I don’t know too many people who don’t like stromboli.  However, I’m willing to bet there are plenty of people who have no idea what it is, even if they have had it before. It’s basically a meat and cheese-stuffed Italian sandwich, in the simplest terms. It’s so good!

Though I have eaten stromboli on many occasions I have never made it myself, so I thought this would be a great project.  After going through a few different options. this recipe won me over.  The recipe is a little involved, so I wouldn’t call it “easy,” but I can guarantee it IS worth the effort! Also, even though you could use a store bought dough, I think you should try making this dough yourself because it is just wonderful! It’s always best to go from scratch in my book anyway.  This recipe makes a big meal too, so there will be plenty to go around.

Here’s what you need for the stromboli itself:

Dough:
1 tablespoon dry yeast
Extra-virgin olive oil
5 1/2 cups bread flour
2 teaspoons salt
Filling:
2 cups grated smoked mozzarella
Salt
1/2 bunch fresh basil, leaves chopped
1 tablespoon chopped garlic
Freshly ground black pepper
4 ounces salami, sliced thin
Extra-virgin olive oil
Toppings:
1 tablespoon fresh rosemary leaves, chopped
1 teaspoon sea salt, such as Maldon
1/4 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
Citrus Herb Oil, for serving, recipe follows
Mascarpone Butter, for serving, recipe follows

There’s also recipes to make a dipping oil and butter included and they are both extremely good, but the stromboli is tasty enough to eat without them if you choose. Here’s what you need for those:

Citrus Herb Oil:
3 cups blended oil
1 cup extra-virgin olive oil
2 cloves garlic
1 lemon, zested, white removed
1 lime, zested, white removed
1 orange, zested, white removed
1 sprig fresh rosemary
1 sprig fresh thyme
Pinch red pepper flakes
Mascarpone Butter:
2 sticks unsalted butter
3 ounces mascarpone

My family always love this meal when I make it. Give it a try and let me know what you think! This recipe by Scott Conant at Food Network. Be sure to head over to the Food Network now for the full instructions. Enjoy!