Stromboli

I know lots of people are gearing up for the Super Bowl this weekend. Good times, yummy snacks, and funny commercials. If you're looking for another recipe to throw amongst your spread, look no further... this Stromboli is guaranteed to please a crowd!

When I saw a guest post at Liv Life for Football Party Stromboli, I knew I had to make it for Matt. To say my husband likes football (or any other sport for that matter) would be an understatement. My hubby LOVES his football, and he loves when I make him good stuff to munch on while he's watching a game. My gut told me that he would love this recipe, and sure enough, he did. And honestly... so did I. :)

Kim's post called for frozen dough, which is definitely an option if you're looking for a little less preparation. I just happened to stumble across another Stromboli recipe that included homemade dough, so I figured I would give it a shot. The dough recipe makes two loaves, so if you're not planning for that many people you can freeze half for a later date (that's what I did, so the below filling recipe is for one).

Ingredients
Yields 2 loaves
1 (.25 oz) package active dry yeast
1 1/3 cups warm water (110° to 115°) 
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1/2 tsp salt 
4 to 5 cups all-purpose flour

Filling:
The quantities below are for 1 Stromboli. Double the amount if you want to make both loaves.
1/4 lb thinly sliced ham
1/4 lb reduced fat pepperoni
Dried basil
Dried oregano
4 slices provolone cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Directions
In the bowl of an electric stand mixer, dissolve yeast in warm water. Add oil, salt and 2 cups flour; fitted with the paddle attachment, beat until smooth. Stir in enough flour to form a soft dough. Switching to the dough hook attachment, knead dough on low speed until smooth and elastic, about 10 minutes. Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease top. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 45 minutes.

Punch dough down. Turn onto a lightly floured surface; divide in half. Roll one portion into a 15 x 12-inch rectangle. (I froze the second portion for a later date.) Arrange ham slices lengthwise down half of rectangle. Place pepperoni on top. Sprinkle with a little bit of basil and oregano. Arrange provolone slices over the top and then add the mozzarella cheese. Sprinkle with a little more basil and oregano. Fold plain half of dough over filling and seal ends well. Brush with oil; sprinkle with oregano.

Bake on a baking sheet at 400°F for 25-30 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool slightly; cut into 1-inch slices.

Source: an adaptation from The Taste of Home Baking Book and Liv Life