Pizza is always a family pleasure. Everyone can get their craving fix with the different topping option. I love using Pizza sauce in other things than just Pizza dough, like my casserole! You can also use the dough and transform the Pizza in calzones. These are fun to make and everyone get’s their individual share. You can also prepare them ahead of time and freeze them for a later meal. However, tonight, I felt like making something we could share! The main course would be displayed as the table center, and we could just serve ourselves… I know, I’ll make a Stromboli!
What is a Stromboli? I am asking the question because all depending on who you speak too, Stromboli is different. According to Wikipedia, Stromboli is a type of turnover filled with cheese and cold cuts. On occasion, it can be filled with vegetables. It’s prepared in an Italian bread or Pizza dough.
Ok, so I am using Pizza dough, 1 cup of sauce, Mozzarella , Pepperoni (and bacon), green onions & peppers. That makes a Stromboli, right? According to Wikipedia’s description and some pictures I’ve seen on the web, yes, that is a Stromboli. Yeah but, your dough is suppose to be braided? If I would be using an Italian bread sure, I could braid it. But try braiding Pizza dough… it’s more elastic and just does not want to stay in a braid position. So I simply rolled it!
It is not that difficult to make. However, for the way I decided to prepare mine, contained several steps so it’s either you prepare in advance, if you need a meal on the go. Again, you can use any ingredients you like.
I chopped up my bacon prior to cooking it. This way, the bacon fat would substitute any oil or butter to brown my peppers and onions.
While this is cooking down, cut the tails of your green onions and quarter your pepperoni (unless you are using small pepperoni). I also took the time to grate my Mozzarella.
Now the dough… let the fun begin! As mentioned, Pizza dough is a little more elastic, therefore more sticky. Ensure you have a well floured working space
Using a floured rolling pin, roll down your dough until you get around 1/4 inch thickness.
Start building your Stromboli…
Sauce
Filling
Cheese
Once you have your ingredients layered, bring back your dough starting from the sides towards the middle, the ends towards the middle and finish by tucking the extra dough underneath. Make openings on the top of your dough to let steam escape during cooking… no one wants a Stromboli explosion in their oven!
Voila, you have a Stromboli!
Cook for 45 minutes in a 400 F pre-heated oven. I lightly covered my dough with an olive oil and some parsley. Depending on what you feel like, you could also brush it with an egg wash or a nice garlic butter.
Doesn’t it look amazing? Whether it’s a family meal or you are receiving company, this Stromboli doesn’t only taste great but gives your table a welcoming feel. This Stromboli has 6 servings. The guys were amazed and requested that I make it again… with different types of filling! Breaded or not, this is my twist on Stromboli!
