dough is shrinking back while you are trying to roll it out, simply let it rest for an additional 5 minutes. This allows the gluten to relax, making the dough much more pliable and easier to shape into the desired rectangular size.

Variations

• Veggie Delight: Replace the ham with sautéed spinach, mushrooms, and bell peppers. Ensure all vegetables are well-drained after sautéing to prevent excess moisture from making the dough soggy during the baking process.
• Spicy Italian: Incorporate spicy salami or pepperoni instead of ham and add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the cheese mixture for a subtle heat that cuts through the richness of the melted mozzarella.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Freezer

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

Reheat

Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven until warmed through and the crust is crisp again.

If you have leftovers, allow them to cool completely at room temperature for no more than 2 hours before wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap or placing them in an airtight container.

Properly stored, the stromboli will maintain its quality for up to three days in the refrigerator.

You can assemble the stromboli up to 4 hours in advance. After braiding, place it on the parchment-lined baking sheet, cover it loosely with plastic wrap, and keep it in the refrigerator.

When ready to bake, remove it from the fridge, brush with the butter, and bake as directed.

Serving ideas

Serve the stromboli warm, sliced into thick, generous portions. It is excellent on its own, but can also be accompanied by a side of warm marinara sauce for dipping if desired.

A simple green side salad with a light vinaigrette makes for a balanced and complete meal.

For a casual party setting, slice the stromboli into smaller, appetizer-sized pieces. This makes it easy for guests to pick up and enjoy. Ensure you have plenty of napkins on hand, as the cheesy, molten center can be quite indulgent and messy to eat.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Easy Cheesy Ham Italian Stromboli

Prep 15 minCook 25 minRest 5 minTotal 45 minServes 6

Ingredients

• 1 lb store-bought or made ahead pizza dough
• 8 oz sliced deli ham
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped

Instructions

1. Roll out the pizza dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet into a large rectangle. Layer the ham slices evenly over the center of the dough, followed by the shredded mozzarella cheese. Carefully fold the edges of the dough over the filling and braid the remaining dough strips to seal the stromboli completely.
2. Whisk together the melted butter and finely chopped fresh parsley in a small bowl. Using a pastry brush, generously coat the entire surface of the braided dough with the herb butter mixture to ensure a deep golden color and rich flavor during the baking process.
3. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake the stromboli for 20 to 25 minutes until the crust is deeply golden brown and the cheese is bubbling inside. Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing with a serrated knife.

Contains: gluten, milk

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

420

Protein

18 g

Carbohydrates

35 g

Fat

22 g

Fiber

1.5 g

Sugar

2 g

Sodium

850 mg

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