If your family lights up at the words “pizza night,” just wait until you surprise them with this Cheesy Meat Lovers Stromboli. This golden, crispy, cheese loaded stromboli is everything you love about a classic meat lover’s pizza but wrapped into a buttery, handheld roll that’s perfect for busy weeknights, game days, or casual entertaining.
This stromboli starts with soft, stretchy pizza dough layered and then rolled up with thinly sliced provolone, savory off the bone ham, classic pepperoni, crispy bacon crumbles, melty mozzarella, and bright pops of tangy pepperoncini. As it bakes, the cheeses melt together while the meats release their rich flavor, creating that irresistible gooey center and crispy golden crust that makes stromboli so comforting and satisfying.
One of the best parts about this recipe is how easy it is. You can use store bought dough for convenience or homemade dough if you want to elevate it even more. It’s easy to customize, incredibly filling, and slices beautifully for sharing. Whether you’re feeding hungry kids, hosting game day, or prepping make ahead meals, this stromboli delivers bold flavor and cozy comfort in every bite.
Why you’ll love this recipe!
What ingredients do I need?
- Pizza Dough: Acts as the soft yet sturdy base that holds all the fillings together. Store-bought or homemade both work beautifully.
- Off The Bone Ham: Adds a mild, savory, slightly salty flavor that balances the stronger meats.
- Pepperoni: Provides classic pizza flavor with a touch of spice and richness.
- Cooked Bacon: Adds smoky depth and crispy texture that enhances every bite.
- Provolone Cheese (Non-Smoked): Creates a smooth, creamy melt and adds subtle sharpness without overpowering the other flavors.
- Mozzarella Cheese: Provides that signature stretchy, gooey cheese pull that makes stromboli irresistible.
- Pepperoncini: Adds brightness and a mild tangy kick that cuts through the richness of the meats and cheeses.
- Egg (Whisked): Creates a glossy, golden crust when brushed on top.
- Pizza Seasoning / Garlic Powder / Onion Powder / Oregano: Enhances aroma and adds that classic pizzeria flavor to the crust.
Recipe Variations
- Supreme Stromboli: Add sautéed onions, bell peppers, and black olives.
- Spicy Meat Lovers: Add hot capicola, spicy Italian sausage, or crushed red pepper flakes.
- Garlic Butter Crust Stromboli: Brush baked stromboli with melted garlic butter and parmesan.
- Breakfast Stromboli: Replace meats with scrambled eggs, breakfast sausage, and cheddar.
- Try my Sausage and Spinach Stromboli!
Pro Tips
- Bring dough to room temperature before rolling. Cold dough is difficult to stretch and may tear while rolling.
- Aim for consistent thickness when rolling to ensure even baking and proper cheese melt.
- Layer slices of cheese first. This creates a barrier that helps prevent the dough from becoming soggy from meats.
- Don’t overfill! Too much filling can cause bursting or uneven cooking ( I have made this mistake often!)
- Leave about 1 inch of space along the edges to help seal the roll securely.
- Pinch the seam tightly and place seam-side down to prevent splitting.
- Slash the top before baking. This helps steam escape and prevents bursting during baking.
- Make sure to drain the cooked bacon well to help prevent the grease and moisture from making the Stromboli soggy.
- Let stromboli sit 5–10 minutes after baking to allow cheese to set slightly.
- Use a Pizza Stone when cooking if possible. This helps create a crispier bottom crust.
Can I Substitute?
Yes! Like always though, any substitutions made to the recipe can result in a change in texture and/or flavor.
- Ham: Swap hamwith cooked Italian sausage, salami, or capicola.
- Pepperoni: Replace with turkey pepperoni or sliced soppressata.
- Provolone: Substitute with fontina, Monterey Jack, or mild cheddar.
- Bacon: Use pre-cooked pancetta instead.
- Pepperoncini: Just omit or substitute with banana peppers for a similar tang..
- Egg wash: Can be replaced with olive oil or melted butter for browning.
Dietary Substitutions
- Gluten Free Version: Use a gluten free pizza dough that is sturdy enough to roll.
- Diary free: Use dairy free cheese alternatives.
- Vegetarian Option: Replace meats with sautéed mushrooms, spinach, roasted peppers, or olives.
Leftovers and Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Reheat refrigerated slices in a 350°F oven for 8–10 minutes or until warmed through
- To freeze, wrap tightly and freeze up to 2 months.
- Defrost Stromboli in the fridge overnight and then reheat frozen stromboli at 350°F for 25–30 minutes (if unbaked) or for about 8-10 minutes if baked and sliced already.
But, I Still Have A Few Questions…
What is the difference between stromboli and calzone?
Stromboli is rolled like a log and sliced into pieces, while calzones are folded into a half moon shape and sealed.
Can I make stromboli ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
Why did my stromboli burst open?
It may have been overfilled, not sealed properly, or not vented with slits.
Can I use homemade pizza dough?
Absolutely. Homemade dough works wonderfully and often improves texture.
What should I serve with stromboli?
Marinara sauce, garlic butter, blue cheese or ranch dressing, or a simple salad all pair nicely.
Can I freeze stromboli?
Yes. Freeze before or after baking for convenient future meals. Defrost in the fridge overnight before baking.
How do I know when it’s done baking?
The crust should be golden brown and firm, and the internal temperature should reach about 190–200°F.
Can I make this spicy?
Yes. Add spicy pepperoni, hot peppers, or crushed red pepper flakes.
Other Recipes You’ll Love
Let’s engage!
Make sure to tag @thehomechefmomma on Instagram or Facebook, and leave a review or comment if you make these. I always get so excited to see your creations, variations of the recipe, and feedback! Just remember to be kind in your comments, there is still a person behind this screen! 🙂
Cheesy Meat Lovers Stromboli
Ingredients
- 1 pizza dough uncooked
- ¼ lb off the bone ham thinly sliced
- ¼ lb pepperoni thinly sliced
- ½ lb bacon cooked, drained, and crumbled
- ½ lb provolone cheese thinly sliced (non-smoked)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup pepperoncini diced
- 1 egg whisked
- Pizza seasoning OR garlic powder onion powder, and oregano
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Lightly flour a clean surface and roll pizza dough into a 10 x 18-inch rectangle.
- Layer fillings in this order: Provolone cheese, Ham. Pepperoni, Mozzarella cheese, Bacon crumbles, Pepperoncini
- Starting from the long edge, tightly roll the dough into a log.
- Pinch the seam closed and tuck the edges underneath. Then place stromboli seam-side down onto prepared baking sheet.
- Brush the top evenly with whisked egg.
- Sprinkle pizza seasoning or garlic powder, onion powder, and oregano over the top.
- Using a sharp knife, cut 3 shallow slits across the top.
- Bake for 23–25 minutes or until golden brown.
- Allow to rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Cheesy Meat Lovers Stromboli | Homemade Stromboli Recipe | Meat Lovers Pizza Roll | Baked Stromboli Recipe | Easy Stromboli Dinner | Pepperoni Bacon Stromboli | Pizza Dough Stromboli Recipe | Family Stromboli Recipe | Cheesy Stuffed Pizza Roll | Game Day Stromboli Recipe | Meat Lovers Stromboli | Game Day Appetizers | Party Appetizers | Game Day Food
Nutritional Content Disclaimer
I choose not to include nutritional information with my recipes, as these values can be calculated from the ingredients provided. With my background as a pediatric nurse practitioner and my own family experience with disordered eating, I understand how focusing on numbers can affect our relationship with food. My philosophy is that all foods have a place—sweet, savory, nourishing, or indulgent. I aim to share recipes that support a healthy, joyful approach to eating. My hope is that this space also encourages a balanced, healthy relationship with food for you and your family too.