If pizza night and comfort food had a delicious baby, it would be this Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Stromboli. Golden on the outside, irresistibly gooey on the inside, and packed with classic pizza flavors, stromboli is the kind of recipe that instantly upgrades any casual dinner, game day spread, or weekend gathering. This version leans hard into what everyone loves most—melty mozzarella, savory pepperoni, garlic-butter crust, and just enough marinara to keep every bite juicy without getting soggy.

Unlike pizza, stromboli is rolled, sealed, and baked into a beautifully crisp loaf that slices perfectly for sharing. It’s portable, crowd-pleasing, and surprisingly easy to make at home—even if you’re not a seasoned baker. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or looking for a fun twist on classic pizza night, this homemade pepperoni stromboli deserves a permanent spot in your recipe rotation.

What Is Stromboli, Anyway?

Stromboli is an Italian-American creation that originated in the United States, inspired by classic Italian calzones and rolled pizzas. While calzones are folded and sealed into half-moons, stromboli is rolled like a log, creating spiraled layers of dough, cheese, and fillings. The result is a crisp exterior with a dramatic, cheesy interior that looks as good as it tastes.

This pizza stromboli recipe sticks to familiar flavors—pepperoni and mozzarella—making it approachable and universally loved. But once you master the method, the variations are endless.

Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Stromboli

Ultra cheesy without falling apart
Crispy, golden crust brushed with garlic butter
Perfect for sharing—slice and serve
Easy to customize with your favorite pizza toppings
Make-ahead friendly and reheats beautifully

This baked stromboli recipe balances indulgence with practicality, making it ideal for weeknights and special occasions alike.

Ingredients

Pizza dough (store-bought or homemade, room temperature)
Marinara sauce
Shredded whole-milk mozzarella cheese
Pepperoni slices
Grated Parmesan cheese
Olive oil
Garlic powder
Italian seasoning
Salt
Black pepper
Optional: red pepper flakes for heat
Optional garnish: fresh basil or parsley

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 400°F (205°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Prepare the dough. Lightly flour a clean surface and roll the pizza dough into a large rectangle, about 10×14 inches.
Add the sauce. Spread a thin, even layer of marinara sauce over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges.
Layer the cheese. Sprinkle mozzarella evenly over the sauce, followed by a light dusting of Parmesan.
Add pepperoni. Arrange pepperoni slices evenly across the cheese layer.
Season. Sprinkle garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper over the filling.
Roll it up. Starting from the long edge, tightly roll the dough into a log. Pinch the seam and tuck in the ends to seal.
Transfer to baking sheet. Place seam-side down on the prepared sheet.
Brush and vent. Brush the top with olive oil and cut a few small slits on top to release steam.
Bake. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until golden brown and crisp.
Rest and slice. Let cool for 5 minutes before slicing.
Serve. Enjoy warm with extra marinara for dipping.

Pro Tips for Perfect Stromboli

Don’t overfill. Too much cheese or sauce can cause leaks. Less is more.
Seal well. Pinching seams tightly prevents cheese from escaping.
Use parchment. Makes cleanup easy and prevents sticking.
Let it rest. A short rest helps the cheese set for cleaner slices.

Easy Variations to Try

Meat Lover’s Stromboli: Add cooked sausage or bacon.
Veggie Stromboli: Swap pepperoni for mushrooms, peppers, and onions.
Spicy Stromboli: Add jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes.
Three-Cheese Stromboli: Mix mozzarella, provolone, and fontina.

Once you master this homemade stromboli, the flavor combinations are endless.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your cheesy pepperoni stromboli with:

Warm marinara or pizza sauce
Caesar or garden salad
Roasted vegetables
Garlic knots or breadsticks

It’s hearty enough to stand alone but pairs beautifully with simple sides.

Make-Ahead, Storage & Reheating

Make-ahead: Assemble and refrigerate unbaked stromboli up to 24 hours.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheat: Warm in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes to restore crispness.

Fun Fact

Stromboli is named after a volcanic island in Italy—fitting, considering how molten cheese erupts from every slice when it’s fresh out of the oven.

Final Thoughts

This Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Stromboli delivers everything you love about pizza in a bold, sliceable form that feels just a little extra special. It’s comforting, shareable, and endlessly customizable—exactly the kind of recipe that earns repeat requests. Whether it’s your first time making stromboli or your fiftieth, this version is guaranteed to impress.