Oh, where do I even begin with this Cheesy Stromboli Pizza? This dish isn’t just food; it’s a true celebration! Picture this: a chilly Friday night, the house filled with the aroma of melting cheese—a scent that makes everyone magically migrate to the kitchen. This Stromboli is like a cozy hug wrapped in golden, crispy dough, and every slice is a mini adventure packed with flavor. It reminds me of the times I’d gather with friends and family, our laughter mixing with the scent of fresh-baked goods and my mom’s ability to never buy too much cheese (is that even possible?).
But let’s get real for a moment—this recipe brings a bit of pizzazz with surprisingly minimal effort. You roll, layer, bake, and voilà! You’ve got a party-ready dish that comes with marinara sauce for dipping. It’s comfort food at its finest, and believe me, it’s a surefire hit that will leave your guests asking for the recipe. Let’s dive into what you’ll need to make this cheesy delight!
What’s in Cheesy Stromboli Pizza with Marinara Sauce?
- 1 pound pizza dough: You can use store-bought dough for convenience or make your own if you’re feeling adventurous. I usually go with the pre-made stuff; we all have our days!
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded: The classic melter! I prefer whole milk mozzarella for its stretchiness, but any shredded mozzarella will do.
- 1 cup provolone cheese, shredded: It adds a lovely sharpness to balance the richness of the mozzarella.
- 1/2 cup pepperoni slices: Because what’s a pizza without pepperoni? It’s a must for that zesty goodness!
- 1/2 cup Italian sausage, cooked and crumbled: This adds a hearty flavor. Feel free to use spicy sausage if you like a bit of a kick!
- 1/2 cup green bell pepper, diced: Adds a nice crunch and a pop of color. You can swap it for red or yellow bell pepper if that’s your jam.
- 1/2 cup onions, diced: I love using yellow onions for their sweetness, but any kind works.
- 1/4 cup black olives, sliced: These guys add a briny flavor that enhances the filling.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A sprinkle of this blend transports you to Italy! It’s like a flavor passport.
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder: A subtle hint of garlic that ties everything together.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: This gives a nice golden-brown finish to the crust.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Always necessary, never optional!
- 1/2 cup marinara sauce (for dipping): A must-have! It complements the Stromboli perfectly and adds that perfect tomatoey zing.
Is Cheesy Stromboli Pizza Good for You?
Well, let’s not kid ourselves—this isn’t exactly a kale salad, but let’s look at the bright side! The mozzarella and provolone cheese mean you’re getting some calcium and protein, which is a win in my book. The green bell pepper, onions, and black olives add a dash of vegetables, which is a step in the right direction. However, it is definitely a dish that leans towards indulgence!
One careful consideration is portion control. It’s easy to go overboard when it’s this delicious! If you want to lighten things up a bit, you can reduce the amount of cheese or load up on veggies instead of meat. Just remember, everything in moderation—except happiness, of course!
Ingredients List
- 1 pound pizza dough
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 cup provolone cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup pepperoni slices
- 1/2 cup Italian sausage, cooked and crumbled
- 1/2 cup green bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 cup onions, diced
- 1/4 cup black olives, sliced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup marinara sauce (for dipping)
How to Make Cheesy Stromboli Pizza?
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper—trust me, you don’t want a sticky situation!
- On a floured surface, roll out the pizza dough into a rectangular shape, about 1/4 inch thick. Roll it out like you’re launching a spaceship into a galaxy of cheese!
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and provolone cheese evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges to prevent any spicy cheese explosions!
- Layer the pepperoni, cooked Italian sausage, green bell pepper, onions, and black olives over the cheese like it’s an Italian masterpiece.
- Sprinkle Italian seasoning and garlic powder over the top, and season with salt and pepper to taste. It’s the symphony of flavors coming together!
- Carefully roll the dough tightly from one long side to the other, shaping it into a log. Pinch the edges to seal the Stromboli so nothing escapes!
- Place the rolled Stromboli seam side down on the prepared baking sheet. Brush the top with olive oil and make a few slits on top for steam to escape—trust me, you don’t want a blowout!
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the dough is golden brown. The aroma will be intoxicating, so be prepared!
- Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing. Giving it a moment will make all the difference in flavors!
- Serve warm with marinara sauce on the side for dipping. And don’t forget—dipping is not just for fries!
Cheesy Stromboli Secrets!
- Customize your fillings! Don’t be afraid to mix things up with different vegetables or meats to suit your tastes.
- For an extra kick, sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes or a little jalapeño for a spicy twist!
- If you feel adventurous, try adding some grated Parmesan cheese on top before baking for an additional flavor dimension.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with a simple side salad or some garlic bread for a complete meal.
So there you have it, my cheesy companions! This Cheesy Stromboli Pizza with Marinara Sauce is not just a dish; it’s an experience waiting to be had. I hope you whip this up soon and feel the joy it brings to your table. Don’t forget to share your creation and let me know how it turned out! Happy cooking!
