Introduction
This Ham and Cheese Stromboli is a delicious baked roll filled with layers of savory deli meat and melted cheese, all wrapped in a golden, crispy pastry crust.
It is easy to prepare, satisfying, and perfect for busy weeknight dinners, family lunches, parties, game-day gatherings, or an easy appetizer.
The outside becomes beautifully golden and crisp while the inside stays warm, cheesy, and flavorful.
Recipe Overview
| Details | Information |
| Recipe | Ham and Cheese Stromboli 🧀 |
| Prep Time | 15 minutes |
| Cook Time | 25–30 minutes |
| Total Time | About 45 minutes |
| Servings | 6–8 |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Cooking Method | Oven |
| Oven Temperature | 190°C / 375°F |
| Texture | Crispy outside, cheesy inside |
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This homemade stromboli combines everything you want in a comforting meal: golden pastry, melted cheese, and flavorful slices of ham and salami.
It is simple enough for a quick dinner but impressive enough to serve at a party or family gathering.
The filling can also be customized with your favorite cheeses, meats, vegetables, and seasonings.
Because it slices beautifully, this recipe is also an excellent option for meal prep, lunch boxes, and entertaining.
Ingredients
For the Dough
| Ingredient | Amount |
| Pizza dough 🥖 | 1 lb / 450 g |
| All-purpose flour 🌾 | For rolling |
| Olive oil 🫒 | 1 tbsp |
For the Filling
| Ingredient | Amount |
| Deli ham 🥩 | 6–8 slices |
| Salami 🥩 | 8–10 slices |
| Mozzarella cheese 🧀 | 2 cups shredded |
| Provolone cheese 🧀 | 4–6 slices |
| Parmesan cheese 🧀 | 2 tbsp |
| Italian seasoning 🌿 | 1 tsp |
| Garlic powder 🧄 | ½ tsp |
| Black pepper 🧂 | ¼ tsp |
For the Topping
| Ingredient | Amount |
| Egg 🥚 | 1 |
| Water 💧 | 1 tbsp |
| Italian seasoning 🌿 | ½ tsp |
| Parmesan cheese 🧀 | 1 tbsp |
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Dough
Allow the pizza dough to come to room temperature for about 20–30 minutes.
Lightly flour your work surface and roll the dough into a rectangle approximately 12 × 16 inches.
Try to keep the dough an even thickness so the stromboli cooks evenly.
2. Add the Cheese
Spread the shredded mozzarella evenly over the dough, leaving approximately 1 inch of space around the edges.
Add the provolone slices over the mozzarella.
Sprinkle with Parmesan, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and black pepper.
3. Add the Meat
Arrange the ham slices evenly over the cheese.
Add the salami on top.
Do not overfill the center because excessive filling can make the stromboli difficult to roll and seal.
4. Roll the Stromboli
Starting from one long side, carefully roll the dough into a tight log.
Press gently as you roll to keep the filling together.
Pinch the seam and both ends firmly to seal the stromboli.
Place it seam-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
5. Prepare the Egg Wash
Whisk the egg with 1 tablespoon of water.
Brush the entire surface of the stromboli with the egg wash.
Sprinkle the top with Italian seasoning and Parmesan cheese.
6. Make Small Vents
Using a sharp knife, make several small diagonal cuts across the top.
These vents allow steam to escape while the stromboli bakes.
7. Bake
Preheat your oven to 190°C / 375°F.
Bake the stromboli for approximately 25–30 minutes, or until the crust is deeply golden brown and the cheese is melted.
If the top begins browning too quickly, loosely cover it with aluminum foil during the final minutes of baking.
8. Rest and Slice
Remove the stromboli from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes.
This allows the melted cheese to settle and makes slicing much easier.
Use a sharp serrated knife to cut it into thick slices.
Serve warm with marinara sauce for dipping.
Best Tips
Do not overload the dough with filling. A moderate amount of meat and cheese gives you the best balance between flavor and structure.
Make sure the dough is sealed well along the seam and ends. This helps prevent the cheese from escaping during baking.
Always allow the stromboli to rest before slicing. Cutting it immediately can cause the melted cheese to spill out.
For an extra crispy crust, brush the dough generously with egg wash before baking.
Best Ingredient Options
Dough 🥖
Store-bought pizza dough makes this recipe quick and convenient. Homemade pizza dough can also be used for a more traditional homemade result.
Cheese 🧀
Mozzarella provides excellent melting and stretch, while provolone adds a stronger savory flavor.
You can also use cheddar, Monterey Jack, Swiss cheese, or Fontina.
Meat 🥩
Ham and salami work beautifully together. You can substitute turkey, pepperoni, prosciutto, or cooked chicken.
Seasoning 🌿
Italian seasoning, oregano, garlic powder, and freshly ground black pepper all complement the cheesy filling.
Recipe Variations
For a Pepperoni Stromboli, replace some of the salami with pepperoni and add extra mozzarella.
For a Chicken and Cheese Stromboli, use cooked shredded chicken with mozzarella, provolone, and Italian seasoning.
For a Vegetable Stromboli, add thinly sliced bell peppers, mushrooms, spinach, or onions.
For a spicy version, add sliced jalapeños, banana peppers, or crushed red pepper flakes.
What to Serve With
Serve this cheesy stromboli with warm marinara sauce for dipping.
A simple green salad makes a fresh side dish and balances the richness of the cheese and meat.
You can also serve it with roasted vegetables, potato wedges, or a bowl of tomato soup.
For parties, slice the stromboli into smaller pieces and serve it as an easy finger food.
Make-Ahead Instructions
You can assemble the stromboli several hours before baking.
Cover it tightly and refrigerate until you are ready to cook.
Remove it from the refrigerator about 20–30 minutes before baking, then apply the egg wash immediately before placing it in the oven.
For the best texture, bake it on the same day it is assembled.
Storage
Allow leftover stromboli to cool completely before storing.
Place slices in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3–4 days.
Keep the stromboli refrigerated because the filling contains cheese and deli meats.
Reheating
For the best texture, reheat individual slices in a 190°C / 375°F oven for 8–12 minutes.
An air fryer also works well at 175°C / 350°F for approximately 4–6 minutes.
Avoid using the microwave for too long because the crust can become soft.
Freezing
Stromboli can be frozen either before or after baking.
For baked stromboli, wrap individual slices tightly and place them in a freezer-safe bag.
Freeze for up to 2 months.
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in a hot oven until warmed through.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid rolling the dough too thin because it may tear when you add the filling.
Do not use excessive cheese or meat because the filling can leak during baking.
Make sure the seam is positioned underneath the stromboli on the baking sheet.
Skipping the egg wash can result in a paler crust, so brush the surface well before baking.
Finally, do not slice the stromboli immediately after removing it from the oven. Give it several minutes to rest.
Nutrition Estimate
Approximate values per serving. Actual nutrition will vary depending on the dough, cheese, and deli meats used.
| Nutrient | Estimated Amount |
| Calories | 430 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 39 g |
| Protein | 24 g |
| Fat | 21 g |
| Saturated Fat | 9 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 4 g |
| Sodium | 1,050 mg |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use store-bought pizza dough?
Yes. Store-bought pizza dough is an excellent shortcut and makes this recipe quick and easy.
Can I prepare stromboli the night before?
Yes. Assemble it, cover it, and refrigerate overnight. Let it sit at room temperature for about 20–30 minutes before baking.
Why did my stromboli open while baking?
This usually happens when the seam is not sealed properly or the dough has been overfilled. Pinch the seam firmly and avoid adding too much filling.
Can I use different cheese?
Absolutely. Mozzarella, provolone, cheddar, Swiss, Fontina, and Monterey Jack are all good options.
What sauce goes with stromboli?
Marinara sauce is the classic choice. Garlic butter, pizza sauce, or a spicy tomato dipping sauce also works well.
Can I make mini stromboli?
Yes. Divide the dough into smaller portions and create individual rolls. Reduce the baking time and watch them carefully as they become golden.
Final Thoughts
This Ham and Cheese Stromboli is an easy homemade comfort food that delivers a golden crust, savory meat, and plenty of melted cheese in every slice.
It is versatile enough for dinner, lunch, appetizers, parties, and game-day gatherings.
Serve it warm with marinara sauce and enjoy a simple, cheesy meal that the whole family will love. 🧀🥩✨