Cheesy Pepperoni Ring

This ring-shaped Italian-American treat packs all the pizza goodness we crave - melty cheese, zesty pepperoni, and tasty dough - into one impressive shareable form. It turns basic pizza components into a knockout dish that's surprisingly simple to whip up in your kitchen.

I've brought this stromboli to tons of family events, and it always gets gobbled up in seconds. My picky nephew who normally just picks at his food always asks for another helping when I serve this.

Smart Guide to Key Ingredients

• Pizza Dough: Room temp dough works best for smooth rolling and great texture. Grab fresh dough from a nearby bakery if you can - it really makes a difference
• Mozzarella Cheese: Grate your own cheese for better melting - the pre-shredded stuff has additives that keep it from getting perfectly gooey
• Pepperoni: Try to get slices from the deli counter for better flavor and just the right thickness. If you're using packaged kinds, look for ones without fake preservatives
• Italian Seasoning: This herb mix brings everything together nicely. You can use fresh herbs too, but go easy so they don't make things soggy
• Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano adds a rich nutty flavor that takes everything up a notch

Making Your Mouthwatering Stromboli

Getting the Dough Ready

Let your dough sit out for about 30-45 minutes until it's not cold anymore. This makes it way easier to work with and helps the texture. Sprinkle lots of flour on your counter so nothing sticks.

Shaping and Adding Flavor

Stretch the dough into a 12x20 inch rectangle with the same thickness everywhere. The rectangle shape helps you get nice even slices later. Scatter your seasonings all over so every bite tastes good.

Adding the Cheese

Spread your fresh-grated mozzarella across the dough but leave about an inch empty around the edges. This empty space helps seal everything up when you roll it. Sprinkle the Parmesan lightly on top of the mozzarella.

Laying Out Pepperoni

Put down rows of slightly overlapping pepperoni slices. This way you'll get pepperoni in every bite without any empty spots in your filling.

Rolling It Up

Starting from the long side, roll everything away from you like you're making a jelly roll. Press gently as you go to avoid air bubbles inside.

Forming the Ring

Carefully move your roll to the bundt pan and connect the ends to make a ring shape. Squeeze the seam together firmly so no filling leaks out during baking.

Initial Baking

Bake in a 375°F oven for about 20-25 minutes until you see golden brown color. This first bake sets everything up and starts melting all that cheese.

Finishing Touch

Flip it over onto a baking sheet and put it back in the oven for 5 more minutes to get that perfect crispiness all around.

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In my Italian-American family, stromboli was always our casual dinner favorite. My grandma would toss in some red pepper flakes with the seasonings, and I still do that whenever I make it now.

Delicious Sauce Companions

A good marinara can really make your stromboli shine. While the sauce from the store works okay, making a simple one with San Marzano tomatoes creates that authentic touch that perfectly matches the rich stromboli flavors.

How to Serve and Save Leftovers

Nothing beats stromboli right out of the oven, but you can reheat any leftovers in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes. Don't use the microwave though - it'll make your crust soggy and turn your cheese rubbery.

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After making this dish countless times, I've learned that patience makes all the difference - letting the dough warm up, taking your time with the rolling, and waiting before slicing. These little steps turn simple stuff from your fridge into an amazing meal that brings everyone to the table.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What's the bundt pan for?

It helps shape the dish into a perfect ring and ensures even cooking throughout.

→ Can I customize the filling?

Absolutely! Toss in extras like diced peppers, olives, or whatever you love on pizza.

→ Why wait before slicing?

Taking 5 minutes to rest prevents the cheese from spilling out and keeps slices neat.

→ Is this make-ahead friendly?

You can prep it and chill, but for best texture and flavor, bake fresh and enjoy warm.

→ Why bake it upside down midway?

Flipping lets the whole ring get crispy, not just the bottom part.