Sara’s Veggie Stromboli From Scratch (Using Your Bread Machine!)

The aroma of baking bread, mingled with the savory scent of Italian herbs and melting cheese, always transports me back to my grandmother’s kitchen. She wasn’t Italian, not by a long shot, but she had a knack for creating the most comforting, hearty dishes. This stromboli recipe, a veggie-packed delight inspired by her love of simple, flavorful food, is my homage to her warm kitchen and the joy of sharing a delicious meal with loved ones. It’s the perfect way to sneak in those extra veggies, and it always brings a smile to everyone’s face.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 35-45 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes (includes rising time)
• Servings: 6-8
• Yield: 1 large stromboli
• Dietary Type: Vegetarian

Ingredients

For the Dough:

• 1 1/4 cups water
• 2 tablespoons margarine, cut in chunks
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground black pepper
• 1 1/2 teaspoons sugar
• 3 cups flour
• 2 1/2 teaspoons yeast

For the Filling:

• 1/2 cup pizza sauce (or 1/2 cup spaghetti sauce)
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (cheddar, jack, or a combination are also okay)
• 1/4 cup parmesan cheese
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• 1 zucchini, chopped
• 1/2 can black olives, chopped
• 1 large tomato, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 teaspoons dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Equipment Needed

• Bread machine
• Large cutting board or clean work surface
• Large baking sheet
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Knife
• Pastry brush (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Dough: Combine all dough ingredients in your bread machine according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Select the dough cycle to prepare the dough and allow it to rise in the machine. This usually takes about 1.5 – 2 hours.

2. Knead the Dough: After the dough cycle is complete, turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface (such as a large cutting board). Knead additional flour into the dough, about 1/2 cup more, until it is no longer sticky and becomes smooth and elastic. This should take about 5 minutes. The dough should be easy to handle.

3. Shape the Dough: Pat the dough out into a large rectangle, about the size of your breadboard or cookie sheet, and approximately 1/2 inch thick.

4. Layer the Filling: Spread the filling ingredients over the middle third of the dough rectangle, leaving a border of about 1-2 inches on the long sides.

   • Begin with the pizza or spaghetti sauce, spreading it evenly over the center section.
   • Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce.
   • Pile on the chopped onion, bell pepper, zucchini, and black olives.
   • Arrange the chopped tomatoes over the vegetables.
   • Sprinkle the minced garlic, dried basil, and salt evenly over the tomatoes.
   • Top with the parmesan cheese and the remaining mozzarella cheese.

5. Assemble the Stromboli: Gently stretch one long side of the dough up and over the top of the filling, then fold the other side over the top of that. Pinch the ends closed firmly to seal in the filling.

6. Transfer and Rise: Gently transfer the stromboli, seam side down, to a large baking sheet that has been lightly sprayed with cooking spray (like Pam). Cover loosely with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let rise for 30 minutes in a warm place.

7. Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Before baking, brush the top of the stromboli lightly with olive oil (optional – this helps with browning). Bake in the preheated oven for 35-45 minutes, or until the stromboli is golden brown and the filling is heated through.

8. Cool and Serve: Allow the stromboli to cool slightly on the baking sheet before slicing and serving. This will prevent the filling from running out.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• Dough Consistency: The amount of flour needed to achieve the perfect dough consistency can vary depending on the humidity. Add flour gradually while kneading until the dough is smooth and elastic but not sticky.
• Cheese Placement: Layering the cheese both under and over the vegetables helps to bind the filling together and prevent it from becoming too watery.
• Preventing a Soggy Crust: To avoid a soggy crust, make sure to drain any excess liquid from the chopped tomatoes before adding them to the filling. You can also lightly sauté the vegetables before assembling the stromboli to remove some of their moisture.
• Browning: If the top of the stromboli is browning too quickly, tent it loosely with aluminum foil during the last 15 minutes of baking.
• Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the filling for a little extra heat.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Sara’s Veggie Stromboli is delicious served warm, straight from the oven. It’s perfect on its own as a hearty lunch or dinner, or you can pair it with a simple side salad and a light vinaigrette.

Storage:

• Room Temperature: Leftover stromboli can be stored at room temperature for up to 2 hours.
• Refrigerator: For longer storage, wrap the stromboli tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
• Freezer: To freeze, wrap the stromboli tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating:

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Wrap the stromboli in foil and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.
• Microwave: Reheat individual slices in the microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes.
• Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place slices in the air fryer basket and cook for 3-5 minutes, or until heated through and slightly crispy.

Nutritional Information

(Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.)

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	385 kcal	19%
Total Fat	12g	18%
Saturated Fat	5g	25%
Cholesterol	20mg	7%
Sodium	870mg	36%
Total Carbohydrate	58g	19%
Dietary Fiber	4g	16%
Sugars	5g	N/A
Protein	15g	30%

Variations & Substitutions

• Vegan Stromboli: Substitute the margarine with vegan butter, the mozzarella and parmesan cheese with vegan cheese alternatives, and ensure your pizza sauce is vegan-friendly.
• Gluten-Free Stromboli: Use a gluten-free flour blend to make the dough. You may need to adjust the amount of liquid to achieve the right consistency.
• Meat Lover’s Stromboli: Add cooked sausage, pepperoni, or ham to the filling for a meaty version.
• Spicy Stromboli: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the filling or use a spicy pizza sauce.
• Seasonal Vegetables: Feel free to substitute the vegetables with other seasonal options, such as mushrooms, spinach, or roasted red peppers.
• Cheese Alternatives: Swap out the mozzarella for provolone, fontina, or any other cheese that melts well.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I make the dough ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the dough in your bread machine and then store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Bring it to room temperature before rolling it out and assembling the stromboli.

Q: Can I use pre-made pizza dough?
A: Absolutely! Using store-bought pizza dough is a great shortcut for a quicker meal. Just be sure to adjust the baking time accordingly.

Q: How do I prevent the bottom of the stromboli from burning?
A: Place a baking sheet on the rack below the stromboli to deflect some of the heat and prevent the bottom crust from browning too quickly.

Q: Can I add different herbs to the filling?
A: Of course! Feel free to experiment with different herbs such as thyme, rosemary, or oregano to customize the flavor to your liking.

Q: How can I tell if the stromboli is done baking?
A: The stromboli is done when the crust is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 190-200°F (88-93°C). You can use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature.

Final Thoughts

Sara’s Veggie Stromboli is more than just a recipe; it’s an invitation to gather around the table and share a delicious, homemade meal with the people you love. Don’t be afraid to get creative with the filling and customize it to your own tastes. I encourage you to try this recipe and let me know what you think! Serve it with a glass of crisp white wine or a refreshing sparkling water for a complete and satisfying experience. Happy baking!