Introduction
If you’re looking for a delicious, crowd-pleasing dinner that’s easy to make and packed with flavor, this Sausage Pepper and Onion Stromboli recipe is your new go-to. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a casual weekend get-together, this hearty, cheesy stromboli combines classic Italian ingredients into a handheld meal that satisfies every craving.
Filled with savory sausage, sautéed peppers, and onions all wrapped in golden, crispy dough, this recipe is comfort food at its finest. The best part? It’s surprisingly simple to prepare and perfect for making ahead and reheating. Ready to impress your family and friends with a Stromboli that tastes like it came straight from a cozy pizzeria? Let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
What Is This Recipe?
A Sausage Pepper and Onion Stromboli is essentially a rolled pizza dough stuffed with flavorful ingredients including Italian sausage, bell peppers, onions, and cheese. Think of it as a cross between a calzone and a pizza roll, baked until golden brown with a crispy crust and gooey melted cheese inside.
Unlike pizza, stromboli is sealed on all sides to lock in the filling, making it easy to slice and serve as a handheld meal. This recipe uses fresh vegetables and high-quality sausage for maximum flavor, and the dough is soft yet crisp, offering the perfect balance of textures.
Essential Ingredients
To make the perfect Sausage Pepper and Onion Stromboli, you will need:
- Italian sausage (mild or spicy, depending on your preference)
- Bell peppers (red, green, or a mix)
- Yellow or white onions
- Pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- Mozzarella cheese, shredded
- Parmesan cheese, grated
- Garlic, minced
- Olive oil
- Italian seasoning (or dried oregano and basil)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Egg wash (1 egg beaten with a splash of water, for brushing the crust)
Alternative Ingredients
Feel free to customize your stromboli with these alternatives:
- Sausage: Swap Italian sausage with ground beef, turkey sausage, or even plant-based sausage for a vegetarian-friendly version.
- Cheese: If you want to switch things up, try using provolone, cheddar, or even a mix of cheeses instead of mozzarella for a new and exciting flavor.
- Vegetables: Add mushrooms, spinach, or jalapeños for an extra kick.
- Dough: Use whole wheat pizza dough for a healthier twist or gluten-free dough if needed.
On Table: Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time, Servings, Yield
Prep Time | Cook Time | Total Time | Servings | Yield |
---|---|---|---|---|
20 minutes | 30 minutes | 50 minutes | 6 | 1 large stromboli |
Key Features
- Quick and easy to prepare
- Perfect for weeknight dinners or parties
- Versatile and customizable filling
- Can be made ahead and reheated
- Crispy on the outside, melty and savory inside
- Packed with fresh veggies and protein
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Amount per Serving (approx.) |
---|---|
Calories | 380 |
Protein | 22g |
Carbohydrates | 30g |
Fat | 18g |
Saturated Fat | 7g |
Cholesterol | 65mg |
Sodium | 700mg |
Fiber | 3g |
Sugars | 4g |
Directions: Step-by-Step Guide to Making Sausage Pepper and Onion Stromboli
- Prepare the filling:
Start by warming olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium heat. Toss in the sliced onions and bell peppers, cooking them gently until they soften and develop a light caramel color, which usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes. Then, stir in the minced garlic and let it cook for another minute to release its fragrant aroma. - Cook the sausage:
In the same skillet, slide the veggies to one side and add the Italian sausage. Break it up with a spatula as it cooks, letting it brown nicely and cook all the way through. Once done, mix the sausage in with the peppers and onions, then season everything with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Take the pan off the heat and let it cool down just a bit before moving on. - Roll out the dough:
On a floured surface, roll your pizza dough into a large rectangle, about 12×16 inches. Make sure it’s evenly rolled out for a uniform bake. - Layer the filling:
Spread the sausage, pepper, and onion mixture evenly over the dough, leaving about a 1-inch border around the edges. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan generously over the top. - Roll the stromboli:
Starting with one long edge, carefully roll the dough up into a tight log, sealing the edge well by pinching the dough together. Place the seam side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. - Brush with egg wash:
Brush the top of the stromboli with egg wash to get a shiny, golden crust when baked. You can also sprinkle extra Parmesan or Italian seasoning on top for flavor and texture. - Bake:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake the stromboli for 25-30 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and crisp. - Rest and slice:
Let the stromboli rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing. This allows the filling to set and makes slicing easier without the cheese running out. - Serve:
Slice into 1-2 inch thick pieces and serve warm with marinara sauce on the side for dipping.

Pro Tips for a Perfect Sausage Pepper and Onion Stromboli
- Don’t overload the filling: Too much filling can cause the dough to burst or leak while baking. Keep a balanced ratio.
- Use room temperature dough: Cold dough is harder to roll and seal properly. Let it rest at room temperature for 20 minutes before rolling.
- Seal the edges well: Use a little water or egg wash on the dough edges before rolling to create a tight seal.
- Add a layer of cheese under the filling: This helps create a barrier that prevents the dough from getting soggy.
- Let it cool before slicing: Patience here ensures neat slices with minimal mess.
- Try different cheese combos: Adding a bit of sharp provolone or a sprinkle of Romano cheese can elevate the flavor profile.
- Serve with a spicy marinara: It adds a nice tangy kick to each bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Sausage Pepper and Onion Stromboli is a total game changer for weeknight dinners. It’s easy to customize, quick to assemble, and packed with robust flavors that everyone loves. The balance of savory sausage, sweet peppers, and melty cheese wrapped in golden, flaky dough makes it a comfort food classic.
It’s also incredibly versatile. Whether you want to make it spicy or mild, add extra veggies, or swap out ingredients, this recipe adapts perfectly. Plus, it reheats wonderfully—making it ideal for meal prep or leftovers. Your family will ask for it again and again!
What Makes This Recipe Unique?
Unlike a traditional pizza, this stromboli is fully enclosed, which locks in all the juicy sausage and vegetable goodness. Sautéed peppers and onions add a lovely sweetness and just the right amount of crunch, balancing perfectly with the savory sausage.
This recipe also shines because of the balance of flavors and textures: crispy crust outside, juicy, cheesy, and flavorful inside. The use of fresh ingredients and simple seasonings elevates it beyond a basic roll-up. Plus, it’s a fun, shareable dish that feels homemade but looks like a pizzeria specialty.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Can I freeze Sausage Pepper and Onion Stromboli?
Yes! Wrap it tightly in foil and freeze before baking. When ready, bake from frozen, adding extra time.
Q2: Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Substitute the sausage with plant-based meat or add more vegetables like mushrooms and zucchini.
Q3: What type of dough works best?
Pizza dough or bread dough works great. Store-bought dough is convenient, but homemade dough adds extra flavor.
Q4: How do I store leftovers?
Keep your leftovers fresh by storing them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, warming them up in the oven or toaster oven will bring back the best texture and flavor.
Q5: Can I use spicy sausage?
Yes! The spicy Italian sausage brings just the right kick, perfectly balancing out the natural sweetness of the peppers.
You’ll Also Love
- Classic Pepperoni Pizza Rolls
- Easy Homemade Calzones
- Italian Sausage Pasta Bake
- Stuffed Bell Peppers with Sausage and Cheese
Conclusion
If you want a simple yet impressive meal that combines the best of Italian flavors, this Sausage Pepper and Onion Stromboli is exactly what you need. Perfectly balanced, easy to make, and endlessly customizable, it will quickly become a favorite for your weeknight dinners and entertaining.
Don’t forget to share your creations with #BeesRecipes on Instagram. We can’t wait to see your delicious take on this savory, cheesy, and utterly satisfying stromboli!
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