Sausage and Pepper Stromboli

Introduction

Sausage and Pepper Stromboli is a hearty, flavor-packed twist on classic Italian-American comfort food. Imagine a golden, crispy crust wrapped around a melty, cheesy filling of savory sausage, sautéed bell peppers, and onions—all baked to perfection for a satisfying bite in every slice. Whether you’re serving it as a game-day snack, a cozy weeknight dinner, or a crowd-pleasing party appetizer, this stromboli is guaranteed to impress with its irresistible combination of textures and flavors.

The first time I made this stromboli, I was amazed by how simple yet impressive it was. Rolling out the dough, layering the fillings, and tucking it all into a perfect, golden-brown loaf felt like crafting a homemade masterpiece. When it came out of the oven, bubbling with cheese and bursting with rich, savory aromas, I knew I had found a new favorite.

What I love most about Sausage and Pepper Stromboli is its versatility. You can easily customize it with different cheeses, swap in spicy Italian sausage for an extra kick, or even add mushrooms or olives for more depth of flavor. Serve it with a side of warm marinara for dipping, and you have a dish that’s as fun to eat as it is delicious. No matter how you slice it, this stromboli is the ultimate comfort food for any occasion.

Perfect for:

  • Game day snacks
  • Party appetizers
  • Family dinners
  • Potluck gatherings
  • Italian food lovers

Why You’ll Love This Sausage and Pepper Stromboli Recipe

Here’s why Sausage and Pepper Stromboli will become a favorite in your home:

  • Crispy on the Outside, Cheesy on the Inside: The golden crust encases a gooey, flavorful filling.
  • Savory & Satisfying: Italian sausage, sautéed peppers, and melted cheese create an unbeatable flavor combination.
  • Easy to Make: Uses store-bought or homemade pizza dough for a quick meal.
  • Perfect for Sharing: Slice it up and serve as a party appetizer or family meal.
  • Customizable: Add your favorite meats, veggies, or extra cheese to make it your own.

Preparation and Cooking Time

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Preparation Time: 15 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 30 minutes
  • Servings: 6 servings
  • Calories per serving: Approximately 400-450 calories
  • Key Nutrients: Protein: 25g, Carbs: 40g, Fat: 20g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your Sausage and Pepper Stromboli:

  • 1 lb pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
  • ½ lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy), casings removed
  • 1 cup bell peppers (red, green, or yellow), sliced
  • ½ cup onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ½ cup shredded provolone cheese
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
  • ½ cup marinara sauce (for dipping)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

Ingredient Highlights

  • Italian Sausage: Adds rich, savory flavor to the stromboli.
  • Bell Peppers & Onions: Provide sweetness and texture to complement the sausage.
  • Mozzarella & Provolone Cheese: Creates a melty, gooey, and delicious filling.
  • Pizza Dough: The perfect vessel for rolling up the flavorful filling.
  • Egg Wash: Gives the stromboli a golden, crispy crust.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Filling:

  1. Cook the Sausage: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook, breaking it into crumbles, until browned and fully cooked (about 5 minutes).
  2. Sauté the Peppers & Onions: Add sliced bell peppers and onions to the skillet with the sausage. Cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Season with garlic powder, oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

Assemble the Stromboli:

  1. Roll Out the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pizza dough into a 10×14-inch rectangle.
  2. Layer the Cheese: Sprinkle mozzarella, provolone, and Parmesan evenly over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges.
  3. Add the Sausage Mixture: Spread the cooked sausage, peppers, and onions over the cheese layer.

Roll and Seal:

  1. Roll it Up: Starting from the long side, tightly roll the dough into a log, tucking in the edges as you go.
  2. Seal the Edges: Pinch the seam and ends to seal the stromboli completely. Place it seam-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  3. Brush with Egg Wash: Brush the top with the beaten egg for a golden, glossy finish. Use a sharp knife to make a few small slits on top to allow steam to escape.

Bake the Stromboli:

  1. Preheat & Bake: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
  2. Cool Slightly: Remove from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes before slicing.

How to Serve Sausage and Pepper Stromboli

  • With a Side of Marinara – Serve warm slices with a side of marinara sauce or pizza sauce for dipping. The tangy tomato flavor complements the savory sausage and peppers.
  • Paired with a Fresh Salad – Balance the richness with a crisp Caesar salad, Italian chopped salad, or a simple arugula salad tossed in lemon vinaigrette.
  • As a Game Day Snack – Cut into smaller portions and serve as an appetizer for game day or parties. Offer different dipping sauces like garlic butter, ranch, or spicy aioli.
  • With a Bowl of Soup – Pair your stromboli with a warm soup, like tomato basil soup, minestrone, or roasted red pepper soup, for a cozy meal.
  • Alongside Roasted Vegetables – Serve with a side of roasted broccoli, zucchini, or Brussels sprouts to add some extra nutrition and flavor.
  • As Part of a Charcuterie Board – Slice into smaller pieces and include on a charcuterie board with cheeses, cured meats, olives, and spreads for an Italian-inspired snack platter.
  • With Breakfast Eggs – Enjoy leftovers in the morning with a side of scrambled eggs, a fried egg, or a poached egg for a hearty brunch.
  • Drizzled with Garlic Butter – Before serving, brush the top with melted garlic butter and sprinkle with Parmesan for an extra indulgent touch.
  • With Pickled Vegetables – The acidity of pickled peppers, banana peppers, or giardiniera cuts through the richness of the stromboli and adds a nice contrast.
  • As a Sandwich Alternative – Serve a slice on a plate with a fresh side salad instead of a traditional sandwich for a fun and filling lunch option.

Additional Tips for Sausage and Pepper Stromboli

  • Don’t Overfill: Too much filling can make rolling difficult and cause leaks.
  • Let it Rest Before Slicing: This helps the cheese set and prevents it from oozing out.
  • Use a Sharp Knife: A serrated knife works best for clean slices.
  • Make Ahead: Prepare and refrigerate unbaked stromboli, then bake when ready to serve.
  • Crispier Crust: Bake on a pizza stone or preheated baking sheet for a crispier bottom.

Recipe Variations for Sausage and Pepper Stromboli

  1. Pepperoni Stromboli: Swap sausage for pepperoni slices.
  2. Meat Lovers Stromboli: Add ham, salami, and bacon for a hearty filling.
  3. Veggie Stromboli: Use mushrooms, spinach, and roasted red peppers instead of sausage.
  4. Philly Cheesesteak Stromboli: Substitute steak, provolone, and sautéed onions.
  5. BBQ Chicken Stromboli: Use shredded BBQ chicken and cheddar cheese.
  6. Buffalo Chicken Stromboli: Fill with buffalo chicken and blue cheese crumbles.
  7. Four Cheese Stromboli: Use mozzarella, provolone, ricotta, and Parmesan for an extra cheesy version.
  8. Breakfast Stromboli: Fill with scrambled eggs, sausage, and cheddar cheese.
  9. Pesto Stromboli: Spread pesto over the dough before adding cheese and fillings.
  10. Spinach & Ricotta Stromboli: Add a creamy spinach and ricotta filling for a vegetarian twist.

Freezing and Storage

  • Freezing: Freeze unbaked stromboli wrapped in plastic wrap. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
  • Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
  • Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes to maintain crispiness.

Special Equipment for Sausage and Pepper Stromboli

FAQ for Sausage and Pepper Stromboli

  1. Can I use store-bought dough? Yes, pre-made pizza dough works great for this recipe.
  2. Can I make it ahead of time? Yes, you can assemble and refrigerate before baking.
  3. What’s the best cheese for stromboli? Mozzarella, provolone, and Parmesan work well for meltiness and flavor.
  4. How do I prevent a soggy bottom? Bake on a pizza stone or preheated baking sheet for extra crispiness.
  5. Can I air fry stromboli? Yes, air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Print

Sausage and Pepper Stromboli

Sausage and Pepper Stromboli is a hearty, cheesy, and flavor-packed Italian-American classic. This delicious rolled pizza is filled with savory sausage, sautéed bell peppers, onions, and gooey melted cheese, all wrapped in golden, crispy dough. Perfect as a game-day snack, weeknight dinner, or party appetizer, this stromboli is a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to make and customize with your favorite ingredients.

  • Author: Maisy
  • Prep Time: 15 mins
  • Cook Time: 30 mins
  • Total Time: 45 mins
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Category: appetizers

Ingredients

Scale

Gather these ingredients to make your Sausage and Pepper Stromboli:

  • 1 lb pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
  • ½ lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy), casings removed
  • 1 cup bell peppers (red, green, or yellow), sliced
  • ½ cup onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ½ cup shredded provolone cheese
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
  • ½ cup marinara sauce (for dipping)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions

Prepare the Filling:

  1. Cook the Sausage: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook, breaking it into crumbles, until browned and fully cooked (about 5 minutes).
  2. Sauté the Peppers & Onions: Add sliced bell peppers and onions to the skillet with the sausage. Cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Season with garlic powder, oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

Assemble the Stromboli:

  1. Roll Out the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pizza dough into a 10×14-inch rectangle.
  2. Layer the Cheese: Sprinkle mozzarella, provolone, and Parmesan evenly over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges.
  3. Add the Sausage Mixture: Spread the cooked sausage, peppers, and onions over the cheese layer.

Roll and Seal:

  1. Roll it Up: Starting from the long side, tightly roll the dough into a log, tucking in the edges as you go.
  2. Seal the Edges: Pinch the seam and ends to seal the stromboli completely. Place it seam-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  3. Brush with Egg Wash: Brush the top with the beaten egg for a golden, glossy finish. Use a sharp knife to make a few small slits on top to allow steam to escape.

Bake the Stromboli:

  1. Preheat & Bake: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
  2. Cool Slightly: Remove from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes before slicing.

Nutrition

  • Calories: 400-450 kcal
  • Fat: 20g
  • Carbohydrates: 40g
  • Protein: 25g

Did you make this recipe?

Share a photo and tag us — we can’t wait to see what you’ve made!

Conclusion

Sausage and Pepper Stromboli is a flavorful, easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it as a party appetizer, a game-day snack, or a hearty dinner, this crispy, cheesy roll is sure to be a hit. Packed with savory sausage, sweet bell peppers, and gooey melted cheese, all wrapped in a golden, flaky crust, it’s a must-try for any Italian food lover.

Customizable and simple to prepare, this Stromboli pairs perfectly with a side of marinara for dipping. Enjoy it fresh from the oven, slice it up for sharing, and savor every bite of this irresistible, homemade classic.

I can’t wait to see your Sausage and Pepper Stromboli creations! Snap a photo and tag me on Instagram—I’d love to see how you make this recipe your own. Don’t forget to share your favorite variations in the comments. Happy baking!