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This Mozzarella Cheesesteak Stromboli transforms the classic Philly sandwich into a golden, cheesy baked delight that's perfect for family dinners or game day gatherings. The combination of tender steak, sautéed vegetables, and melty cheese all wrapped in pizza dough creates an irresistible meal that always disappears quickly at my table.
I first made this stromboli when hosting friends for a football Sunday. The way everyone's eyes lit up as I sliced through the golden crust revealing the cheese pull inside convinced me this would become a regular in our rotation. Now my teenagers request it weekly.
Ingredients
- Pillsbury classic pizza dough: a time-saving shortcut that bakes beautifully with a perfect texture
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: use whole milk mozzarella for the best melt and flavor
- Grilled sirloin steak: choose well-marbled cuts for maximum tenderness and flavor
- Olive oil: a good quality extra virgin adds subtle flavor to the vegetables
- Medium onion: provides sweet aromatic base when sautéed properly
- Green bell pepper: adds slight crunch and veggie goodness
- Dried Italian seasoning: blend of herbs that infuses the filling with classic Italian flavor
- Garlic salt: gives depth to both the filling and outer crust
- Parmesan-Peppercorn dressing: secret ingredient that adds creaminess and zesty flavor
- Butter: creates that irresistible golden crust when baked
- Grated Parmesan cheese: adds nutty flavor and beautiful finish to the top
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to exactly 425°F which ensures the perfect balance of browning the outside while cooking the inside. Line your baking sheet with parchment paper which prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
- Sauté the Vegetables:
- Heat your skillet over medium heat and add enough olive oil to coat the bottom. Add thinly sliced onions and bell peppers, seasoning them with Italian seasoning, garlic salt and black pepper. Cook for 3-5 minutes until they soften but still maintain some texture. This step builds tremendous flavor foundation.
- Prepare the Dough:
- Press the pizza dough into approximately a 12 x 16 inch rectangle on a lightly floured surface. Work gently to avoid tearing while ensuring even thickness. The rectangle shape ensures proper filling distribution and easy rolling.
- Layer the Fillings:
- Sprinkle half the mozzarella cheese evenly across the dough surface. This first cheese layer creates a barrier that helps prevent the dough from becoming soggy. Distribute the chopped steak pieces evenly across the cheese layer. Top with your sautéed onions and peppers, spreading them uniformly.
- Add the Flavor Boosters:
- Drizzle the Parmesan-Peppercorn dressing over the filling ingredients using a zigzag motion to ensure even distribution. This creamy element binds the filling together and adds tremendous flavor. Top everything with the remaining mozzarella cheese which will melt beautifully inside.
- Roll and Position:
- Starting with the widest edge of the rectangle, roll the dough and fillings tightly like a jelly roll. Pinch the seam and ends to seal completely. Transfer carefully to your prepared baking sheet with the seam side down to prevent it from opening during baking.
- Finish and Season:
- Brush the entire surface with melted butter using a pastry brush to ensure even coverage. This creates a beautiful golden crust when baked. Sprinkle the remaining Italian seasoning, a light dusting of garlic salt, and the grated Parmesan cheese over the top for flavor and visual appeal.
- Bake to Perfection:
- Place in your preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes until the crust turns a deep golden brown. The timing is crucial here. Allow the stromboli to rest for 5 minutes before slicing which helps the cheese set slightly and makes for cleaner serving.
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The Parmesan-Peppercorn dressing is truly the unexpected hero in this recipe. I discovered this addition by accident when I was out of my usual condiments, and it created such a creamy, tangy interior that my family declared it was even better than our favorite local pizzeria's stromboli. Sometimes kitchen accidents lead to the best discoveries!
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Customization Options
This stromboli recipe welcomes endless variations based on your preferences. Try using roast beef, chicken, or even vegetarian fillings with mushrooms and additional vegetables. You can also experiment with different cheese combinations like provolone, white American, or pepper jack for varied flavor profiles. Just be careful not to overstuff, as this can lead to tearing or filling leakage during baking.
Storage and Reheating
Keep leftover stromboli in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best reheating results, avoid the microwave which can make the crust soggy. Instead, place slices on a baking sheet in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes until heated through. This maintains the crispy exterior while warming the filling. For freezing, wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap then aluminum foil and freeze for up to 2 months.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this cheesesteak stromboli with small bowls of marinara sauce or additional Parmesan-Peppercorn dressing for dipping. A simple side salad with vinaigrette dressing creates a perfect meal balance. For entertaining, cut into smaller 2-inch pieces and provide toothpicks for an impressive finger food that guests will rave about.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use a different type of meat for this stromboli?
Yes! While sirloin steak creates an authentic cheesesteak flavor, you can substitute with thinly sliced ribeye, roast beef, or even chicken. For a budget-friendly option, ground beef works well too—just be sure to fully cook and drain it before adding to your stromboli.
- → What can I use instead of Parmesan-Peppercorn dressing?
If you don't have Parmesan-Peppercorn dressing, you can substitute with Caesar dressing, ranch mixed with grated Parmesan and black pepper, or even a combination of mayonnaise, grated Parmesan, and a dash of Worcestershire sauce for a similar flavor profile.
- → Can I make this stromboli ahead of time?
You can assemble the stromboli up to 24 hours ahead and keep it refrigerated, unbaked and tightly wrapped. When ready to serve, brush with butter, add the seasonings and Parmesan, then bake as directed, adding 2-3 extra minutes to the cooking time since it'll be starting cold.
- → How do I store leftover stromboli?
Store leftover stromboli in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat slices in a 350°F oven for 5-10 minutes or until heated through for best texture. While microwave reheating works, it may make the crust soggy.
- → What sides pair well with this cheesesteak stromboli?
This stromboli pairs perfectly with a simple green salad, roasted vegetables, or a cup of tomato soup. For a more substantial meal, serve with potato wedges, coleslaw, or Italian pasta salad. A small dish of marinara sauce on the side makes a delicious dipping option.
- → Can this stromboli be frozen?
Yes, you can freeze this stromboli either before or after baking. To freeze unbaked, assemble completely, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw in refrigerator overnight before baking. For baked stromboli, allow to cool completely, slice, and freeze portions wrapped individually for up to 2 months.