There’s something magical about golden, flaky dough stuffed with juicy steak, melted mozzarella, and savory veggies. Enter the Mozzarella Cheese Steak Stromboli—a rolled-up masterpiece perfect for weeknight dinners, game-day feasts, or impressing guests.
This recipe combines the heartiness of a Philly cheesesteak with the convenience of a handheld Stromboli. Best of all? It’s easier to make than you think! In this guide, we’ll walk through every step to help you create a crispy, cheesy, meaty delight that will have everyone asking for seconds.
What is Stromboli?
Stromboli is an Italian-American creation that originated in Philadelphia, just like the cheesesteak! Think of it as a rolled-up pizza cousin: dough stuffed with meats, cheeses, and veggies, baked until golden, and sliced into spirals of joy. Unlike calzones, which are folded, Stromboli is rolled, creating layers of flavor in every bite.
This dish is perfect for family dinners, casual gatherings, or anytime you want a show-stopping centerpiece that’s surprisingly simple to make.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy yet impressive: Looks gourmet but requires minimal effort.
- Cheesy perfection: Mozzarella and Parmesan melt into gooey, flavorful layers.
- Tender steak and veggies: Balanced textures in every bite.
- Customizable: Swap steak for chicken, or add mushrooms, spinach, or pepperoni.
- Family-friendly: Everyone can enjoy a slice, and leftovers reheat beautifully.
- Perfect for any occasion: Weeknight dinners, parties, game days, or potlucks.
Ingredients Breakdown
This recipe serves 4–6 people. Ingredients are grouped for clarity.
For the Dough:
- 1 lb store-bought pizza dough (or homemade)
- Flour, for dusting
For the Filling:
- 1 lb ribeye or sirloin steak, thinly sliced
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1.5 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For Assembly:
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- 1 tbsp water
- Marinara sauce (for dipping)
Serving Size: 1 slice (out of 6 servings)
Tools & Equipment Needed
- Skillet for sautéing
- Baking sheet with parchment paper
- Rolling pin or hands for dough
- Whisk or fork for egg wash
- Knife and cutting board
- Tongs or spatula for steak and veggies
- Oven preheated to 400°F (200°C)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these detailed instructions for a perfectly baked Mozzarella Cheese Steak Stromboli.
1. Prep the Filling
Sauté Veggies:
- Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add onions, bell peppers, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Cook until caramelized, about 8–10 minutes. Set aside.
Cook the Steak:
- In the same skillet, add 1 tbsp olive oil.
- Sear steak slices over high heat for 2–3 minutes, seasoning with salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes.
- Remove from heat and set aside.
2. Roll Out the Dough
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- On a floured surface, stretch dough into a 12×16-inch rectangle.
3. Layer the Goodness
Cheese First:
- Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border.
Add Steak & Veggies:
- Spread steak and veggie mix evenly over the cheese.
4. Roll It Up
- Starting from the long side, tightly roll the dough into a log.
- Pinch edges to seal completely to prevent filling from leaking.
5. Bake to Perfection
- Place Stromboli seam-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Egg Wash:
- Whisk egg + water and brush over dough for a golden, glossy finish.
- Cut 3–4 slits on top for steam to escape.
- Bake 20–25 minutes until golden brown.
6. Rest & Slice
- Let cool 5–10 minutes before slicing to avoid cheese oozing out.
- Serve warm with marinara sauce for dipping.
Tips & Variations
Pro Tips for the Best Stromboli
- Preheat the oven: Ensures even cooking and a crispy crust.
- Don’t overstuff: Too much filling = burst seams. Moderation is key!
- Use fresh ingredients: Freshly grated mozzarella melts better than pre-shredded.
- Customize your filling: Mushrooms, spinach, or swap steak for chicken.
- Egg wash is essential: Gives a glossy, golden finish.
Variations
- Chicken Cordon Bleu Stromboli: Replace steak with chicken slices and add ham.
- Vegetarian Stromboli: Use sautéed mushrooms, spinach, zucchini, and bell peppers.
- Spicy Stromboli: Add pepperoni or chili flakes for a kick.
- Cheesy Explosion: Mix mozzarella with provolone or fontina for extra gooeyness.
Flavor Profile & Pairings
- Taste: Savory steak, sweet caramelized veggies, and rich melted cheese.
- Texture: Crispy outer crust with tender, juicy filling.
- Aromatics: Italian seasoning and garlic create a warm, inviting aroma.
Serving Suggestions:
- Dipping sauces: Marinara, ranch, or garlic aioli.
- Sides: Crispy fries, Caesar salad, roasted veggies, or coleslaw.
- Presentation: Slice diagonally and arrange on a wooden board for a rustic, Instagram-worthy look.
Nutritional Overview (Per Serving, 6 Servings)
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Protein: 28 g
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Fat: 22 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Sugar: 4 g
Note: Values may vary based on ingredient brands and substitutions.
Make-Ahead & Meal Prep Tips
- Prep filling in advance: Sauté veggies and cook steak earlier in the day.
- Assemble later: Roll up the Stromboli just before baking.
- Storage: Refrigerate leftover Stromboli in airtight containers for 2–3 days.
- Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes to maintain crispiness.
FAQs
1. Can I use pre-cooked steak?
Yes! Just slice and add to the filling. Reduce cooking time slightly if needed.
2. Can I freeze Stromboli?
Yes. Freeze before baking in parchment paper. Bake directly from frozen, adding 5–10 minutes.
3. Can I make it gluten-free?
Use gluten-free pizza dough and check that all fillings are gluten-free.
4. How do I prevent leaking?
Don’t overfill and pinch edges tightly. Egg wash helps seal.
5. Can I add other cheeses?
Absolutely! Cheddar, provolone, or fontina work well.
Ingredient Spotlight
Ribeye or Sirloin Steak:
- Tender, juicy, and flavorful. Thinly sliced for even cooking.
- Store properly: refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze for 2–3 months.
Mozzarella Cheese:
- Freshly shredded melts more evenly than pre-shredded.
- Gives that gooey, cheesy pull in every bite.
Bell Peppers & Onions:
- Sweet, caramelized, and slightly crunchy.
- Add both flavor and vibrant color to the Stromboli.
Pro Cooking Tips
- Slice steak thinly: Ensures it cooks quickly without drying.
- Caramelize veggies slowly: Brings out natural sweetness.
- Egg wash is non-negotiable: Provides color and crispiness.
- Let it rest: Prevents cheese from running and helps slices hold shape.
Storage & Freezing Guide
- Unbaked Stromboli: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap, freeze up to 1 month.
- Baked Stromboli: Store in airtight container, refrigerate 2–3 days.
- Reheat: Oven is preferred over microwave for a crispy crust.
Nutrition Estimate Table (Per Serving)
Nutrient | Amount |
---|---|
Calories | 480 kcal |
Protein | 28 g |
Carbs | 42 g |
Fat | 22 g |
Fiber | 2 g |
Sugar | 4 g |
Dietary Notes: Gluten-free if using appropriate dough; high-protein, satisfying meal.
Expanded Conclusion
The Mozzarella Cheese Steak Stromboli is a crowd-pleaser that combines the comfort of a Philly cheesesteak with the ease of a baked roll. Its crispy golden crust, tender steak, caramelized veggies, and gooey cheese make it a perfect centerpiece for any meal.
Whether it’s a weeknight dinner, game-day feast, or entertaining guests, this Stromboli is sure to impress. Follow the steps, use fresh ingredients, and don’t skip the egg wash for that picture-perfect golden crust.
Slice, dip, and devour—your dinner just became legendary!
PrintMozzarella Cheese Steak Stromboli
Golden, flaky dough stuffed with juicy steak, melted mozzarella, and savory veggies. Mozzarella Cheese Steak Stromboli is perfect for weeknight dinners, game-day feasts, or impressing guests. Crispy, cheesy, and meaty delight that’s easier to make than you think!
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4–6
Ingredients
- 1 lb store-bought pizza dough (or homemade)
- Flour for dusting
- 1 lb ribeye or sirloin steak, thinly sliced
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1.5 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- 1 tbsp water
- Marinara sauce (for dipping)
Instructions
- Prep the Filling: Sauté onions, bell peppers, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper in 1 tbsp olive oil until caramelized (8–10 mins). Set aside.
- Cook the Steak: In same skillet, add 1 tbsp oil, sear steak slices 2–3 mins, season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
- Roll Out Dough: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Stretch dough into 12×16-inch rectangle.
- Layer the Goodness: Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan over dough leaving 1-inch border. Spread steak and veggie mixture evenly.
- Roll It Up: Roll dough tightly into log from long side, pinch edges to seal.
- Bake: Place seam-side down on parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush with egg wash. Cut 3–4 slits on top. Bake 20–25 mins until golden brown.
- Rest & Slice: Cool 5–10 mins before slicing. Serve with warm marinara.
Notes
- Serve with marinara, ranch, or garlic aioli for dipping.
- Pair with crispy fries, Caesar salad, or roasted veggies.
- Slice diagonally for a rustic presentation.
- Do not overstuff to prevent bursting.
- Use freshly grated mozzarella for better melting.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking and Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian-American