Italian Stromboli Stuffed Bread

Italian stromboli stuffed bread is a classic baked roll filled with layers of cured meats, melted cheeses, and aromatic seasonings, all wrapped in homemade dough. Baked until golden and crisp on the outside with a soft, savory center, this stromboli delivers bold Italian flavors in every slice. It’s hearty, satisfying, and perfect for sharing.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Authentic Italian Flavors – Pepperoni, salami, ham, and Italian seasoning create a bold, traditional filling.
Homemade Dough Excellence – Freshly made dough bakes up crisp outside and tender inside.
Perfect for Sharing – One large roll slices easily into portions for group meals.
Customizable Filling – Adapt the meats, cheeses, or vegetables to suit your taste.
Balanced Texture – Crunchy crust, gooey cheese, and savory meats in every bite.
Restaurant-Quality at Home – Delivers bakery-style results with straightforward techniques.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Dough

440 g all-purpose flour – Provides structure and chew to the bread.
7 g active dry yeast – Leavens the dough for a light, airy interior.
240 ml warm water (about 45°C) – Activates the yeast properly.
30 ml olive oil – Adds richness and improves dough elasticity.
13 g sugar – Feeds the yeast and balances flavor.
6 g salt – Strengthens gluten and enhances taste.

Filling

170 g sliced pepperoni – Adds spicy, savory depth.
170 g sliced Genoa salami – Contributes rich, cured flavor.
170 g sliced ham or prosciutto – Balances the stronger meats with mild saltiness.
200 g shredded mozzarella cheese – Melts smoothly for a gooey interior.
50 g grated Parmesan cheese – Adds sharpness and umami.
1 small green bell pepper, thinly sliced (optional) – Adds freshness and mild crunch.
1 small red onion, thinly sliced (optional) – Brings subtle sweetness and depth.
2 cloves garlic, minced – Enhances aroma and savory flavor.
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning – Ties all filling flavors together.

Finish

1 egg – Creates a glossy, golden crust.
15 ml water – Thins the egg for an even egg wash.
Marinara sauce (for serving) – Adds acidity and moisture for dipping.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Activate the Yeast – Dissolve yeast and sugar in warm water and let stand 5–10 minutes until frothy.
Mix the Dough – Combine flour and salt, then add yeast mixture and olive oil, mixing until a cohesive dough forms.
Knead Until Elastic – Knead on a floured surface for 8–10 minutes until smooth and springy.
First Rise – Place dough in an oiled bowl, cover, and let rise 60–90 minutes until doubled in size.
Prepare the Filling – Slice meats and vegetables; mix garlic with Italian seasoning.
Roll the Dough – Roll dough into a 30 × 40 cm rectangle on a floured surface.
Layer the Filling – Arrange meats evenly, sprinkle cheeses, add vegetables if using, and scatter garlic-seasoning mixture.
Roll & Seal – Roll tightly from the long edge, pinching seams and ends to seal completely.
Rest & Score – Place seam-side down, brush with egg wash, and cut shallow slashes on top.
Bake – Bake at 200°C for 25–30 minutes until deeply golden and cooked through.
Rest & Serve – Cool 5–10 minutes, slice, and serve warm with marinara sauce.

Recipe Notes & Tips

Seal the Dough Well – Prevents cheese from leaking during baking.
Avoid Overfilling – Too much filling can cause splitting.
Sharp Knife for Scoring – Allows steam to escape evenly.
Let It Rest Before Slicing – Helps cheese set slightly for cleaner cuts.
Use Low-Moisture Mozzarella – Reduces excess liquid inside the roll.

Nutritional Information

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 60 minutes
Servings: 8 slices
Calories: ~540 per serving (estimated; varies by meats and cheese used)

Perfect Pairings

Marinara Sauce – Classic dipping option that complements the richness.
Simple Green Salad – Adds freshness and balance.
Roasted Vegetables – Lightens the meal with earthy flavors.
Sparkling Water or Red Wine – Cuts through the savory filling.

Ideal Occasions

Family Dinners – Hearty and satisfying for shared meals.
Game Day or Parties – Easy to slice and serve.
Casual Entertaining – Impressive without being complicated.
Weekend Cooking Projects – Enjoyable hands-on baking experience.

Storage & Serving Tips

Refrigeration – Store leftovers wrapped tightly for up to 3 days.
Freezing – Freeze baked stromboli slices for up to 1 month.
Reheating – Reheat in the oven at 180°C to maintain crispness.
Serving Style – Best served warm with dipping sauce on the side.

Creative Variations to Try

Vegetarian Stromboli – Use grilled vegetables and extra cheese.
Spicy Version – Add chili flakes or spicy soppressata.
Cheese Lover’s – Increase mozzarella and add provolone.
White Stromboli – Skip marinara and add ricotta to the filling.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Soggy Bottom – Use parchment and bake on the middle rack.
Cheese Leaking – Reduce filling and seal edges more firmly.
Dense Dough – Allow full rise time and don’t rush fermentation.
Uneven Browning – Rotate the pan halfway through baking.

Why This Recipe Works

This stromboli works because the enriched dough provides strength and flexibility, allowing it to hold a generous filling without tearing. Layering meats first and cheese above helps distribute fat evenly, while scoring the top releases steam for even baking. The result is a crisp crust, fully melted interior, and balanced richness at roughly 540 calories per serving.

Final Thoughts

Italian stromboli stuffed bread is a comforting, versatile recipe that delivers bakery-quality results at home. It’s filling, flavorful, and endlessly customizable, making it ideal for both everyday meals and special occasions. With simple ingredients and solid technique, this stromboli is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s well worth the effort. 🥖🇮🇹