Ham and Spinach Stromboli

There’s something incredibly satisfying about rolling up delicious ingredients into a golden, flaky dough and baking it to perfection. As someone who loves experimenting in the kitchen, I’ve found that stromboli is one of those dishes that never fails to impress. It’s versatile, easy to customize, and always a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, a game-day snack, or just craving something hearty, this Ham and Spinach Stromboli is a winner.

The combination of savory ham, fresh spinach, gooey cheese, and a hint of seasoning wrapped in a crispy crust is simply irresistible. What I love most about this recipe is how simple it is to prepare, yet it feels like a gourmet treat. Plus, it’s a great way to use up leftover ingredients in your fridge. Trust me, once you try this stromboli, it’s going to become a regular in your meal rotation.

What You Need To Make This Recipe

Pizza dough: The foundation of any stromboli is the dough. You can use store-bought pizza dough for convenience, or if you’re feeling adventurous, make your own from scratch. The dough should be soft and pliable, making it easy to roll and stuff with your favorite fillings.

Ham: Thinly sliced ham adds a smoky, savory flavor to the stromboli. I prefer using high-quality deli ham, but you can also use leftover baked ham if you have it. The saltiness of the ham pairs perfectly with the other ingredients.

Spinach: Fresh spinach brings a pop of color and a healthy dose of nutrients to this dish. Make sure to wash and dry the spinach thoroughly before using it. You can also use frozen spinach, but be sure to thaw and squeeze out any excess moisture to avoid a soggy stromboli.

Mozzarella cheese: What’s a stromboli without cheese? Mozzarella is my go-to because it melts beautifully and creates that signature stretchy, gooey texture. Shred it yourself for the best results, as pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can affect melting.

Parmesan cheese: A sprinkle of grated Parmesan adds a nutty, salty depth of flavor. It’s the perfect complement to the mozzarella and enhances the overall taste of the stromboli.

Italian seasoning: This blend of herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme adds a fragrant, earthy note to the stromboli. It ties all the flavors together and gives the dish an authentic Italian flair.

Garlic powder: A little garlic powder goes a long way in boosting the savory profile of the stromboli. It’s a quick and easy way to add depth without the hassle of mincing fresh garlic.

Olive oil: Brushing the stromboli with olive oil before baking gives it a beautiful golden crust. It also adds a subtle richness to the dough.

Marinara sauce: While optional, serving the stromboli with warm marinara sauce for dipping takes it to the next level. The tangy, slightly sweet sauce complements the flavors of the ham, spinach, and cheese perfectly.

Ingredients List

1 pound pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
8 ounces thinly sliced ham
2 cups fresh spinach, washed and dried
1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon olive oil
½ cup marinara sauce (for serving, optional)

How to Make Ham and Spinach Stromboli

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Dough

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Roll out the pizza dough on a lightly floured surface into a rectangle about 12×10 inches. This will give you enough space to layer your ingredients evenly.

Step 2: Layer the Ingredients

Arrange the thinly sliced ham evenly over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges. Next, scatter the fresh spinach over the ham. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese on top, followed by the Italian seasoning and garlic powder.

Step 3: Roll the Stromboli

Carefully roll the dough tightly from the long side, like a jelly roll. Pinch the seams and ends to seal the stromboli, ensuring none of the filling leaks out during baking.

Step 4: Brush with Olive Oil

Place the stromboli seam-side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush the top and sides lightly with olive oil. This will help the dough bake to a beautiful golden brown.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Bake the stromboli in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and crisp. Let it cool for 5 minutes before slicing.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Slice the stromboli into thick pieces and serve with warm marinara sauce for dipping. Enjoy it fresh out of the oven for the best flavor and texture!

Tips for Making This Recipe

Use room-temperature dough: If using store-bought dough, let it come to room temperature before rolling. This makes it easier to work with and prevents tearing.
Don’t overstuff: While it’s tempting to add more filling, overstuffing can make the stromboli difficult to roll and cause it to burst open during baking.
Seal the edges well: Pinch the seams tightly to keep the filling inside. You can also use a little water to help seal the edges if needed.
Customize the fillings: Feel free to swap out the ham for cooked sausage, pepperoni, or even roasted vegetables. The possibilities are endless!
Let it rest before slicing: Allowing the stromboli to cool for a few minutes after baking makes it easier to slice and prevents the cheese from oozing out.

FAQs

Can I make stromboli ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the stromboli, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.

Can I freeze stromboli?
Absolutely. After baking, let the stromboli cool completely, then wrap it tightly in foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.

What’s the difference between stromboli and calzone?
While both are stuffed with similar ingredients, stromboli is rolled like a jelly roll and sliced, while a calzone is folded into a half-moon shape and eaten as a single serving.

Can I use frozen spinach?
Yes, but make sure to thaw and squeeze out all the excess moisture to prevent the stromboli from becoming soggy.

What other sauces can I serve with stromboli?
Besides marinara, you can try ranch dressing, garlic butter, or even a spicy arrabbiata sauce for a kick of heat.

Enjoy making and savoring this delicious Ham and Spinach Stromboli! It’s a recipe that’s sure to become a favorite in your household.