Cheesesteak Stromboli: A Delicious Twist on a Classic
Are you a fan of the classic cheesesteak? Do you love the comforting warmth of a stromboli? Then you’re in for a treat! This Cheesesteak Stromboli recipe combines the best of both worlds, delivering a flavorful and satisfying meal that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner, game day gathering, or any occasion that calls for delicious comfort food.
This recipe is more than just throwing some ingredients into dough. It’s about layering flavors, achieving the perfect balance of textures, and creating a visually appealing dish that will impress your family and friends. We’ll guide you through each step, from preparing the steak and vegetables to rolling the stromboli and baking it to golden perfection. Get ready to experience a cheesesteak in a whole new way!
## Why This Cheesesteak Stromboli Recipe Works
* **Classic Flavors, Elevated:** We’re staying true to the authentic cheesesteak taste you know and love, but presenting it in a fun and exciting format.
* **Customizable:** This recipe is highly adaptable. You can easily swap out the type of cheese, add your favorite toppings, or adjust the spice level to suit your preferences.
* **Easy to Make (with a few helpful tips):** While it might seem intimidating, making a stromboli is surprisingly straightforward. We’ll provide clear instructions and helpful tips to ensure your success.
* **Perfect for Sharing:** This stromboli is designed to be shared, making it ideal for parties, potlucks, or family dinners.
* **Make-Ahead Friendly:** You can assemble the stromboli ahead of time and bake it just before serving, saving you valuable time on busy weeknights.
## Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients you’ll need to create this delectable Cheesesteak Stromboli:
* **For the Dough:**
* 1 pound store-bought pizza dough (or your favorite homemade recipe)
* All-purpose flour, for dusting
* **For the Filling:**
* 1 pound thinly sliced steak (such as ribeye or sirloin)
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
* 1 bell pepper (any color), thinly sliced
* 4 ounces sliced mushrooms
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
* 8 ounces provolone cheese, sliced
* 4 ounces mozzarella cheese, shredded
* Optional: Hot cherry peppers, giardiniera, or other cheesesteak toppings
* **For the Egg Wash (optional):**
* 1 egg, beaten
* 1 tablespoon water
* **For Serving:**
* Marinara sauce, for dipping (optional)
## Equipment You’ll Need
* Large skillet or griddle
* Cutting board
* Chef’s knife
* Baking sheet
* Parchment paper
* Rolling pin
* Pastry brush (optional, for egg wash)
## Step-by-Step Instructions
Now, let’s dive into the detailed instructions for making your own Cheesesteak Stromboli:
**Step 1: Prepare the Steak and Vegetables**
1. **Slice the Steak:** If your steak isn’t already thinly sliced, partially freeze it for about 30 minutes to make it easier to slice. Then, using a sharp knife, slice the steak as thinly as possible against the grain. The thinner the steak, the more tender it will be in the stromboli.
2. **Sauté the Vegetables:** Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or on a griddle over medium-high heat. Add the sliced onions and bell peppers and cook until softened and slightly caramelized, about 5-7 minutes. Add the sliced mushrooms and continue cooking until they are tender, about 3-5 minutes more. Don’t overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary to ensure even cooking and browning. If the vegetables start to stick, add a tablespoon of water to deglaze the pan.
3. **Cook the Steak:** Push the vegetables to one side of the skillet or transfer them to a bowl. Add the thinly sliced steak to the hot skillet. Cook, stirring frequently, until the steak is browned and cooked through, about 3-5 minutes. Be careful not to overcook the steak, as it will continue to cook in the oven. Break up any large clumps of steak with your spatula as it cooks.
4. **Add Garlic and Seasonings:** Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for about 30 seconds, until fragrant. Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together well, ensuring the steak and vegetables are evenly coated with the seasonings. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
5. **Let it Cool Slightly:** Remove the skillet from the heat and let the steak and vegetable mixture cool slightly before assembling the stromboli. This will prevent the dough from becoming soggy.
**Step 2: Assemble the Stromboli**
1. **Preheat Oven:** Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will prevent the stromboli from sticking and make cleanup easier.
2. **Prepare the Dough:** On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pizza dough into a large rectangle, about 12×16 inches. The dough should be thin but not too thin that it tears easily. If the dough is too elastic and keeps shrinking back, let it rest for a few minutes before continuing to roll it out.
3. **Layer the Cheese:** Arrange the provolone cheese slices evenly over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges. Then, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the provolone. The cheese layer helps to bind the filling together and create a delicious, melty center.
4. **Add the Steak and Vegetable Filling:** Spread the cooked steak and vegetable mixture evenly over the cheese layer, leaving the 1-inch border clear. Don’t overfill the stromboli, as this can make it difficult to roll and may cause it to burst during baking.
5. **Add Optional Toppings:** If desired, add any additional toppings such as hot cherry peppers or giardiniera. Be mindful of the amount of toppings you add; too many toppings can make the stromboli difficult to roll and bake evenly.
**Step 3: Roll and Bake the Stromboli**
1. **Roll the Stromboli:** Starting from one of the long edges, carefully roll the dough up tightly, like a jelly roll. Pinch the seam closed tightly to seal it. This is important to prevent the filling from leaking out during baking. Tuck the ends under to seal them as well.
2. **Transfer to Baking Sheet:** Carefully transfer the stromboli to the prepared baking sheet, seam-side down.
3. **Score the Top:** Using a sharp knife or a pizza cutter, make several diagonal slits across the top of the stromboli. This will allow steam to escape during baking and prevent the stromboli from bursting. Be careful not to cut too deeply, as this can also cause the filling to leak out.
4. **Apply Egg Wash (Optional):** In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and water. Brush the egg wash evenly over the top of the stromboli. This will give it a beautiful golden-brown color and a slightly glossy finish. If you don’t have an egg, you can use milk or melted butter instead.
5. **Bake:** Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the stromboli is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly. The internal temperature of the stromboli should reach 165°F (74°C).
6. **Rest Before Slicing:** Remove the stromboli from the oven and let it rest for at least 10-15 minutes before slicing. This will allow the filling to set and prevent it from spilling out when you cut into it. It also makes it easier to slice neatly.
**Step 4: Serve and Enjoy!**
1. **Slice and Serve:** Using a serrated knife, slice the stromboli into 1-inch thick slices.
2. **Serve with Marinara Sauce (Optional):** Serve the stromboli with warm marinara sauce for dipping, if desired. Other dipping sauces that would complement the flavors include cheese sauce, garlic aioli, or a simple vinaigrette.
3. **Enjoy Immediately:** Serve the Cheesesteak Stromboli immediately while it’s warm and the cheese is melted and gooey. It’s best enjoyed fresh out of the oven.
## Tips for the Perfect Cheesesteak Stromboli
* **Use High-Quality Ingredients:** The better the quality of your ingredients, the better the final product will be. Use good quality steak, fresh vegetables, and flavorful cheese.
* **Don’t Overcrowd the Pan:** When cooking the steak and vegetables, avoid overcrowding the pan. This will ensure that they cook evenly and brown properly. Cook in batches if necessary.
* **Don’t Overfill the Stromboli:** Overfilling the stromboli can make it difficult to roll and may cause it to burst during baking. Be mindful of the amount of filling you add.
* **Seal the Seam Tightly:** Make sure to pinch the seam of the stromboli closed tightly to prevent the filling from leaking out during baking.
* **Score the Top:** Scoring the top of the stromboli will allow steam to escape during baking and prevent it from bursting.
* **Let it Rest Before Slicing:** Letting the stromboli rest for at least 10-15 minutes before slicing will allow the filling to set and prevent it from spilling out.
* **Get creative with the cheese**: Try using a combination of cheeses. Adding some sharp cheddar or pepper jack can give the stromboli a nice kick.
* **Add some spice**: Mix some crushed red pepper flakes into the steak and vegetable mixture for a little extra heat.
## Variations and Customizations
The beauty of this Cheesesteak Stromboli recipe is its versatility. Here are a few ideas to get you started with customizing it to your liking:
* **Cheese Variations:** Experiment with different types of cheese, such as provolone, mozzarella, cheddar, pepper jack, or even a combination of cheeses.
* **Vegetable Additions:** Add other vegetables such as spinach, roasted red peppers, or artichoke hearts to the filling.
* **Meat Substitutions:** Try using ground beef, ground turkey, or Italian sausage instead of steak.
* **Spicy Kick:** Add some diced jalapeños, hot sauce, or red pepper flakes to the filling for a spicy kick.
* **Pizza Stromboli**: Instead of steak, use your favorite pizza toppings!
* **Chicken Stromboli**: Substitute the steak for chicken, add a little ranch or buffalo sauce and you have a chicken stromboli!
* **Add some herbs**: Sprinkle some dried oregano, basil, or Italian seasoning over the filling for added flavor.
## Serving Suggestions
Cheesesteak Stromboli is a hearty and satisfying meal on its own, but here are a few serving suggestions to round out your meal:
* **Side Salad:** Serve with a simple side salad with a light vinaigrette dressing.
* **Marinara Sauce:** Offer warm marinara sauce for dipping.
* **Garlic Bread:** Serve with crusty garlic bread for soaking up the delicious juices.
* **French Fries:** Serve alongside crispy French fries for a classic comfort food combination.
* **Coleslaw:** A creamy coleslaw provides a nice contrast to the richness of the stromboli.
## Make-Ahead Instructions
This Cheesesteak Stromboli can be assembled ahead of time and baked just before serving. Here’s how:
1. **Assemble the Stromboli:** Follow the recipe instructions to assemble the stromboli, but do not bake it.
2. **Wrap and Refrigerate:** Wrap the assembled stromboli tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours.
3. **Bake:** When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Remove the stromboli from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes. Unwrap the stromboli and brush with egg wash (if using). Bake as directed in the recipe.
## Storage Instructions
Leftover Cheesesteak Stromboli can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Here’s how:
1. **Cool Completely:** Let the stromboli cool completely before storing it.
2. **Wrap and Refrigerate:** Wrap the stromboli tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container.
3. **Reheat:** To reheat, you can warm it in the oven, microwave, or toaster oven until heated through.
## Recipe Card
**Cheesesteak Stromboli**
A delicious twist on a classic cheesesteak, this stromboli is filled with thinly sliced steak, sautéed vegetables, and melted cheese.
**Prep Time:** 30 minutes
**Cook Time:** 25 minutes
**Total Time:** 55 minutes
**Servings:** 6-8
**Ingredients:**
* 1 pound store-bought pizza dough
* All-purpose flour, for dusting
* 1 pound thinly sliced steak
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
* 1 bell pepper (any color), thinly sliced
* 4 ounces sliced mushrooms
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
* 8 ounces provolone cheese, sliced
* 4 ounces mozzarella cheese, shredded
* Optional: Hot cherry peppers, giardiniera
* 1 egg, beaten (optional)
* 1 tablespoon water (optional)
* Marinara sauce, for dipping (optional)
**Instructions:**
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet. Sauté onions, bell peppers, and mushrooms until softened. Add steak and cook until browned. Add garlic, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper.
3. Roll out pizza dough into a large rectangle. Layer with provolone and mozzarella cheese. Top with steak and vegetable mixture. Add optional toppings.
4. Roll up dough tightly, pinch seam to seal. Transfer to baking sheet, seam-side down. Score the top. Brush with egg wash (optional).
5. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
6. Let rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing. Serve with marinara sauce, if desired.
## Conclusion
This Cheesesteak Stromboli recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It’s easy to make, customizable, and incredibly delicious. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a show-stopping appetizer for your next party, this stromboli is sure to impress. So, gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and get ready to enjoy a taste of cheesesteak heaven in every bite!