Get ready to enjoy a delicious adventure in your kitchen with this delightful recipe for Sausage, Spinach, and Cheese Stromboli! This mouthwatering pizza roll is stuffed with savory cooked sausage, fresh spinach, and melted mozzarella cheese, making it a perfect dish for any family gathering. Whether you choose to use homemade pizza dough or opt for convenient store-bought options, this recipe is versatile enough to fit into your busy weeknight plans. Plus, you can prepare the filling ahead of time and quickly assemble the stromboli when you’re ready to bake, allowing for a short 30-minute rising time after stuffing. Serve it with a side of homemade marinara sauce, and you’re in for a treat!

Let’s dive into the details. Below, you will find everything you need to know about making this scrumptious dish, from ingredients to step-by-step instructions. Don’t forget to scroll to the bottom for a printable recipe card that you can keep for future reference.

Ingredients

• 1 pound of sautéed loose mild Italian sausage
• 1 (8-ounce) bag of fresh spinach
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 cup of shredded whole milk mozzarella cheese (or more to taste)
• 1 pound of Italian pizza dough (homemade or store-bought)
• Optional: olive oil for brushing the top, sesame seeds, beaten egg for a wash, granulated garlic powder, dried oregano, grated Parmesan or Romano cheese, and chopped fresh basil for garnishing

Instructions

1. Prepare the Dough

   Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

2. Sauté the Filling

   In a large frying pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add in the loose Italian sausage and cook until browned, ensuring all the pink is gone. This should take about 5-7 minutes.

3. Add Spinach

   Once the sausage is fully cooked, add the fresh spinach to the pan. Sauté it until wilted, which should take about 2-3 minutes. Don’t forget to drain any excess liquid to prevent a soggy stromboli!

4. Cool the Mixture

   After sautéing, allow the filling to cool completely before you start assembling your stromboli. This helps maintain the dough’s texture.

5. Roll Out the Dough

   On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pizza dough to about ½-inch thickness. Make sure it’s large enough to fold over your filling.

6. Assemble the Stromboli

   Spread the cooled sausage and spinach mixture evenly over the rolled-out dough. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese on top. Roll the dough up tightly, similar to a jelly roll, making sure the filling is enclosed.

7. Prepare for Baking

   Place the rolled stromboli seam-side down on your prepared baking sheet. For added flavor, brush the top with olive oil and sprinkle with sesame seeds if desired.

8. Let it Rise

   Allow the stromboli to rise for about 30 minutes. This step enhances the fluffiness of your final dish.

9. Bake to Perfection

   Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the stromboli is golden brown on top. You can rotate the pan halfway through the baking process for even coloring.

10. Serve

    Once baked to perfection, remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Slice it into pieces and serve warm with your favorite marinara sauce for dipping!

Filling Suggestions and Additions

The beauty of stromboli lies in its versatility. You can mix and match ingredients based on your preferences. Here are some ideas to inspire your filling choices:

Meats

• Chopped or shredded meats like Capicola, pepperoni, prosciutto, sausage, salami, and even bacon
• Delicious alternatives like steak, chicken, pork, or meatballs
• Seafood, such as anchovies or shrimp, for a unique twist

Vegetables

• Cooked spinach or escarole
• Eggplant, mushrooms, broccoli rabe, and bright bell peppers
• Black olives, onions, garlic, fresh tomatoes, or zucchini for added flavor
• Fruits like pineapple or raisins to surprise your taste buds

Cheeses

• Grated Romano or Parmesan
• Asiago, Fontina, or Provolone for depth of flavor
• Classic mozzarella, cheddar, Swiss, pepper jack, or creamy ricotta

FAQs

1. Can I make the stromboli ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the filling ahead of time. Just assemble everything when you’re ready to bake. You can also freeze the unbaked stromboli for later enjoyment.

2. How do I know when the stromboli is done baking?

The stromboli is done when it has a beautiful golden brown color on top, and it should sound hollow when tapped gently.

3. Can I use different types of dough?

Absolutely! While traditional pizza dough is great, you can experiment with other types like whole wheat or even gluten-free options.

4. What can I serve with stromboli?

Stromboli pairs wonderfully with homemade marinara sauce, but you can also consider serving it with a fresh salad or some roasted vegetables.

5. How should I store leftover stromboli?

Store any leftover stromboli in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can reheat it in the oven or microwave until warmed through.