Cheesy Mozzarella Cheesesteak Stromboli

A golden brown spiral of flaky dough wrapped around succulent steak and gooey mozzarella creates this irresistible stromboli that brings steakhouse flavors right to your kitchen. Each slice reveals perfectly seasoned meat mingling with caramelized onions and colorful bell peppers, all embraced by melted cheese that stretches with every bite. This Italian American classic transforms simple ingredients into a showstopping meal that fills your home with an aroma that draws everyone to the kitchen.

I discovered this recipe while planning a game day gathering, and it has become our family's most requested meal. The way the cheese melts into the seasoned steak creates such incredible flavor that my children now prefer it to regular cheesesteaks.

Choosing Your Ingredients

• Ribeye steak: Brings rich marbling that creates juicy, flavorful bites, slice it extra thin while slightly frozen for perfect texture
• Pizza dough: Provides the ideal foundation, whether homemade or store bought, ensure it reaches room temperature for easy rolling
• Mozzarella cheese: Offers that classic stretch and mild flavor that complements the seasoned steak perfectly
• Fresh bell peppers: Add sweet crunch and vibrant color, choose firm peppers without soft spots
• Yellow onions: Caramelize beautifully, developing deep sweetness that enhances the meat's savory notes

Creating Your Stromboli

Prepare The Filling:

Heat your skillet until it's properly hot, adding olive oil until it shimmers. Layer in your thinly sliced onions, allowing them to slowly caramelize until they become golden brown and fragrant. Add colorful bell peppers, cooking until they soften but maintain their vibrant hue. Remove vegetables and increase heat, adding seasoned steak in small batches to achieve proper browning. Combine meat with vegetables, letting the mixture cool slightly to prevent steam from affecting the dough.

Shape Your Creation:

Roll your room temperature dough on a well floured surface, working carefully to maintain even thickness. Position your filling strategically, leaving proper borders for sealing. Layer shredded mozzarella generously over the warm meat mixture, allowing it to begin softening. Roll with confidence, keeping tension consistent for uniform slices.

Perfect Your Presentation:

Brush the entire surface with egg wash, ensuring even coverage for that bakery style golden finish. Score the top gently to release steam during baking. Position on your prepared baking sheet, allowing room for expansion. Watch carefully during baking, rotating if needed for even browning.

Final Touches:

Let your stromboli rest briefly after baking, allowing the filling to set. Slice diagonally with a serrated knife, creating attractive portions that showcase the spiral of ingredients. Serve while the cheese is perfectly melted and stretchy.

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Growing up in an Italian American household, stromboli was a Sunday tradition. My grandmother taught me that the key to perfect stromboli lies in the careful balance of filling to dough ratio. She always said, 'Less is more when it comes to filling each bite should have a little of everything.'

Perfect Pairings

Transform your stromboli into a complete feast by serving alongside thoughtfully chosen sides. A bright arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette cuts through the richness perfectly. Warm marinara sauce, seasoned with fresh basil and garlic, provides the ideal dipping companion. Consider offering a variety of roasted vegetables to create a balanced plate that satisfies every palate.

Make It Your Own

Let your creativity shine by adapting this versatile recipe to your preferences. Replace bell peppers with mushrooms for an earthier flavor profile. Experiment with cheese combinations, perhaps mixing sharp provolone with mozzarella for extra depth. Create a spicier version by adding pickled jalapeños and pepper jack cheese. Consider a breakfast variation using scrambled eggs and breakfast sausage.

Keeping Your Creation Fresh

Preserve the delightful textures and flavors by storing properly. Wrap individual portions in parchment paper before placing in an airtight container, maintaining the crispy exterior. Reheat in a preheated oven until warmed through, avoiding the microwave which can make the crust chewy. For longer storage, freeze unbaked stromboli and bake directly from frozen, adding extra minutes to ensure thorough heating.

Understanding Your Dough

The foundation of exceptional stromboli lies in properly handled dough. Room temperature dough becomes pliable and cooperative, making rolling and shaping effortless. Watch for proper gluten development indicated by the dough's elasticity. Creating a tight roll prevents gaps in your finished product, ensuring every bite contains the perfect ratio of ingredients.

Temperature Mastery

Your oven's consistent temperature ensures even baking from edge to center. Preheating thoroughly allows the bottom crust to crisp properly. Watch for golden brown coloring as your indicator of doneness, knowing that larger stromboli require more time at lower temperatures to cook through without burning.

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Through years of making stromboli, I've learned that patience makes perfection. Allowing time for proper dough resting, filling cooling, and final baking creates a memorable meal that brings families together. Whether served at casual gatherings or elegant dinners, this stromboli consistently delivers satisfaction while creating cherished memories around the table.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make this ahead of time?

Assemble the stromboli up to 24 hours ahead, wrap well and store in the fridge. Brush with egg wash just before baking.

→ What's the best cut of beef to use?

Ribeye or sirloin work great when sliced very thin. You can ask your butcher to slice it for cheesesteaks.

→ How do I prevent the filling from leaking?

Leave a one-inch border when filling and pinch the seams tightly closed. Any small holes will leak while baking.

→ Can I freeze this stromboli?

Freeze baked and cooled stromboli for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight and reheat in the oven until warm.

→ What goes well with this?

Serve with marinara sauce for dipping and a fresh green salad on the side for a complete meal.