Italian Stromboli

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Italian Stromboli Recipe: A Deliciously Easy Guide

If you’re looking for a savory, cheesy, and downright delicious meal, Italian Stromboli is an ideal choice. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or making it for a gathering, this dish is guaranteed to be a hit. Stromboli is an Italian-American classic, often mistaken for its cousin, the calzone, but with a unique twist. With endless filling options, it’s a versatile recipe that’s both easy to prepare and packed with flavor. This comprehensive guide will take you through the steps to make an authentic Italian Stromboli from scratch, including the best dough recipe, filling suggestions, and tips for perfecting your baking technique.

What is Stromboli?

Stromboli is a type of turnover stuffed with various ingredients like meats, cheeses, and vegetables. It originated in the United States in the 1950s, inspired by Italian culinary traditions. The main difference between a calzone and Stromboli is the shape and how they are sealed. Stromboli is rolled like a burrito, while a calzone is folded in half like a taco.

Ingredients for Italian Stromboli

One of the best things about making Stromboli is that you can customize it with your favorite ingredients. Here’s a classic Italian Stromboli recipe to start with:

For the Dough:

  • 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 cup warm water (110°F)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil

For the Filling:

  • ½ lb sliced Genoa salami
  • ½ lb sliced pepperoni
  • 1 cup grated mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup provolone cheese
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • ½ cup marinara or pizza sauce (optional, for dipping)
  • 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

  1. Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, mix warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
  2. Mix the Dough: In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture and olive oil. Stir until the dough begins to form.
  3. Knead the Dough: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic.
  4. Let It Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a kitchen towel, and let it rise for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size.

Step 2: Assemble the Stromboli

  1. Roll Out the Dough: Once the dough has risen, preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Roll the dough into a large rectangle on a floured surface, roughly 12×18 inches.
  2. Add the Filling: Layer the salami, pepperoni, mozzarella, and provolone evenly across the dough, leaving about 1 inch of space around the edges.
  3. Season the Filling: Sprinkle garlic powder and oregano over the filling for an extra burst of flavor.
  4. Roll the Stromboli: Carefully roll the dough into a tight log, starting from one of the long sides. Pinch the edges and ends to seal.

Step 3: Bake the Stromboli

  1. Egg Wash: Transfer the Stromboli onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush the top with the beaten egg to give it a golden, shiny crust.
  2. Score the Top: Using a sharp knife, make a few shallow cuts on the top of the Stromboli to allow steam to escape during baking.
  3. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown.
  4. Cool and Serve: Let the Stromboli cool for about 5 minutes before slicing. Serve with marinara sauce on the side for dipping.

Tips for Perfect Stromboli

  • Don’t Overfill: It can be tempting to pack in as much filling as possible, but overfilling may cause the dough to tear or the Stromboli to become too soggy inside. Stick to a reasonable amount of filling for the best results.
  • Use Cold Cuts and Cheeses: Using thinly sliced meats and cheeses helps them melt and combine perfectly with the dough. Don’t use too much sauce inside, as it can make the Stromboli soggy.
  • Experiment with Fillings: While the classic Italian Stromboli recipe uses salami and pepperoni, feel free to customize it with other meats like ham, sausage, or even veggies like spinach and mushrooms.
  • Make Ahead: Stromboli can be made ahead of time and refrigerated. You can assemble it, then bake it just before serving. Alternatively, freeze the Stromboli before baking, then thaw and bake when ready.

Stromboli vs. Calzone: What’s the Difference?

Many people confuse Stromboli with calzones since both are dough-based and filled with similar ingredients. However, there are a few key differences between the two:

  • Shape: A Stromboli is rolled like a burrito or jelly roll, while a calzone is folded over like a half-moon.
  • Sealing Method: Stromboli is typically sealed by rolling the dough, whereas calzones are sealed by crimping the edges.
  • Origin: Calzones come directly from Italy, while Stromboli is an Italian-American creation.
  • Size: Stromboli is often larger and served in slices, while calzones are smaller individual servings.

Common Variations of Stromboli

There are countless ways to modify and enjoy Stromboli, depending on your taste preferences. Here are a few popular variations:

  1. Veggie Stromboli: Replace the meats with sautéed vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, onions, and bell peppers.
  2. Cheesesteak Stromboli: Use thinly sliced steak, provolone cheese, and sautéed onions and peppers to create a Philly cheesesteak-inspired version.
  3. BBQ Chicken Stromboli: Substitute the Italian meats with cooked, shredded BBQ chicken, cheddar cheese, and a drizzle of BBQ sauce.
  4. Breakfast Stromboli: Fill with scrambled eggs, breakfast sausage, and cheddar cheese for a breakfast twist on this classic dish.

FAQs

Can I Use Store-Bought Dough for Stromboli?

Absolutely! If you’re short on time or not confident in your dough-making skills, store-bought pizza dough is a great shortcut.

How Long Does Stromboli Last?

Stromboli can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave for a quick and easy meal.

Can Stromboli Be Frozen?

Yes, Stromboli freezes beautifully. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

  • Calories: 420
  • Protein: 22g
  • Carbohydrates: 42g
  • Fat: 18g
  • Sodium: 920mg
  • Fiber: 3g

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