Introduction to Mozzarella Cheesesteak Stromboli

Let’s make a Mozzarella Cheesesteak Stromboli! This rolled-up delight is like a Philly cheesesteak’s cousin. It’s packed with yummy steak, gooey mozzarella, and flavorful seasonings, all baked inside a crispy dough. Think of it as a pizza pocket, but way better!

This guide will show you how to make a stromboli from scratch. We’ll cover everything you need to know, from picking the best ingredients to baking it just right. You’ll learn tips and tricks to make your stromboli amazing. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this awesome dish!

This Mozzarella Cheesesteak Stromboli is super special because it combines two favorites: cheesesteaks and strombolis. The warm, melted cheese and savory steak filling inside a golden crust make this a meal everyone will love. It’s perfect for parties or a fun family dinner. Let’s get cooking!

Why This Mozzarella Cheesesteak Stromboli Is Special 

This stromboli isn’t just any stromboli. It’s a flavor explosion! The juicy steak, melted mozzarella, and perfectly seasoned veggies are all wrapped in a flaky, golden crust. Each bite is a taste of Philly cheesesteak goodness, but easier to eat! It’s a fun twist on a classic that’s sure to be a hit.

Ingredients and Equipment 

To make this awesome stromboli, you’ll need some ingredients and a few kitchen tools. Let’s start with what goes into the dough and the yummy filling.

Ingredients for the Dough 

For a homemade dough, you’ll need:

• Flour: 3 cups of all-purpose flour (or bread flour for a chewier crust). Using good quality flour makes a difference!
• Yeast: 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) of active dry yeast. This makes the dough rise and get fluffy.
• Sugar: 1 tablespoon of sugar. This helps the yeast do its job.
• Salt: 1 teaspoon of salt. Adds flavor to the dough.
• Warm Water: 1 cup of warm water (around 105-115°F). The right temperature helps activate the yeast.
• Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Makes the dough soft and adds flavor.

Feeling short on time? You can use store-bought pizza dough instead. Just make sure it’s thawed if frozen.

Ingredients for the Filling Now for the good stuff – the filling!

• Steak: 1 pound of thinly sliced steak. Ribeye or sirloin work great. For easier slicing, partially freeze the steak first.
• Mozzarella Cheese: 8 ounces of shredded mozzarella cheese. The star of the cheese show! Provolone or Monterey Jack are also tasty options.
• Onion: 1 medium onion, sliced. Yellow or white onions work best.
• Bell Pepper: 1 green bell pepper, sliced. You can also use other colors like red or yellow.
• Seasonings: Salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning to taste. Don’t be shy with the flavor!

You’ll also need some basic kitchen tools like measuring cups and spoons, a mixing bowl, a baking sheet, and a sharp knife for slicing.

Preparing the Dough 

Let’s get our hands doughy! Whether you’re making it from scratch or using store-bought, this section will guide you.

Making the Dough from Scratch 

1. Activate the Yeast: In a large bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it gets foamy. This means the yeast is alive and ready to work!
2. Mix the Dough: Add the flour, salt, and olive oil to the yeast mixture. Stir everything together with a spoon or your hands until a shaggy dough forms.
3. Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes. Push the dough away with the heel of your hand, fold it over, and turn it. Keep doing this until the dough becomes smooth and elastic. If it’s too sticky, add a little more flour.
4. Let it Rise (Proofing): Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel. Let the dough rise in a warm place for about an hour, or until it doubles in size. This is called proofing.
5. Punch Down and Roll: Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Then, on a lightly floured surface, roll it out into a large rectangle about 12×18 inches.

Troubleshooting:

• Dough too sticky? Add a little more flour, a tablespoon at a time.
• Dough not rising? Make sure your yeast is fresh and the water is warm, not hot.

Using Store-Bought Dough 

Using store-bought dough is a great time-saver!

1. Thawing: If your dough is frozen, let it thaw completely in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for a few hours.
2. Bring to Room Temperature: Let the thawed dough sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before rolling. This makes it easier to work with.
3. Roll it Out: Lightly flour your work surface and roll the dough into a rectangle, just like you would with homemade dough. Aim for a 12×18 inch rectangle. Now you’re ready to fill it!

You might also enjoy this recipe for mini cinnamon rolls. They are a quick and easy treat.

Assembling the Mozzarella Cheesesteak Stromboli 

Now for the fun part – building our stromboli!

Preparing the Filling 

1. Cook the Steak: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add a little oil and cook the thinly sliced steak until it’s browned on both sides and cooked to your liking. Remember to season it with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. For a cheesesteak taste, cook until no pink remains.
2. Sauté the Veggies: Add the sliced onions and bell peppers to the skillet with the cooked steak. Cook them until they’re softened but still a little crunchy. This adds flavor and texture.
3. Drain the Grease: It’s important to drain off any extra grease from the steak and veggies. This will prevent a soggy stromboli. You can use a colander or paper towels to soak up the grease.

Layering the Filling and Rolling the Stromboli 

1. Spread the Cheese: Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the rolled-out dough, leaving about an inch border. This cheesy base will hold everything together.
2. Add the Filling: Layer the cooked steak and veggie mixture on top of the cheese. Spread it out evenly, leaving that inch border.
3. More Cheese, Please!: Top the steak and veggies with the remaining mozzarella cheese.
4. Time to Roll: Starting at one of the long edges, tightly roll the dough up like a jelly roll. Tuck in the sides as you roll to keep the filling inside.
5. Seal the Edges: Once you have a long roll, pinch the edges of the dough together to seal it tightly. Fold the ends under the stromboli to prevent any filling from escaping. You can even crimp the edges with a fork for a fancy look.
6. Score the Top: Use a sharp knife to make small slits across the top of the stromboli. This allows steam to escape while baking and prevents it from bursting open. You can make diagonal cuts for a classic look.

Now your stromboli is ready for the oven!

For a decadent dessert option after your meal, try these cheesecake brownies.

Baking and Serving 

Almost there! Let’s bake this stromboli to golden perfection and get ready to enjoy.

Baking the Stromboli 

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Make sure the oven rack is in the center position.
2. Prepare the Baking Sheet: Lightly grease a baking sheet or line it with parchment paper. This will prevent the stromboli from sticking.
3. Bake the Stromboli: Carefully place the stromboli on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Tips for a Crispy Crust:

• For an extra crispy crust, brush the top of the stromboli with a little olive oil or melted butter before baking.
• You can also bake the stromboli on a pizza stone for a crispier bottom crust.

Checking for Doneness:

• The internal temperature of the stromboli should reach 165°F (74°C) to ensure the filling is fully cooked. Use a meat thermometer to check.
• The crust should be a deep golden brown and the cheese should be melted and bubbly. You might even see some cheese oozing out – yum!

If the crust is browning too quickly:

• Tent the stromboli loosely with aluminum foil to prevent it from burning.

If you enjoy making bread, you can find more delicious bread recipes on this website, such as this one for garlic bread.

Serving and Enjoying 

1. Let it Rest: Once the stromboli is out of the oven, let it rest for about 10 minutes before slicing. This allows the cheese to set up a bit and makes it easier to slice without everything falling out.
2. Slice and Serve: Using a serrated knife, slice the stromboli into thick or thin pieces, depending on your preference.

Serving Suggestions:

• Dipping Sauces: Marinara sauce, ranch dressing, or even pizza sauce are all great for dipping.
• Side Dishes: A fresh salad, roasted vegetables, or even some crispy fried cornbread make great accompaniments.

Leftovers:

• Store leftover stromboli in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat individual slices in the microwave or oven until warmed through. For a crispier crust when reheating, use the oven or a toaster oven.

For a great make ahead breakfast option, try this breakfast casserole recipe.

Frequently Asked Questions

Got questions? We’ve got answers!

Introduction to Mozzarella Cheesesteak Stromboli Book 

You won’t find a cookbook just about Mozzarella Cheesesteak Stromboli. But guess what? You don’t need one! This guide gives you all the steps to make it. Plus, you can use any cookbook with stromboli or Philly cheesesteak recipes to get more ideas. This recipe is easy to adapt!

Philly Cheesesteak Stromboli with Ground Beef 

Want to use ground beef instead of steak? No problem! Just brown the ground beef with the onions and peppers in a skillet. Make sure it’s cooked all the way through before adding it to the stromboli. You might want to add extra seasonings to make it taste just right.

Pepper Steak Stromboli 

Love peppers? Make it a Pepper Steak Stromboli! Add lots more bell peppers – different colors make it fun! For a spicy kick, use a jalapeño or serrano pepper. Remember to remove the seeds for less heat.

Roast Beef Stromboli 

Roast beef makes a tasty stromboli too! Use thinly sliced leftover roast beef. You don’t need to cook it again since it’s already cooked. Just layer it with the cheese and veggies. You might need to bake the stromboli for a little less time.

If you’re looking for other fun and flavorful recipes, consider making this beef taco skillet for a quick weeknight dinner.

Conclusion: Enjoy Your Masterpiece! 

You did it! You made an amazing Mozzarella Cheesesteak Stromboli. Pat yourself on the back! This recipe is a fun way to show off your cooking skills. Now it’s time to enjoy every cheesy, meaty bite.

Don’t forget to share your creation with friends and family. They’ll be so impressed! And next time, try adding different ingredients to the filling. Get creative and make it your own special stromboli. Happy cooking!

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