If you’re craving a dish that wraps all the best Italian flavors into one irresistible package, you are going to absolutely love this Homemade Italian Sausage and Pepperoni Stromboli Recipe. Imagine a golden, crispy crust enveloping a melty, savory filling of spicy Italian sausage, zesty pepperoni, gooey mozzarella, and fresh vegetables, all seasoned with fragrant herbs and garlic. It’s a hearty, comforting meal that feels both classic and special, perfect for sharing with friends or indulging in on a cozy night in. Trust me, once you make this stromboli, it will quickly become one of your go-to dishes to impress family and friends alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Creating this delicious Homemade Italian Sausage and Pepperoni Stromboli Recipe is surprisingly simple, thanks to a few key ingredients that each play their part in delivering flavor, texture, and that gorgeous golden crust. From the fluffy homemade dough to the savory sausage and pepperoni, every element combines so beautifully.
- All-purpose flour: The foundation for our dough, providing structure and the perfect chewy texture.
- Salt: Enhances every flavor, balancing out the spices and cheese.
- Sugar: Just a touch to feed the yeast and add subtle sweetness to the crust.
- Olive oil: Adds richness and helps keep the dough soft and tender.
- Active dry yeast: The magic that makes the dough rise, creating that airy, light texture.
- Warm water: Activates the yeast and blends the dough together perfectly.
- Garlic powder: For that savory punch that every Italian dish needs.
- Dried oregano and basil: Classic herbs that bring aromatic depth and authentic Italian flavor.
- Black pepper: A gentle heat to elevate the taste.
- Mozzarella cheese, shredded: Melty and mild, it creates that irresistible gooey center.
- Parmesan cheese, grated: Adds sharpness and a salty undertone that makes the cheese blend sing.
- Italian sausage, cooked and crumbled: Rich and seasoned, giving the stromboli its hearty, spicy soul.
- Pepperoni slices: A crispy, flavorful bite of cured meat that complements the sausage beautifully.
- Green bell pepper, diced: Adds crunch and fresh sweetness to balance the richness.
- Onion, diced: Brings subtle sharpness and texture to the filling.
- Marinara sauce: The perfect tomatoey finishing touch that keeps every bite moist and vibrant.
How to Make Homemade Italian Sausage and Pepperoni Stromboli Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Start by mixing the all-purpose flour, salt, and sugar together in a large bowl. Next, stir in the olive oil, which adds tenderness and flavor to your crust. In a separate small bowl, dissolve your yeast in warm water, allowing it to activate and become frothy – this is what will make your dough light and airy.
Step 2: Combine and Knead
Pour the yeast mixture into the dry ingredients and stir to form a rough dough. Turn it out onto a floured surface and knead for 5 to 7 minutes until smooth and elastic. This kneading builds gluten, which helps your dough stretch and rise beautifully.
Step 3: Let the Dough Rise
Place the dough into a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and set it in a warm spot. After about an hour, your dough will have doubled in size, ready to be rolled out into the perfect stromboli base.
Step 4: Cook the Fillings
While the dough is rising, brown the Italian sausage in a skillet until fully cooked, then crumble it into small pieces. In the same pan, briefly cook your pepperoni slices until slightly crispy — this little touch adds incredible texture. Set aside your diced green bell pepper and onion for the fresh crunch they offer inside every slice.
Step 5: Roll Out and Season the Dough
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to keep your stromboli from sticking. Punch down your dough and roll it out into a 12-by-8 inch rectangle. Sprinkle garlic powder, oregano, basil, and black pepper evenly across the surface — these herbs and spices will infuse every bite.
Step 6: Layer with Cheese and Fillings
Generously layer shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan over the dough, then add all your savory sausage, pepperoni, bell peppers, and onions. Finish with an even drizzle of marinara sauce to bind the flavors and keep the stromboli moist during baking.
Step 7: Roll and Seal
Carefully roll your dough from one of the long edges, sealing the seam tightly as you go to lock in all that delicious filling. Place the roll seam side down on your baking sheet and make a few slits on top to vent steam while baking — this helps keep that crust crispy, not soggy.
Step 8: Bake to Perfection
Bake in your preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes until the crust turns a beautiful golden brown. Once done, allow the stromboli to cool just for a few minutes before slicing — this helps the filling set, making each cut clean and gooey.
How to Serve Homemade Italian Sausage and Pepperoni Stromboli Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle freshly chopped basil or Italian parsley on top for a burst of color and freshness. A dusting of extra Parmesan cheese right after baking adds a savory finish that makes every slice pop with flavor.
Side Dishes
Serve your stromboli with a crisp green salad dressed in a tangy vinaigrette to balance the richness. Garlic breadsticks or a simple bowl of marinara sauce for dipping can turn this into a complete Italian feast everyone will adore.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn your Homemade Italian Sausage and Pepperoni Stromboli Recipe into bite-sized appetizers by slicing into smaller pieces — perfect for parties! Alternatively, serve it with a variety of dipping sauces like spicy arrabbiata or creamy ranch to mix things up.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap any leftover stromboli tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It reheats beautifully and maintains that crunchy crust and luscious filling.
Freezing
This stromboli freezes wonderfully. Wrap it in foil and plastic wrap before freezing for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven to retain its fresh-baked texture.
Reheating
For the best results, reheat your stromboli in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 to 15 minutes. This keeps the crust crispy and the cheese melty, unlike the microwave which can make the crust soggy.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought pizza dough instead of making my own?
Absolutely! Using store-bought dough is a time saver and still yields delicious results. Just be sure to roll it out to the right thickness and don’t skip the seasonings on top – they really elevate the flavor.
What type of Italian sausage works best for this recipe?
Sweet or hot Italian sausage both work well depending on your heat preference. The key is to cook it thoroughly before adding to ensure it’s flavorful and crumbly inside your stromboli.
Can I add other vegetables to the stromboli filling?
Definitely! Mushrooms, black olives, or even spinach make great additions. Just keep the filling balanced so it doesn’t get too soggy or overload the dough.
How do I know when the stromboli is fully cooked?
Look for a golden brown crust and bubbly cheese oozing through the ventilation slits. The stromboli should feel firm to the touch and sound hollow when tapped underneath.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prepping?
Yes, it’s perfect for meal prep! You can assemble it ahead of time and either refrigerate before baking or freeze it for future meals. It reheats beautifully and makes for quick, satisfying lunches or dinners.
Final Thoughts
This Homemade Italian Sausage and Pepperoni Stromboli Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate. It’s fun to make, packed with bold flavors, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser anytime you serve it. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it a cherished favorite in your kitchen, just like I have.
Print
Homemade Italian Sausage and Pepperoni Stromboli Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This homemade stromboli features a delicious blend of Italian sausage, pepperoni, cheeses, and fresh vegetables wrapped in a flavorful seasoned dough. Perfectly baked to a golden brown, this stromboli makes for a hearty, satisfying meal that pairs wonderfully with marinara sauce for dipping.
Ingredients
Dough
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 3/4 cup warm water
Seasonings
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Fillings
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1/2 pound Italian sausage, cooked and crumbled
- 1/2 cup pepperoni slices
- 1/2 cup green bell pepper, diced
- 1/4 cup onion, diced
- 1/4 cup marinara sauce
Instructions
- Combine dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, salt, and sugar.
- Add olive oil: Add the olive oil to the dry ingredients and stir to incorporate.
- Dissolve yeast: In a small bowl, dissolve the active dry yeast in the warm water and let it sit for 5 minutes until frothy.
- Mix dough: Pour the yeast mixture into the flour mixture and stir until a dough begins to form.
- Knead dough: Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5 to 7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Let dough rise: Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl and cover with a clean kitchen towel. Allow to rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.
- Cook sausage: While the dough rises, cook the Italian sausage in a skillet over medium heat until fully cooked, then crumble and set aside.
- Cook pepperoni: Using the same skillet, cook the pepperoni slices for 2-3 minutes until slightly crispy, then remove from heat.
- Prepare vegetables: Dice the green bell pepper and onion, and set aside with the other fillings.
- Preheat oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Shape dough: After the dough has risen, punch it down gently and transfer to a floured surface. Roll the dough out into a 12 by 8-inch rectangle.
- Season dough: Sprinkle garlic powder, dried oregano, dried basil, and black pepper evenly over the dough surface.
- Add fillings: Layer mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, cooked sausage, pepperoni, diced bell pepper, and onion evenly on top.
- Add sauce: Drizzle marinara sauce evenly over the fillings.
- Roll stromboli: Starting from one edge, carefully roll the dough into a tight log, sealing the edges as you go.
- Prepare for baking: Place the stromboli seam side down on the baking sheet and make a few small slits on top to allow steam to escape.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes until the crust is golden brown.
- Cool and serve: Remove from oven, let cool for a few minutes, slice, and serve with extra marinara sauce for dipping.
Notes
- You can substitute Italian sausage with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like mushrooms or olives to the filling.
- Make sure the water is warm (not hot) when activating the yeast to avoid killing it.
- Letting the dough rise until doubled ensures a soft and airy crust.
- The slits on top prevent the stromboli from bursting while baking.
- Leftover stromboli reheats well in a low oven or microwave.
