Stromboli: What Cheeses Make This Savory Italian Treat?

Stromboli is a fun twist on a classic pizza, with pizza dough rolled up and stuffed with various fillings. The type of cheese used in a stromboli can vary depending on personal preference, but popular options include mozzarella, provolone, parmesan, and havarti. Some recipes call for multiple types of cheese to be used, such as a combination of mozzarella, provolone, and parmesan. In addition to cheese, stromboli can also be filled with meats such as pepperoni, salami, or ham, as well as vegetables like roasted red peppers or spinach.

Mozzarella, provolone, and parmesan

Mozzarella is a mild, gooey, and melty cheese that provides a good cheese pull. It is a popular choice for stromboli as it does not compete with other flavours and meats.

Provolone is another mild cheese with a more pungent flavour. It is often sliced and used in combination with mozzarella.

Parmesan is a salty, pungent cheese that can be shaved or grated and sprinkled on top of the stromboli.

When making a stromboli, it is important to note that you should use shredded or sliced cheese, and the amount of cheese used will depend on the type. For shredded cheese, 1 to 1.5 cups per stromboli is recommended, while for sliced deli cheese, 10-12 slices per stromboli is ideal.

In addition to the cheese, stromboli can be filled with various meats and vegetables. Popular meat choices include pepperoni, salami, ham, prosciutto, and capicola. For a vegetarian option, cooked vegetables such as mushrooms, broccoli, peppers, spinach, or basil can be added.

The dough is typically made from scratch or store-bought pizza dough, and the stromboli is baked until golden brown.

Deli vs pizza dough

Stromboli is a fun twist on a classic pizza, with pizza dough stuffed with cheese, meat, and other ingredients, and baked until golden brown. While pizza dough is a popular choice for the outer layer of stromboli, some recipes call for deli or sandwich bread. So, which is better, deli or pizza dough for stromboli?

Texture and Taste

Pizza dough provides a chewy and crispy texture to stromboli, similar to that of a pizza. It is usually made with simple ingredients like flour, water, yeast, and olive oil, resulting in a soft and slightly tacky dough. This dough is then rolled out, filled, and baked to create a crispy and flaky crust. On the other hand, deli bread, such as frozen bread dough, can make the stromboli soft and gooey in the center, with a super crispy exterior. Deli bread often contains additional ingredients like preservatives and dough conditioners, which affect the texture and taste.

Ease of Use

Using pizza dough for stromboli can be more convenient as it is readily available in stores or can be easily made at home. It is a versatile dough that can be used for multiple purposes, such as pizza, breadsticks, or garlic knots. Pizza dough also requires minimal preparation, with only one rise needed, making it a good option for those short on time. In contrast, deli bread may require thawing or defrosting, which can take several hours. Additionally, pizza dough can be frozen for later use, making it a handy option for those who like to prepare meals in advance.

Customization

Both pizza dough and deli bread offer customization options for stromboli. Pizza dough can be customized by adding different herbs, spices, or seasonings to the dough itself. For example, garlic powder, dried herbs, or Italian seasoning can be added to enhance the flavor. Deli bread may come in different varieties, such as white, whole wheat, or multigrain, offering some variation in taste and texture. However, pizza dough provides more flexibility in terms of shaping and filling, as it can be rolled out to different sizes and filled with a variety of ingredients.

Overall Comparison

Both pizza dough and deli bread have their advantages and can be used to create delicious stromboli. Pizza dough provides a classic chewy and crispy texture, similar to pizza, and offers more customization options. It is also more readily available and requires less preparation time. Deli bread, on the other hand, can result in a softer and gooier stromboli with a crispy exterior. It may be a good option for those who prefer a more bread-like texture and are willing to put in the extra time for thawing or defrosting. Ultimately, the choice between pizza dough and deli bread depends on personal preference, the desired texture, and the time available for preparation.

Fresh vs frozen dough

Stromboli is a fun and versatile dish, and you can use either fresh or frozen dough to make it. Both options have their pros and cons, and the best choice for you will depend on your personal preferences and how much time you have.

Fresh Dough

Making your own dough from scratch will give you a lot of control over the final product. You can use a simple recipe with basic ingredients like flour, water, yeast, sugar, olive oil, and salt. This dough usually requires only one rise, which takes around 60-90 minutes, and you can use the time to prepare your fillings.

Fresh dough will give your stromboli a soft interior and a wonderfully crisp crust. It's a more time-consuming option, but the results are worth the effort. You can also freeze half of your fresh dough for future use if you don't need to make two strombolis.

Frozen Dough

Frozen dough is a convenient option if you're short on time or want a quicker meal. You can find frozen bread dough in the frozen section of grocery stores, usually near the puff pastry and pie crusts. It's important to remember to defrost the dough in the fridge or at room temperature several hours before you plan to use it. This dough will give your stromboli a soft and gooey centre with a super crispy exterior.

Whether you choose fresh or frozen dough for your stromboli, the key is to have fun with it! Stromboli is a versatile dish that allows you to get creative with your fillings, and both types of dough will yield delicious results. If you're short on time, frozen dough is a great option, but if you want to try making your own dough, go for it! Just remember to plan ahead to allow for rising and defrosting time, depending on your choice.

How to roll the dough

Rolling the dough is a crucial step in the Stromboli-making process. Here is a detailed, step-by-step guide on how to roll the dough:

Firstly, prepare your dough by letting it rest at room temperature for about 30 minutes. This will make it easier to roll out. If you are using frozen dough, make sure to defrost it beforehand by placing it on a greased baking sheet and covering it with plastic wrap. You can defrost it in the fridge for 6-8 hours or overnight, and then let it sit at room temperature for an additional hour or two.

Once your dough is ready, lightly dust your work surface and rolling pin with flour. Remove the dough from the baking sheet and start rolling it out into a rectangle. The size of the rectangle can vary depending on your preference and the amount of filling you plan to use. A common size is around 10 inches by 14 inches, but you can go for a larger or smaller rectangle if desired.

After you have rolled out the dough, it's time to start adding the fillings. Begin by spreading your chosen sauce over the dough, leaving a plain border of about 2 inches along the edges. This border will be used to seal the Stromboli later.

Now, it's time to layer on your chosen meats and cheeses. Start with a layer of meat, such as pepperoni, salami, or prosciutto, followed by a sprinkling of cheese. You can repeat this step to create multiple layers of meat and cheese. Just make sure to leave enough space at the top of the dough for rolling.

Once you are happy with your fillings, it's time to start rolling! Brush the plain border of dough with an egg wash or water to help seal the Stromboli. Starting from one of the longer sides, roll the dough up tightly, jelly-roll style, making sure to pinch the edges to seal them closed. You can also tuck in the ends of the dough to ensure a tight seal.

After you have rolled the dough, brush the entire Stromboli with egg wash or olive oil. This will give it a golden, crispy exterior. You can also sprinkle on some toppings at this point, such as freshly grated Parmesan cheese, garlic salt, or Italian seasoning.

Finally, use a sharp knife to cut a few slits in the top of the dough. These slits will allow steam to escape during baking and will also add a decorative touch.

And that's it! You have successfully rolled your Stromboli dough. Now, simply place it on a baking sheet and bake it in the oven until golden brown.

Dipping sauces

Stromboli is a versatile dish that can be served as an appetiser, a main course, or a snack. It is a great option when feeding a large group, as it is easy to prepare and customisable to suit different tastes.

While the fillings for stromboli can vary, the dipping sauces are equally important and can elevate the dish. Here are some ideas for dipping sauces to accompany your stromboli:

• Marinara or pizza sauce: This is a classic choice for stromboli, as the tomato-based sauce complements the Italian meats and cheeses in the stromboli. It adds a tangy and savoury flavour to the dish.
• Spicy honey mustard: A combination of spicy mustard, honey, apple cider vinegar, and fresh garlic creates a sweet and tangy sauce with a kick.
• Creamy dill: A blend of sour cream or Greek yoghurt, fresh dill, apple cider vinegar, and garlic results in a creamy and flavourful sauce.
• Creamy cilantro: This sauce is made with sour cream or Greek yoghurt, cilantro, apple cider vinegar, and garlic, adding a fresh and tangy twist to the stromboli.
• Red sauce: While this can refer to a marinara sauce, you can also use a store-bought spaghetti sauce for a quick and easy dipping option.
• Ranch dressing: A simple and well-loved option, ranch dressing can be a great choice for those who want a creamy and tangy dip without the kick of some of the other options.
• Basil vinaigrette: This herb-based vinaigrette can add a fresh and tangy flavour to your stromboli, especially if it already includes ingredients like roasted red peppers and prosciutto.

Frequently asked questions