Stromboli - Baked Sandwich

The Stromboli is like a baked stuffed sandwich. It is similar to a rolled pizza or calzone but, normally there is no sauce or you can add  a small amount of sauce. I have made mine with a layer or homemade pesto, cheese and various salamis.

It's a great way to feed a crowd, perfect food for watching my favourite Euro Soccer Game!

You will need:

• 1 1/2 cups warm water
• 2 tsp dry yeast
• 1 tsp sugar
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 3-4 cups flour
• 1 tsp salt (more for the top)
• grated mozzarella or mozzarella and provolone
• pesto (homemade or store bought)
• Italian seasoning
• salamis of your choice - thin sliced

Step 1: in a large bowl add warm water, yeast and sugar. Let proof 5 minutes to see if yeast is good. Add olive oil and flour and finally salt. Mix until too hard to continue in bowl and knead dough on counter adding more flour until it is no longer sticky to the touch. I use a (00) pizza flour which I buy in an Italian speciality store but you can use all purpose.

Step 2: once dough is completed add to an oiled bowl and cover with plastic wrap for at least 2 hours. If you want to leave longer put in fridge. 

Step 3: heat oven to 375 degrees F and divide dough in two. With your fingers press out a thin square. Add pesto or a bit of tomato sauce or nothing. Add a layer of cheese.

Step 4: add your toppings (it really can be whatever you like!)

Step 5: roll up and top with Italian Seasonings, some salt and a bit of grated cheese. 

Step 6: bake 20 minutes, then turn sheet and bake another 20- 25 minutes. Let stand for 10 minutes before cutting.

You can serve with a bowl of marinara sauce or just eat it as it is!