Homemade Cheesy Pepperoni Stromboli

Ingredients

• 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon (5g) instant yeast 1 teaspoon (5g) instant yeast
• 1 teaspoon (5g) sugar 1 teaspoon (5g) sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon (3g) salt 1/2 teaspoon (3g) salt
• 3/4 cup (180ml) warm water 3/4 cup (180ml) warm water
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil 2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil
• 1 cup (120g) shredded mozzarella cheese 1 cup (120g) shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup (60g) sliced pepperoni 1/2 cup (60g) sliced pepperoni
• 1 teaspoon (2g) dried oregano 1 teaspoon (2g) dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon (1g) dried basil 1/2 teaspoon (1g) dried basil
• 1/4 teaspoon (0.5g) garlic powder 1/4 teaspoon (0.5g) garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon (0.5g) red pepper flakes (optional) 1/4 teaspoon (0.5g) red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1/4 cup (60ml) marinara sauce, for serving 1/4 cup (60ml) marinara sauce, for serving

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 380 kcal / 1590 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 16g, 7g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 42g, 2g
• Protein: 16g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, yeast, sugar, and salt. Mix well.
2. 2.
   Gradually add the warm water and olive oil to the dry ingredients. Stir until a dough forms.
3. 3.
   Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
4. 4.
   Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
5. 5.
   Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
6. 6.
   Punch down the risen dough and roll it out into a rectangular shape, about 1/4 inch thick.
7. 7.
   Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
8. 8.
   Arrange the sliced pepperoni on top of the cheese, then sprinkle with dried oregano, dried basil, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes (if desired).
9. 9.
   Starting from one of the longer sides, tightly roll the dough into a log, sealing the edges.
10. 10.
    Place the Stromboli seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet and brush the top with olive oil.
11. 11.
    Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
12. 12.
    Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing.
13. 13.
    Serve warm with marinara sauce for dipping.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Mozzarella cheese — Use low-moisture mozzarella for best results. If you prefer a stronger cheese flavor, you can substitute it with provolone or fontina cheese.
• Pepperoni — Opt for high-quality pepperoni slices that are not too greasy. You can also use other cured meats like salami or ham as a variation.

Tips & Tricks

• For a vegetarian version, replace the pepperoni with sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms.
• Experiment with different cheese combinations such as cheddar and mozzarella or provolone and Parmesan for unique flavor profiles.
• Brushing the Stromboli with garlic butter before baking adds extra flavor to the crust.
• Serve the Stromboli with a side of marinara sauce for dipping or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
• Leftover Stromboli can be reheated in the oven or enjoyed cold as a tasty snack.

Serving advice

Slice the Cheesy Pepperoni Stromboli into thick slices and serve it warm. It can be enjoyed as a main course alongside a fresh salad or as an appetizer for parties and gatherings.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves on top of the baked Stromboli. Serve it on a wooden cutting board or a decorative platter for an inviting display.