The first time I made this was for a Friday movie night and it instantly disappeared. Now my friends actually ask if I am making stromboli before they decide to come over.
Ingredients
- Pizza dough: one pound fresh or store bought Look for dough that feels elastic not dry This ensures the soft chewy texture inside
- Mozzarella cheese shredded: about one cup Pick a low moisture mozzarella for even melt and gooeyness
- Pepperoni sliced: about four ounces I like using deli slices for extra flavor You can stack them for a more pepperoni packed filling
- Italian seasoning: one teaspoon Sprinkle from a fresh bottle Better aroma and bolder flavor
- Olive oil: two tablespoons Choose a good extra virgin oil for that golden glossy finish It also helps the crust brown beautifully
Instructions
- Prepare the Oven and Pan:
- Preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit which is 220 degrees Celsius and line a baking sheet with parchment paper The parchment helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup a breeze
- Shape the Dough:
- Gently roll out the pizza dough on a lightly floured surface until it forms a rectangle about one quarter inch thick Take your time and work from the center outward turning the dough to get a mostly even rectangle Shape does not have to be perfect
- Layer the Fillings:
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly across the rectangle of dough For best results keep cheese one inch from the edges Next layer on the pepperoni slices making sure every piece of dough gets a bit of meat Now dust the whole surface with Italian seasoning for a herby punch
- Roll and Seal:
- Starting at one long edge carefully roll up the dough into a tight log Go slowly and tuck as you go so the filling stays inside When the roll is complete pinch the seam and ends well to seal You do not want melted cheese leaking out during baking
- Prepare for Baking:
- Place the rolled log seam side down on your prepared baking sheet Use a pastry brush to coat the top with olive oil If you do not have a brush just drizzle and spread it with clean hands Make several small slits in the top using a sharp knife These release steam and prevent the loaf from bursting
- Bake and Rest:
- Place the tray on the center rack and bake for twenty to twenty five minutes You want the crust deeply golden and crisp all over If your oven runs hot check at twenty minutes When done let the stromboli cool for at least ten minutes before slicing This resting step helps the cheese settle so each slice holds together
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