Ham and Cheese Stromboli: A Delicious and Easy Recipe
Stromboli, a delightful savory turnover packed with delicious fillings, is a fantastic choice for a quick weeknight dinner, a crowd-pleasing party appetizer, or a satisfying addition to your lunchbox. This recipe focuses on a classic combination: ham and cheese. The salty ham and melted cheese nestled within a warm, golden crust create a symphony of flavors and textures that’s hard to resist. This particular version is designed to be both easy and impressive, using readily available ingredients and simple techniques to deliver a restaurant-quality stromboli right in your own kitchen. Get ready to unleash your inner baker (or just pretend to be one!) and impress your family and friends with this incredibly tasty and versatile dish.
Why You’ll Love This Ham and Cheese Stromboli
Before we dive into the recipe, let’s highlight why this ham and cheese stromboli is a winner:
* **Easy to Make:** This recipe utilizes pre-made pizza dough, significantly reducing the prep time and making it accessible to cooks of all skill levels. While you can certainly make your own dough from scratch, using store-bought dough is a great shortcut for busy weeknights.
* **Versatile:** The filling is completely customizable! While ham and cheese is a classic combination, you can easily swap out ingredients to suit your preferences. Add vegetables, different types of cheese, or even pepperoni for a personalized stromboli.
* **Crowd-Pleasing:** Whether you’re hosting a party or simply looking for a satisfying family meal, stromboli is always a hit. It’s easy to slice and serve, making it perfect for sharing.
* **Make-Ahead Friendly:** You can assemble the stromboli ahead of time and bake it just before serving. This is a great option for entertaining or meal prepping.
* **Delicious:** Let’s be honest, the combination of warm, crispy bread, savory ham, and gooey cheese is simply irresistible!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients you’ll need to make this amazing ham and cheese stromboli:
* **Pizza Dough:** 1 pound of store-bought or homemade pizza dough. If using store-bought, allow it to come to room temperature for easier handling. This is crucial for a pliable dough that stretches easily without tearing.
* **Ham:** 1/2 pound of sliced ham. You can use deli ham, leftover holiday ham, or even ham steak cut into slices. Consider the saltiness of the ham you choose, as this will impact the overall flavor of the stromboli. Honey ham or black forest ham are also delicious options.
* **Cheese:** 8 ounces of shredded mozzarella cheese. Mozzarella provides a classic, melty texture. You can also add other cheeses like provolone, cheddar, or Monterey Jack for added flavor. Experiment with different cheese combinations to find your favorite!
* **Egg:** 1 large egg, beaten. This is used for an egg wash, which gives the stromboli a beautiful golden-brown color and a slight sheen.
* **Italian Seasoning:** 1 teaspoon. This adds a touch of herbaceous flavor to the stromboli. You can also use a blend of dried oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary.
* **Garlic Powder:** 1/2 teaspoon. Adds a subtle garlic flavor that complements the ham and cheese perfectly.
* **Olive Oil (optional):** 1 tablespoon. A drizzle of olive oil before baking can enhance the crust’s crispness and flavor.
* **Cornmeal (optional):** A sprinkle of cornmeal on the baking sheet prevents the stromboli from sticking.
* **Marinara Sauce (for serving):** Optional, but highly recommended for dipping!
Equipment You’ll Need
* **Baking Sheet:** A large baking sheet is essential for baking the stromboli.
* **Parchment Paper (optional):** Parchment paper makes cleanup a breeze and prevents sticking. Alternatively, you can grease the baking sheet with cooking spray or olive oil.
* **Rolling Pin:** A rolling pin is used to roll out the pizza dough into a large rectangle.
* **Pizza Cutter or Sharp Knife:** Used for slicing the stromboli after baking.
* **Pastry Brush:** For applying the egg wash.
* **Mixing Bowl:** For beating the egg.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Now, let’s get to the fun part – making the stromboli! Follow these detailed steps for a perfect ham and cheese stromboli every time.
**Step 1: Prepare the Dough**
* If using store-bought pizza dough, remove it from the refrigerator about 30 minutes to an hour before you plan to bake. This allows the dough to come to room temperature, making it easier to roll out and preventing it from snapping back. Nobody wants a dough that fights back!
* Lightly flour a clean, flat surface (like a countertop or cutting board). This will prevent the dough from sticking.
* Gently stretch and roll the pizza dough into a large rectangle, approximately 12×16 inches. Aim for an even thickness throughout. If the dough is too elastic and keeps shrinking back, let it rest for a few minutes before continuing to roll.
**Step 2: Assemble the Filling**
* Lay the rolled-out dough rectangle on the prepared baking sheet lined with parchment paper or sprinkled with cornmeal. This makes it easier to transfer the stromboli to and from the oven.
* Evenly distribute the shredded mozzarella cheese over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border along all edges. The cheese will melt during baking, so try to spread it evenly to ensure a consistent texture throughout the stromboli.
* Arrange the sliced ham over the cheese. Try to distribute the ham evenly to ensure every bite is packed with flavor. Overlapping the ham slices is perfectly fine.
* Sprinkle the Italian seasoning and garlic powder over the ham and cheese. This adds a lovely aromatic touch.
**Step 3: Roll the Stromboli**
* Carefully start rolling the stromboli tightly from one of the long edges, like you would roll a jelly roll. Make sure to keep the roll tight as you go to prevent air pockets from forming inside.
* Pinch the seam tightly to seal the stromboli. This is important to prevent the filling from leaking out during baking.
* Tuck the ends of the stromboli underneath to create a neat, sealed loaf.
**Step 4: Prepare for Baking**
* In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and a tablespoon of water to create an egg wash. This will give the stromboli a beautiful golden-brown crust.
* Brush the entire surface of the stromboli with the egg wash. Be sure to get into all the nooks and crannies.
* Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, make several diagonal slits across the top of the stromboli. These slits allow steam to escape during baking, preventing the stromboli from bursting. Aim for about 4-5 slits.
* If desired, sprinkle the top of the stromboli with a little extra Italian seasoning or grated Parmesan cheese for added flavor and visual appeal.
**Step 5: Bake the Stromboli**
* Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Make sure your oven is properly preheated for even baking.
* Bake the stromboli for 20-25 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Keep an eye on it towards the end of the baking time to prevent it from burning.
* If the crust starts to brown too quickly, you can loosely tent the stromboli with aluminum foil to prevent it from burning.
**Step 6: Rest and Serve**
* Once the stromboli is baked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for about 10-15 minutes before slicing. This allows the cheese to cool slightly and set, making it easier to slice without the filling oozing out everywhere. Also, it gives the inside time to finish cooking with the residual heat. This step is important, trust us!
* Use a pizza cutter or sharp knife to slice the stromboli into 1-inch thick slices.
* Serve warm with marinara sauce for dipping, if desired. Other dipping sauces like pesto, ranch, or even a simple garlic butter would also be delicious.
Tips and Variations
* **Cheese Variations:** Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese. Provolone, Swiss, cheddar, pepper jack, and fontina are all great options. A combination of cheeses can add complexity to the flavor.
* **Meat Variations:** Instead of ham, try using pepperoni, salami, prosciutto, cooked sausage, or even leftover roasted chicken or turkey.
* **Vegetable Additions:** Add sautéed vegetables like onions, peppers, mushrooms, spinach, or olives to the filling for added flavor and nutrients. Make sure to cook the vegetables before adding them to the stromboli to prevent them from making the dough soggy.
* **Spice it Up:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the filling for a little heat.
* **Garlic Butter Crust:** Before baking, brush the stromboli with garlic butter for an extra layer of flavor. Simply melt butter with minced garlic and brush it over the crust.
* **Homemade Pizza Dough:** If you prefer, you can use your favorite homemade pizza dough recipe instead of store-bought dough. Just be sure to adjust the baking time accordingly.
* **Make it Vegetarian:** Skip the ham and add a variety of vegetables and cheeses for a delicious vegetarian stromboli.
* **Freezing Instructions:** Stromboli freezes well! To freeze, bake the stromboli as directed, let it cool completely, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through.
Serving Suggestions
Ham and cheese stromboli is a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways:
* **Appetizer:** Slice the stromboli into smaller pieces and serve as an appetizer for parties or gatherings. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
* **Main Course:** Serve the stromboli as a main course with a side salad or roasted vegetables.
* **Lunchbox Treat:** Pack a slice of stromboli in your lunchbox for a delicious and satisfying midday meal.
* **Game Day Snack:** Stromboli is the perfect snack for game day. It’s easy to eat while watching your favorite team.
* **Potluck Dish:** Bring a stromboli to your next potluck and watch it disappear!
Nutritional Information (Approximate)
*Please note that the nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.*
* Calories: 350-450 per slice
* Protein: 20-25 grams
* Fat: 15-25 grams
* Carbohydrates: 30-40 grams
Conclusion
This ham and cheese stromboli recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy a delicious and satisfying meal with minimal effort. With its customizable filling and easy-to-follow instructions, it’s sure to become a family favorite. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to create a stromboli masterpiece that will impress everyone who tries it. Enjoy!