Stromboli Sandwich: Meat lovers OR Vegetarian versions
Looking for some March Madness munchies? Even without a tournament happening, we still get in the mood for game time food, very much like football season, and Stromboli works whether the ball goes through the hoop or the goal posts.
I'm also happy to say that this is my 150th post! Time really does fly! So I'm glad to be bringing one of my favorites at this milestone.
What is Stromboli?
Stromboli is an Italian-American dish made by rolling meats, cheeses, and sometimes vegetables in dough, then baking it until golden and crispy. The dough is typically pizza dough or sometimes bread dough. Unlike a calzone, which is folded like a half-moon, stromboli is rolled up like a jelly roll, then sliced after baking. It's hearty, flavorful, and easy to customize with your favorite fillings.
Homemade Stromboli Ingredients
To make stromboli with puff pastry, of course you need puff pastry - I use the frozen packages which have two per box. I use one puff pastry per stromboli. You also need an egg to make a wash to brush over the dough. Beyond that, it depends upon whether you are making a meat lovers or vegetarian version - here are the ingredients for each.
Meat Lovers Stromboli Roll Ingredients
- puff pastry (1 sheet)
- egg
- deli meat (I use salami and ham)
- sliced cheese
Vegetarian Stromboli Sandwich
- puff pastry (1 sheet)
- egg
- veggies (I used tomatoes and massaged kale)
- sliced cheese
- optional: you can add whipped cream cheese, seasoned with a little Italian seasoning, for an extra-cheesy layer.
How to make Meat Lovers Homemade Stromboli
Traditionally, Stromboli is made with cheeses and cold cuts wrapped in dough. The dough can be pizza dough, but I really like using puff pastry and the basic recipe found at pepperidgefarm.com is my starting point. That recipe calls for just ham and cheddar cheese, but long ago I starting mixing and matching deli meats to get more variety. Since The Carnivore loves his salami, I always make his with ham and salami and usually provolone cheese.
- To make it, simply roll out the thawed puff pastry to a nice rectangle shape, about 16 x 12. Then, layer the cheese and meats.
- Roll up the pastry from the short end and place the roll seam side down on a baking sheet.
- Tuck the ends under to seal.
- Then, brush the roll all over with an egg wash and bake.
- That egg wash gives a beautiful golden finish to your pastry.
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- Allow it to cool, then slice and serve.
How to make Vegetarian Stromboli with puff pastry
Not a carnivore? How about Vegetarian Stromboli? There are so many possible combinations of veggies for this! For me, the key is always lots of cheese. In a vegetarian version I start with whipped cream cheese, add the veggies and then add another layer of cheese.
- For this version I'm using kale and tomatoes. I pre-treat the tomatoes by slicing them thin and sprinkling with salt. The salt will draw a lot of moisture out of the tomatoes, which the paper towel will absorb. Those sit on paper towels while I do my other prep.
- The kale is torn into small pieces and massaged.
- Assembly is similar to the meat version. Just start with the cream cheese, layer the veggies, then more cheese.
- Roll up, seal and bake.
The slices are so beautiful!
The beauty of this is that you can make something catered to everyone's tastes!
Enjoy your Puff Pastry Stromboli with a bowl of Cheesy Potato Soup!
How to serve a Stromboli Roll
Let the stromboli cool for a few minutes after baking, then slice it into 1- to 2-inch pieces. It's great served with a little marinara sauce on the side for dipping. You can serve it as a main dish with a simple salad, or cut smaller slices and serve as an appetizer or party snack (my usual).
How to store a Stromboli Sandwich
I'll tell you right now, puff pastry stromboli is best when fresh. But if you have leftovers, let the stromboli cool completely, then wrap slices in foil or place them in an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days**.** For longer storage, you can freeze stromboli slices by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and foil or place in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
How to reheat stromboli
To keep the crust crisp, reheat stromboli in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes or until heated through. You can also use an air fryer at 325°F for about 5-7 minutes. The microwave works in a pinch, but it may soften the puff pastry.
Puff Pastry Stromboli FAQs
A calzone is like a folded pizza pocket, typically sealed along the edge and not sliced until after baking. A stromboli is rolled, more like a pinwheel or jelly roll, and then sliced into servings after it's baked.
Traditionally, yes. Stromboli is typically made with pizza dough. But using puff pastry gives it a flakier, lighter texture. A perfect twist on the classic that I find irresistible!
Sogginess usually comes from too much moisture in the filling. Be sure to pat dry ingredients like veggies or meats. Also, don't overload the puff pastry, less is more when it comes to keeping that crust crisp.
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Puff Pastry Stromboli (meat lovers)
Video
Ingredients
- 1 sheet Frozen Puff Pastry ½ of a 17.3 oz package, thawed
- 1 egg
- 1 TB water
- ¼ lb sliced cooked deli ham or meat of choice
- ¼ lb sliced deli salami or meat of choice
- 4 oz cheese sliced
Instructions
- Heat oven to 400F. In a small bowl or cup, whisk the egg and water together until smooth.
- Unfold the pastry sheet onto a lightly floured surface. Roll into a rectangle, approximately 16x12 inches.
- With the short side facing you, layer the deli meat on the bottom half of the pastry to within about 1 inch of the edge. Layer the cheese over the top.
- Starting at the short side, roll up like a jelly roll. Place roll seam side down onto a baking sheet. Tuck under the ends to seal. Brush the surface with egg mixture.
- Bake for 25 minutes or until the Stromboli is golden brown.
- Remove from baking sheet and let cool for at least 10 minutes before cutting.
Nutrition
Nutrition values are estimates only, using online calculators. Please verify using your own data.
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Stromboli with Puff Pastry (vegetarian)
Ingredients
- 1 sheet Frozen Puff Pastry ½ of a 17.3 oz package, thawed
- 1 egg
- 1 TB water
- 4 oz whipped cream cheese chive flavor
- 1 small tomato sliced thin
- 2 kale leaves
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 4 oz cheese Italian mix, shredded
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
Instructions
- Heat oven to 400F. In a small bowl or cup, whisk the egg and water together until smooth.
- Place tomato slices on a paper towel in a single layer. Sprinkle with salt and set aside.
- Tear the leafy parts of kale from the stems and place in a medium bowl. Tear into small pieces, sprinkle with olive oil and massage for 3-5 minutes, until softened and reduced in size.
- Unfold the pastry sheet onto a lightly floured surface. Roll into a rectangle, approximately 16x12 inches.
- With the short side facing you, spread the cream cheese on the bottom half of the pastry to within about 1 inch of the edge. Add kale in a uniform layer, followed by tomato slices. Layer shredded cheese over the top.
- Starting at the short side, roll up like a jelly roll. Place roll seam side down onto a baking sheet. Tuck under the ends to seal. Brush the surface with the egg mixture.
- Bake for 25 minutes or until the Stromboli is golden brown.
- Remove from baking sheet and let cool for at least 10 minutes before cutting.
Nutrition
Nutrition values are estimates only, using online calculators. Please verify using your own data.
Toni Dash
This is really good!! A new addition to our favorites!
Sula
I'm so glad. It's a perennial favorite here!
Heidy
I love a good Stromboli and this was delish! I will be adding this to my fall menu for sure.
Sula
Yes we love it pretty much anytime!
Beth Sachs
Congrats on your 150th post. A great looking stromboli. One of my favourite things for lunch.
Sula
Thank you Beth!
Ashley
Yum! I've got lots of little tidbits I need to use up in the fridge -- why didn't I think of stuffing them into stromboli! Thanks for this great recipe!
Sula
Yes it's really great for odds and ends!
Amy Chung
Great recipe! It was delicious! Thanks.
Sula
Glad you enjoyed it!
Sandi
I got this email this morning and made it for lunch today! (The meat version) So easy and yummy! I made a mayo, mustard, Horseradish and dill sauce for it. Thanks for the idea!
Sula
The sauce sounds yummy!
Debbie J
Can’t wait to try these! Perfect variations for myself (not a big meat eater) and my husband (the meat lover)!
Sula
Yep, his-n-hers cooking!
Big Trouble
Ehrmehrgherrrd!!! This looks INCREDIBLE! Perfect for stress eating during these uncertain times!!!
Sula
Just make sure you include some healthy ingredients to help deal with that stress!
Vincit
Congratulations on your 150th post! And, mmm... that is some good looking Stromboli!!!
Sula
Thank you! 😀