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Stromboli pizza dough - Image 3

Perfect Stromboli Pizza Dough

A professional-grade pizza dough recipe specifically designed for stromboli. This dough bakes up chewy, golden, and sturdy enough to hold any filling without tearing or leaking.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 45 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian-American
Calories: 280

Ingredients
  

  • 3 1/2 cups bread flour plus more for dusting; high-protein flour is essential for structure
  • 1 1/2 cups warm water between 105-110°F (40-43°C)
  • 2 1/4 tsp instant yeast one standard packet
  • 2 tbsp olive oil plus more for coating the bowl
  • 2 tsp granulated sugar feeds the yeast
  • 2 tsp fine sea salt do not use coarse salt

Equipment

  • Stand mixer with dough hook (or large bowl for hand kneading)
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Rolling pin
  • Parchment paper
  • Rimmed baking sheet
  • Kitchen scale (highly recommended for accuracy)
  • Pastry brush

Method
 

  1. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the dough hook, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy. Add the olive oil, bread flour, and salt. Mix on low speed until a shaggy dough forms, about 2 minutes.
  2. Increase the mixer speed to medium and knead for 6-8 minutes, until the dough is smooth, elastic, and pulls cleanly away from the sides of the bowl. The dough should be slightly tacky but not sticky. If it's too sticky, add 1 tbsp of flour at a time. If it's too dry, add water 1 tsp at a time.
  3. Lightly oil a large bowl. Form the dough into a smooth ball, place it in the bowl, and turn to coat with oil. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or a damp kitchen towel. Let rise in a warm, draft-free place until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
  4. Punch down the risen dough to release air bubbles. Turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Using a rolling pin, roll the dough into a large rectangle, about 16x12 inches and 1/4-inch thick. Try to keep the thickness even for consistent baking.
  5. Add your desired stromboli fillings, leaving a 1-inch border on all sides. Starting from a long side, tightly roll the dough into a log, pinching the seam and ends to seal. Transfer to a parchment-lined baking sheet, seam-side down. Let rest for 15 minutes while preheating the oven to 400°F (200°C).
  6. Brush the top of the stromboli with olive oil or an egg wash (1 egg beaten with 1 tbsp water). Use a sharp knife to cut 4-5 shallow slits across the top for steam to escape. Bake for 22-27 minutes, until deeply golden brown. Let cool for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

Chef's Tips:
• For a crispier crust, place a baking steel or inverted baking sheet on the lower oven rack while preheating.
• The most common mistake is overfilling. Less is more to prevent leaks.
• Serve with warmed marinara sauce for dipping.
Food Safety:
• Ensure fillings like raw sausage are fully cooked before adding to the dough
• Cool stromboli on a wire rack to prevent the bottom from becoming soggy