Oh, let me tell you about this heavenly Ham and Spinach Stromboli! I first stumbled upon this gem of a recipe during a particularly chaotic week when takeout just wasn’t cutting it. With kids darting around and the eternal quest for something filling to please everyone, I realized I needed to whip up something quick yet satisfying. This dish became an instant hit, and I love how it combines the cheesy goodness of a pizza with the heartiness of a sandwich. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in some veggies without anyone really noticing. Win-win!
Every time I roll out this delectable stromboli, it reminds me of family pizza nights—everyone gathers around the table, and we discusses our day’s adventures while digging into warm, gooey goodness. It’s not just a meal; it’s a celebration of family and flavor! So let’s get rolling and dive into this delicious recipe!
What’s in Ham and Spinach Stromboli?
- Pizza dough: Whether store-bought or homemade, this is the delightful base of the dish. I usually grab a fresh one from my local bakery; it saves loads of time!
- Cooked spinach: Make sure to drain it well to avoid sogginess. Fresh spinach works too—just sauté and chop it to combine those greens without anyone batting an eye!
- Ricotta cheese: This creamy goodness provides a rich texture that melts beautifully when baked. I love using Galbani for its smoothness.
- Mozzarella cheese: A must for that classic cheesy stretch! Fresh mozzarella can elevate the flavor, but shredded works just fine.
- Ham: You can use deli ham or leftover ham from a holiday feast. Either way, it adds a delicious savory kick.
- Parmesan cheese: Grated for that extra layer of flavor and richness that pairs perfectly with the other cheeses.
- Garlic powder and onion powder: These spices make everything better—add them to amp up the flavor profile without any extra hassle.
- Salt and pepper: Always essential for bringing all the flavors together; don’t skip these!
- Egg (for wash): This gives the stromboli a beautiful golden-brown finish. You’ll feel like a pro baker!
- Poppy seeds: Optional, but they add a nice crunch and a pop of color on top—think fancy bakery vibes!
Is Ham and Spinach Stromboli Good for You?
This Ham and Spinach Stromboli strikes a lovely balance between indulgence and nutrition! The spinach packs in a good dose of vitamins and minerals, promoting overall health, while the ricotta and mozzarella cheeses provide essential proteins. Of course, we can’t overlook the delicious ham that adds flavor while also supplying protein.
Now, it’s not all rainbows and butterflies—since we are working with pizza dough and cheese, it can be a bit rich! If you’re being mindful of calories, you can opt for whole wheat dough or even wrap it in a low-carb tortilla. And feel free to get creative with veggies. Toss in some bell peppers, mushrooms, or even artichokes if you want to jazz things up a bit!
Ingredients List
- 1 pound pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup cooked spinach, drained and chopped
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 cup ham, sliced (deli ham or leftover ham)
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon poppy seeds (optional, for garnish)
How to Make Ham and Spinach Stromboli?
- First things first—preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper so our stromboli won’t stick!
- On a floured surface, roll out your pizza dough into a rectangle, about 12×16 inches. Get it nice and even—for impressiveness!
- In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, cooked spinach, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Mix until smooth and delectable.
- Spread this cheesy goodness evenly over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges. We want all the flavors wrapped up snugly!
- Layer the ham slices on top of the mixture. Go wild—pile it on!
- Now, carefully roll the dough from one edge into a log shape, pinching the seams to seal everything in. This part is super satisfying!
- Place the rolled stromboli seam-side down on your baking sheet. We want that seam hidden.
- Brush the top with the beaten egg for that glorious golden finish. Sprinkle with poppy seeds if you’re feeling fancy!
- Make a few small slits on top of the dough to let steam escape. No one wants a burst stromboli!
- Bake in the oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown. The aroma will drive you wild!
- Once done, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing. Patience is key!
Tips for the Best Ham and Spinach Stromboli
- Mix and match your fillings! Love mushrooms? Toss them in. Prefer Swiss cheese instead of mozzarella? Go for it!
- Serve with a vibrant side salad or marinara sauce for dipping—nothing beats a warm slice with a splash of sauce!
- If you’re feeling adventurous, douse your stromboli with a sprinkle of Italian herbs before baking for an extra flavor punch!
This Ham and Spinach Stromboli is a delightful dish that’s sure to impress! I encourage you to give it a whirl and customize it to fit your taste. If you try it out, I’d love to hear how it turns out! Don’t forget to take a picture before it disappears—trust me, it’ll vanish fast!
