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Pepperoni Pretzel Bread Stromboli Recipe

4.8 from 77 reviews

This Pepperoni Pretzel Bread Stromboli recipe features soft, chewy pretzel-style bread wrapped around layers of melted mozzarella cheese and spicy pepperoni. Boiled in a baking soda bath for that signature pretzel crust, then baked to golden perfection, these stromboli logs make for an irresistible appetizer or snack.

Ingredients

Scale

Dough Ingredients

  • 4 Tablespoons butter, melted
  • 1 Tablespoon sugar
  • 2 teaspoons kosher salt, plus more for topping
  • 1 1/2 cups warm water (110 to 115 degrees F)
  • 1 package (2 1/4 teaspoons) instant yeast
  • 22 ounces (about 4 1/2 cups) all-purpose flour
  • Vegetable oil spray, for pan and bowl

Filling Ingredients

  • 4864 pepperoni slices
  • 1 1/2 to 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Boiling Bath and Finishing

  • 10 cups water
  • 2/3 cups baking soda
  • 1 large egg yolk, beaten with 1 Tablespoon water (for egg wash)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the dough: In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine melted butter, sugar, kosher salt, and warm water. Sprinkle the instant yeast on top. Add the all-purpose flour and mix with the dough hook on low speed until combined. Increase speed to medium and knead for 4 to 5 minutes until the dough is smooth and pulls away from the bowl sides.
  2. Let dough rise: Remove the dough and wipe the bowl clean. Spray the bowl with vegetable oil and return the dough, turning once to coat with oil. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place for 45-50 minutes or until doubled in size.
  3. Preheat oven and prepare baking sheet: Preheat oven to 450°F and position the rack in the lower third. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly spray it with vegetable oil or use a silicone liner.
  4. Divide and roll dough: Turn the risen dough onto a lightly oiled work surface. Divide into 8 equal pieces. Working one at a time, roll each dough ball into a 4×8-inch rectangle, keeping the others covered with a kitchen towel.
  5. Add filling: Layer about 1 tablespoon of shredded mozzarella cheese down the center of the rectangle, then add 6 to 8 pepperoni slices, followed by another tablespoon or two of cheese on top.
  6. Fold dough: Fold down the top short edge, fold up the bottom short edge, then fold the wide sides over each other, enclosing the filling completely.
  7. Seal and shape: Pinch all seams shut to seal the filling inside and gently roll the dough into a log shape. Place on the prepared baking sheet and cover lightly with a kitchen towel. Repeat with remaining dough balls.
  8. Rest formed stromboli: Let all stromboli logs rest for about 10 minutes, covered with the towel.
  9. Prepare baking soda bath: In a large saucepan or stockpot, bring 10 cups of water to a boil, then add the baking soda carefully.
  10. Boil stromboli: Using a slotted spoon or spatula, carefully boil two stromboli logs at a time in the baking soda water for 30 to 40 seconds, turning once. Remove and return them to the baking sheet. Repeat with remaining logs.
  11. Apply egg wash and score: Brush the tops of each log with the beaten egg yolk wash, then sprinkle with kosher salt. Score shallow diagonal lines into the tops using a sharp knife.
  12. Bake stromboli: Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 15 minutes until dark golden brown and the crust sounds hollow when tapped. Remove from oven and cool on a wire rack for 3-5 minutes.
  13. Serve: Serve warm with your favorite pizza dipping sauce for an irresistible treat.

Notes

  • Keep unused dough covered to prevent drying out while shaping the stromboli logs.
  • The baking soda bath is essential for creating the classic pretzel crust texture and flavor.
  • Adjust the amount of pepperoni and cheese to suit your taste preferences.
  • Use parchment paper or a silicone liner to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
  • Store leftovers wrapped tightly and reheat in the oven for best results to retain texture.

Keywords: pepperoni stromboli, pretzel stromboli, pretzel bread, party snack, pizza stromboli, easy appetizer