Cheesy Pepperoni Stromboli: Your New Go-To for Busy Nights

Hey there, fabulous cooks! If you find yourself racing against the clock during busy weeknights, you’re not alone. We’ve all been there—dinner time sneaks up and you’re left wondering what in the world to whip up. Well, hold onto your spatula, because I’ve got just the solution for you: Cheesy Pepperoni Stromboli! This twist on a classic Italian favorite combines melted cheese, delicious pepperoni, and a flaky dough that encases all that amazing goodness. Trust me, this dish will quickly become a beloved staple in your home!

Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Pepperoni Stromboli

Imagine biting into a warm, golden crust, only to be met with a delightful explosion of gooey cheese and savory pepperoni. Sounds divine, right? What makes this Cheesy Pepperoni Stromboli so special is not just its flavor but also the ease with which it comes together. Yes, we’re talking about a meal that will impress your family and friends while requiring minimal effort. Perfect for busy moms or professionals looking to satisfy hungry bellies after a long day.

So let’s roll up our sleeves and dive into this tasty adventure!

Ingredients

Before we get started, here’s what you’ll need for our Cheesy Pepperoni Stromboli:

Pizza dough (store-bought, because we’re all about convenience!)
1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup of sliced pepperoni
½ cup of ricotta cheese
1 tablespoon of Italian seasoning
1 egg (for egg wash)
Marinara sauce for dipping (because what’s a Stromboli without it?)

Steps to Create Your Cheesy Delight

Preheat Your Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that your Cheesy Pepperoni Stromboli bakes to perfection.
Roll out the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out your pizza dough into a rectangle. Aim for about 14×10 inches—don’t worry, it doesn’t have to be perfect!
Layer the Goodness: Spread the ricotta cheese evenly over the rolled-out dough, leaving a small border. Then, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese and layer the pepperoni on top. Finally, add the Italian seasoning for that extra flavor boost!
Roll it Up: Carefully roll the dough from one long end to the other, tucking in the sides as you go. This creates a snug package for all that cheesy goodness.
Seal the Edges: Pinch and seal the ends of the dough to prevent any cheesy escapes during baking. It’s like giving your Stromboli a nice, warm hug.
Egg Wash: Beat the egg in a small bowl and brush it over the top of your Stromboli. This gives it a beautiful golden brown color when it bakes.
Cut Slits: Don’t forget to cut a few slits on top for steam to escape. Otherwise, you might end up with a mini explosion—yikes!
Bake It: Place your Stromboli on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and throw it in the oven for about 25–30 minutes, or until it’s golden brown and smelling like heaven on a rainy day.
Cool and Slice: Let it cool for just a few minutes (if you can resist the heavenly smell), then slice it into thick pieces.
Serve with Marinara: Serve warm with marinara sauce for dipping, because let’s be honest, it makes everything better!

Cooking Tips for Success

Dough Dilemma: If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also make your own pizza dough! But for weeknight meals, let’s keep it simple with store-bought.
Picky Eaters: Got kids who are critical of their food? Feel free to swap the pepperoni with veggies like bell peppers or mushrooms—trust me, they won’t even notice.
Make-ahead Magic: You can assemble the stromboli ahead of time, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. Perfect for those “I forgot to plan dinner!” days!

FAQs About Cheesy Pepperoni Stromboli

Can I substitute the mozzarella cheese?
Absolutely! Feel free to use provolone or a blend of your favorites.

How can I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll last about 3 days—if they last that long!

Can I freeze this dish?
Yes, you can freeze the assembled, unbaked Stromboli. Just wrap it tightly and pop it in the freezer. When you’re ready to bake, add about 10 extra minutes to the cooking time from frozen.

Now that you know how to create this Cheesy Pepperoni Stromboli, you can impress everyone with minimal effort. It’s the perfect dish to roll out when you’re short on time but high on hunger.

So grab your apron and let’s cook up some joy together! This recipe is just one of many I love sharing with you, so don’t forget to check out my other easy dinner recipes here for more mouthwatering ideas!

Cheesy Pepperoni Stromboli is truly the perfect answer to your weeknight dinner struggles. Quick, easy, and downright delicious, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it. Try it today and watch it become a family favorite!

Meta Description: Cheesy Pepperoni Stromboli is the perfect recipe for busy nights. Quick, easy, and delicious, this dish will become your go-to meal. Try it today!