Spicy Italian Crescent Roll Stromboli 🌶️🍕

This Spicy Italian Crescent Roll Stromboli is a fun twist on traditional stromboli, using flaky crescent rolls for a quick and easy meal. Packed with bold flavors from spicy Italian sausage, melted cheese, and zesty toppings, this dish is perfect for game day, a cozy family dinner, or even a party appetizer! Serve it warm with marinara sauce for dipping, and you'll have everyone coming back for more.

Ingredients

For the stromboli

• 1 can (8 oz) crescent roll dough
• 1 cup spicy Italian sausage (casings removed)
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded provolone cheese
• 1/4 cup sliced pepperoni
• 1/4 cup chopped bell peppers (any color you prefer)
• 1/4 cup chopped red onion
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (adjust for heat preference)
• 1 egg (for egg wash)

For dipping sauce

• 1 cup marinara sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. Cook the sausage: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the spicy Italian sausage until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula. Once cooked, drain any excess fat.

🍽️ Feel free to substitute with turkey sausage for a lighter option!

3. Prepare the filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the browned sausage, mozzarella cheese, provolone cheese, pepperoni, bell peppers, red onion, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes. Mix well.

4. Assemble the stromboli: Unroll the crescent roll dough into a rectangle on your prepared baking sheet. Press the seams together to create a solid layer.

5. Spread the filling: Evenly distribute the sausage and cheese mixture down the center of the dough, leaving enough space on each side for folding.

6. Roll it up: Gently fold the sides over the filling, pinching the seams together to seal the stromboli.

7. Brush with egg wash: In a small bowl, beat the egg and brush it over the rolled stromboli to give it a golden finish.

8. Bake: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.

9. Prepare the dipping sauce: While the stromboli is baking, combine marinara sauce, oregano, and garlic powder in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir until warmed through.

10. Serve: Once the stromboli is finished baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing. Serve with the marinara sauce, garnished with fresh basil leaves if desired.

🍕 For added crunch and flavor, sprinkle some grated Parmesan over the top of the stromboli before baking!

Variations

• Vegetarian: Skip the sausage and load it up with veggies like spinach, mushrooms, and artichokes.
• Cheesy: Add extra cheese varieties like cheddar or pepper jack for an extra cheesy delight!
• Low-carb: Use low-carb tortillas instead of crescent rolls for a low-carb version of stromboli.
• Herbed: Mix fresh herbs like parsley or oregano into the filling for an aromatic twist.

Enjoy this Spicy Italian Crescent Roll Stromboli as a quick weeknight meal or a crowd-pleasing appetizer. Buon appetito! 🌟