A meat lovers stromboli is a filled rolled pizza dough dish originating from Italian-American cuisine. It typically consists of pizza dough filled with various meats, cheeses, and vegetables then rolled up into a log shape before being baked. The stromboli is similar to a calzone but differs in that the dough is rolled instead of folded over the filling. It can be made with a variety of fillings but a meat lovers version aims to pack as much meat and protein into the dough as possible.
History of the Stromboli
The origins of the stromboli are unclear but it is commonly thought to have been invented in the 1950s in Essington, Pennsylvania by Nazzareno Nazziconte for his restaurant Nazziconte’s Pizza. The story goes that Nazziconte experimented by rolling up a pizza with different toppings inside and named it after the Italian island Stromboli due to its volcano-like shape when sliced open. The stromboli was popularized when many veterans who were stationed in Philadelphia during World War II returned home to New England and the Midwest and demanded the dish. This helped spread both its popularity and the name stromboli across the country.
Ingredients in a Meat Lovers Stromboli
A meat lovers stromboli packs in various meats and cheeses. Typical ingredients include:
Meats
– Pepperoni – Thinly sliced pepperoni adds spice and a bold meaty flavor.
– Salami or Ham – Deli sliced salami or ham provides saltiness.
– Italian Sausage or Ground Beef – Cooked crumbled sausage or ground beef gives texture.
– Bacon – Chopped crispy bacon enhances smokiness.
– Chicken – Shredded chicken or diced chicken tenders adds moisture.
Cheeses
– Mozzarella – Melty, stretchy mozzarella binds ingredients and becomes gooey when baked.
– Provolone – Adds smoothness from its buttery flavor.
– Parmesan – Grated parmesan gives a punch of saltiness.
– Ricotta – Dollops of creamy ricotta melt into pockets of richness.
Vegetables
– Mushrooms – Sautéed mushrooms provide an earthy, meaty element.
– Onions – Caramelized onions add sweetness.
– Peppers – Bell peppers enhance texture and colors.
– Olives – Sliced black olives offer a briny, savory bite.
Seasonings
– Oregano – Italian oregano provides warmth and aromatics.
– Basil – Fresh basil leaves lend a cooling, herbal note.
– Crushed red pepper – Adds a touch of heat.
– Salt and black pepper – Seasons the fillings.
– Garlic powder – Ramps up overall flavor.
Assembly and Preparation
Making a meat lovers stromboli starts with preparing pizza dough, either from scratch or store bought dough. While the dough rises, prepare the meats and vegetables. Cook any raw meats through and sauté vegetables. Grate cheeses and gather other ingredients.
Once dough has doubled in size, roll it out on a floured surface into a large rectangle approximately 1⁄4 inch thick. Layer meats, cheeses, and veggies onto the dough leaving a 1 inch border. Roll tightly starting at the short end, pressing the seam together to seal. Pinch the ends closed as well.
Brush with egg wash or milk and sprinkle with spices or extra cheese. Bake at 425°F on a parchment lined baking sheet for 16-20 minutes until golden brown. Let cool 5 minutes before slicing to allow filling to set. Serve with marinara sauce for dipping.
Tips for the Best Meat Lovers Stromboli
– Use high quality ingredients like artisan meats and real cheeses for maximum flavor.
– Don’t overfill or the stromboli may burst open while baking. Leave at least a couple inches border when rolling.
– Chill the rolled stromboli for 10-15 minutes before baking to help it hold its shape.
– Rotate the stromboli halfway through baking to ensure even browning.
– Let cool for 5-10 minutes upon removing from the oven so the molten cheese filling can firm up.
– Slice into 1-2 inch pieces and serve with warm marinara sauce for dipping.
Variations
While a meat lovers stromboli focuses on cured meats, the filling can be customized in many ways. Some tasty variations include:
– Supreme – Pepperoni, sausage, mushrooms, onions, green peppers.
– BBQ Chicken – Chicken, bbq sauce, red onions, cheddar cheese.
– Buffalo Chicken – Chicken, buffalo sauce, blue cheese crumbles.
– Greek – Spinach, artichokes, kalamata olives, feta cheese.
– Breakfast – Sausage, bacon, ham, eggs, cheddar cheese.
– Taco – Seasoned ground beef, salsa, peppers, onions, cheddar cheese.
Nutrition
The nutrition of a meat lovers stromboli can vary widely depending on the size, exact ingredients used, and portion eaten. Some general estimates per 1/4 stromboli:
| Calories | Fat | Carbs | Protein |
|---|---|---|---|
| 500-800 | 25-40g | 45-60g | 25-40g |
As a filled pizza dish, stromboli is high in calories, fat, carbs, and protein. The meat and cheese filling contributes significant saturated fat and sodium as well. For a healthier version, use lighter meats like turkey or chicken sausage, low-fat cheeses, and load up on vegetable toppings. Overall, meat lovers stromboli should be enjoyed occasionally as a treat meal.
Cost Analysis
For a 16 inch stromboli using premium ingredients, the estimated cost breakdown is:
| Ingredient | Cost |
|---|---|
| Pizza dough | $3 |
| 1 lb pepperoni | $6 |
| 1⁄2 lb salami | $6 |
| 1⁄2 lb italian sausage | $3 |
| 8 slices bacon | $1.50 |
| 8 oz shredded mozzarella | $2 |
| 8 oz provolone | $2 |
| Parmesan cheese | $0.50 |
| Mushrooms | $1.50 |
| Onion and peppers | $1 |
| Seasonings and oil | $0.50 |
| Total | $27 |
The total cost comes out to approximately $27 for a 16 inch meat lovers stromboli which can serve 4-6 people. Buying larger quantities of ingredients at wholesale clubs can also help lower the per-portion price. Homemade stromboli ultimately provides a more premium stuffed pizza meal at a fraction of a restaurant price.
Storing and Freezing
Stromboli holds well for 3-4 days refrigerated. To extend its shelf life, it also freezes very well. Steps for freezing:
– Let cool completely after baking then wrap tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil.
– Place in a freezer bag or airtight container, removing as much air as possible.
– Freeze for up to 3 months.
To reheat, unwrap the frozen stromboli and place on a baking sheet. Bake covered with foil at 400°F for 15-20 minutes until hot and crisp. Slice and serve.
Where to Eat Meat Lovers Stromboli
While home baked is best, many pizzerias and restaurants offer their own version of meat lovers stromboli. Some top rated spots include:
– Antonio’s Pizza (Hamilton, NJ) – Their off-menu Italian Stallion stromboli is loaded with seasoned steak, Italian sausage, pepperoni, onions, peppers, and mozzarella.
– The Stove and Tap (Bethlehem, PA) – Their gigantic 20 inch stromboli is stuffed with pepperoni, sausage, ham, ground beef, bacon, and extra cheese.
– The Windmill (Philadelphia metro area, PA) – Their Overstuffed Stromboli includes pepperoni, sausage, salami, ham, and bacon with an array of cheeses.
– Marcello’s Father and Son Restaurant (Glenside, PA) – Their stuffed pizza rolls have a cult following, with the Meet Lover containing steak, meatballs, sausage, and pepperoni.
– Crossroads Pizzeria (Gettysburg, PA) – Their meat lovers stromboli has all the classics like pepperoni, sausage, bacon, ham, salami, and provolone.
Conclusion
A meat lovers stromboli packs pizza dough with piles of pepperoni, sausage, bacon, ham, and cheese for a handheld hot pocket of meaty, cheesy goodness. Customize the filling to preference but typical versions contain at least 3-4 meats and multiple cheeses like mozzarella and provolone. While homemade allows control over quality ingredients, many pizzerias also offer loaded stromboli packed with premium meats and cheeses. Just be sure to let the stromboli cool before digging in to allow the molten cheese interior to set. Whether enjoying a smaller personal size or giant 20 inch party version, a meat lovers stromboli always satisfies cravings in a convenient, sliceable, over-the-top pizza package.