What is Stromboli?
Stromboli, on the other hand, is more of a sandwich than a turnover, although you might mistake it easily as calzone because of their similarities in appearance. The dish, however, does not contain the sheep’s milk cheese, ricotta. Although it can be considered as an Italian dish, it was made up somewhere in the United States, although the location is not quite known, some say in Philadelphia, some say in Washington state.
The Stromboli is rolled with a stuffing of choice before cooking. You can add many different ingredients to create some great flavor profiles. Try fresh herbs, sun dried tomatoes, or wild leeks &mushrooms! Other cheeses like a mix of ricotta, aged Parmesan, and mozzarella. Stromboli is great for a lunch or as a main for dinner. Below is what you need for two different styles.
What is Needed…
Style I – Cheese and Vegetable Stromboli
• 10 ounces pizza dough
• 1⁄3 cup cultured cheese or fresh mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup sliced artichoke heart
• 3 chopped roasted red peppers
• 1⁄3 cup chopped black olives
• Herbs of choice like fresh basil, thyme, and parsley
• Salt and pepper to taste
Alternatively…
Style II – Cheese, Spinach, and Garlic Stromboli
• 10 ounces pizza dough
• 1⁄3 cup cultured cheese or fresh mozzarella
• 1 or 2 fresh garlic cloves or fermented garlic honey cloves
Note: If fresh garlic is too strong of flavor fry in a little olive oil before stuffing
• ½ cup chopped fresh spinach, well drained
• Salt and white pepper to taste
Directions…
Have the cultured cheese ready to go a few days in advance. The cheese needs to be a ‘hard’ cheese with little moisture, so that it stays within the crust.
1. Preheat oven to 375 F.
2. Line a baking sheet with foil and brush with olive oil.
3. Turn out the dough onto a lightly floured surface.
4. Spread the cheese, leaving a 1-inch border.
5. Add the other veggies.
6. Roll like a jellyroll and crimp the edges.
7. Score the tops almost through and brush the top with egg white wash or olive oil for a golden top, if desired
8. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is melted through.
Serve hot with a side of marinara sauce, if desired. Being versatile, stuff Stromboli with many different ingredients for a change from old style pizzas. For the holidays, make smaller sized Stromboli for ‘finger food’ at gatherings.
Feedback: This recipe, though simple, is delicious. Being vegan I substituted home made soy cheese for the mozzarella, and I made my own pizza dough. I also added some fresh basil leaves. Yum. This would be great made in miniature versions as finger foods for a holiday get-together.
