Ham and Broccoli Shortcut Stromboli: A Weeknight Wonder

I have such fond memories of making stromboli with my grandmother. We would spend hours in her cozy kitchen, the aroma of yeast dough and melting cheese filling the air. It was always a labor of love, stretching and kneading the dough just right. This Ham and Broccoli Shortcut Stromboli brings back that comforting feeling, but in a fraction of the time. It’s the perfect way to enjoy a delicious, homemade-style meal without spending all day in the kitchen – a weeknight win!

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Servings: 6
• Yield: 1 Stromboli
• Dietary Type: Not Vegetarian

Ingredients

• 1 (10 ounce) package refrigerated pizza dough
• 1 (10 3/4 ounce) can Campbell’s Cream of Celery Soup
• 1 cup cooked chopped broccoli
• 2 cups cubed cooked ham
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Equipment Needed

• Baking sheet
• Mixing bowl

Instructions

1. Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures the stromboli bakes evenly and the crust gets nice and golden brown.

2. Lightly grease your baking sheet. This will prevent the stromboli from sticking and make it easier to remove after baking.

3. Unroll the refrigerated pizza dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Gently stretch it out if needed to fit the pan. Set it aside. This will act as your base for all of the delicious fillings.

4. In a mixing bowl, combine the Cream of Celery Soup, cooked chopped broccoli, and cubed cooked ham. Mix well until everything is evenly distributed and coated in the creamy soup. This mixture forms the heart of the stromboli, providing a flavorful and satisfying filling.

5. Spread the soup mixture down the center of the pizza dough, leaving a few inches of space on each side. This creates a well-defined filling area and makes it easier to fold the dough over.

6. Top the soup mixture evenly with the shredded cheddar cheese. The cheese will melt beautifully, binding the ingredients together and adding a rich, cheesy flavor.

7. Fold one of the long sides of the dough over the filling, and then fold the other long side over to meet it. Pinch the edges of the dough together to seal them tightly. This creates a secure enclosure for the filling and prevents it from spilling out during baking.

8. Pinch the short sides of the dough together to seal them as well. This will completely enclose the filling within the dough, creating a visually appealing and delicious stromboli.

9. Bake for 20 minutes, or until the stromboli is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Keep a close eye on it during the last few minutes of baking to prevent it from burning. If the top starts to brown too quickly, you can loosely tent it with foil.

10. Remove the stromboli from the oven and let it cool slightly before slicing. This will allow the filling to set a bit, making it easier to slice without it all running out.

11. Slice and serve warm. Enjoy your delicious and easy Ham and Broccoli Shortcut Stromboli!

Expert Tips & Tricks

• Don’t Overfill: Be careful not to overfill the stromboli, as this can make it difficult to seal and cause the filling to spill out during baking.

• Egg Wash for Extra Shine: For an even more golden and glossy crust, brush the top of the stromboli with an egg wash (one egg beaten with a tablespoon of water) before baking.

• Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the filling for a little extra heat.

• Cheese Variations: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese. Mozzarella, provolone, or a blend of Italian cheeses would all be delicious.

• Make-Ahead Prep: You can assemble the stromboli ahead of time and keep it refrigerated, covered, for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure it’s heated through.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve the Ham and Broccoli Shortcut Stromboli warm, sliced into individual portions. It’s delicious on its own, or you can serve it with a side salad or marinara sauce for dipping.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, wrap the slices in foil and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or microwave them for a quick and easy snack. You can also freeze individual slices for longer storage. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil, and they’ll keep in the freezer for up to 2 months. Reheat from frozen in a preheated oven.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	246.9 kcal	N/A
Calories from Fat	138 g	56%
Total Fat	15.4 g	23%
Saturated Fat	5.2 g	26%
Cholesterol	71.8 mg	23%
Sodium	625.1 mg	26%
Total Carbohydrate	6.9 g	2%
Dietary Fiber	1.1 g	4%
Sugars	1.4 g	5%
Protein	19.8 g	39%

Variations & Substitutions

• Vegetarian Option: Substitute the ham with sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or other vegetables of your choice.

• Different Soup Flavors: Experiment with different Campbell’s soup flavors, such as Cream of Mushroom or Cream of Chicken, to create unique flavor combinations.

• Add Vegetables: Incorporate other vegetables, such as diced bell peppers, onions, or zucchini, into the filling.

• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pizza dough for a gluten-free version.

• Spice It Up: For a spicier stromboli, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the filling.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I use fresh pizza dough instead of refrigerated dough?
A: Absolutely! Fresh pizza dough will work just as well, if not better. Just be sure to adjust the baking time accordingly, as fresh dough may require a slightly longer baking time.

Q: Can I make this stromboli ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can assemble the stromboli ahead of time and keep it refrigerated, covered, for up to 24 hours before baking.

Q: What can I serve with this stromboli?
A: This stromboli is delicious on its own, but you can also serve it with a side salad, marinara sauce for dipping, or a bowl of soup.

Q: Can I freeze leftover stromboli?
A: Yes, you can freeze individual slices of stromboli for longer storage. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil, and they’ll keep in the freezer for up to 2 months.

Q: My stromboli is browning too quickly. What should I do?
A: If the top of the stromboli is browning too quickly, you can loosely tent it with foil during the last few minutes of baking. This will help to prevent it from burning.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy this Ham and Broccoli Shortcut Stromboli as much as I do! It’s a versatile and delicious recipe that’s perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different fillings and variations to create your own signature stromboli. Share your creations with friends and family, and let me know what you think! Pair it with a crisp green salad and a glass of your favorite beverage for a complete and satisfying meal. Happy cooking!