Ingredients:

  • 1 cup (240ml) warm water (105-115°F / 40-46°C)
  • 2 ¼ teaspoons (7g) active dry yeast (1 packet)
  • 1 teaspoon (6g) granulated sugar
  • 2 ½ cups (315g) all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
  • 1 teaspoon (6g) salt
  • 2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil, plus more for greasing the bowl
  • 1 cup (240ml) pizza sauce (store-bought or homemade)
  • 2 cups (200g) shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ½ cup (50g) sliced pepperoni
  • ½ cup (50g) cooked and crumbled Italian sausage (optional)
  • ¼ cup (25g) sliced black olives (optional)
  • ¼ cup (25g) sliced mushrooms (optional)
  • 1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash)
  • 1 tablespoon (15ml) milk or water (for egg wash)
  • 1 tablespoon (8g) grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for topping)
  • ½ teaspoon (1g) Italian seasoning (optional, for topping)
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional, for topping)

Instructions:

  1. In a large bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let stand for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
  2. Add flour, salt, and olive oil to the yeast mixture. Mix until a shaggy dough forms. Knead on a lightly floured surface for 5-7 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
  3. Place dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
  4. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  5. Punch down the dough and roll it out on a lightly floured surface into a large rectangle, about 12x16 inches (30x40 cm).
  6. Spread pizza sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a ½-inch border. Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese, pepperoni, sausage (if using), olives (if using), and mushrooms (if using).
  7. Starting from one long edge, tightly roll up the dough like a jelly roll. Pinch the seam to seal.
  8. In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and milk (or water).
  9. Transfer the stromboli to the prepared baking sheet. Brush the top with egg wash. Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to make 3-4 diagonal slits across the top.
  10. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using). Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown.
  11. Let cool for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving.