These garlic butter stromboli sticks are golden, cheesy, and completely irresistible. Soft pizza dough is wrapped around melty mozzarella and pepperoni, baked until perfectly puffed, then brushed with a rich garlic butter sauce that soaks into every bite. Served warm with marinara for dipping, this easy recipe is perfect for parties, game day, or a fun weeknight dinner.
If you love cheesy, handheld pizza-style snacks, these garlic butter pizza sticks will quickly become a favorite.
Why You’ll Love These Stromboli Sticks
- Brushed with homemade garlic butter for extra flavor
- Crispy on the outside, ooey-gooey on the inside
- Made with refrigerated pizza dough for ease
- Perfect for dipping and sharing
- Ready in under 30 minutes
Ingredients
Stromboli Sticks
- 1 package (about 13–14 ounces) refrigerated pizza dough
- 10 mozzarella cheese sticks
- 30 thin slices pepperoni
Garlic Butter
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon salt
For Serving
- Warm marinara or pasta sauce, for dipping
How to Make Garlic Butter Stromboli Sticks
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat oven to 425°F. Lightly grease a baking sheet or line with parchment paper.
Step 2: Roll and Cut the Dough
Roll pizza dough into a 13 x 10-inch rectangle on a lightly floured surface.
Cut the dough in half crosswise, then cut each half into 5 equal strips, making 10 strips total.
Step 3: Fill the Dough
Place one mozzarella cheese stick down the center of each strip.
Top with a few slices of pepperoni.
Fold the dough over the filling and pinch the edges tightly to seal, forming a stick.
Step 4: Make the Garlic Butter
In a small bowl, stir together the melted butter, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and salt.
Step 5: Brush and Bake
Arrange stromboli sticks seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
Brush generously with the garlic butter mixture.
Bake for 15 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
Step 6: Finish and Serve
Brush with additional garlic butter straight out of the oven for extra flavor.
Serve warm with heated marinara or pasta sauce for dipping.
Tips for the Best Stromboli Sticks
- Seal the dough well to keep the cheese from leaking
- Brush garlic butter before and after baking for maximum flavor
- Let cool for 2–3 minutes before serving—the cheese will be very hot
Variations
- Add grated Parmesan to the garlic butter
- Swap pepperoni for cooked sausage or ham
- Sprinkle chopped parsley over the top after baking
Storage & Reheating
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days
- Reheat: Warm in the oven or air fryer to keep them crispy
Garlic Butter Stromboli Sticks
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 10 SERVINGS 1x
Description
Golden, cheesy stromboli sticks filled with pepperoni and mozzarella, brushed generously with garlic butter and baked until perfectly crisp. An easy, crowd-pleasing appetizer or snack served with marinara for dipping.
Ingredients
Stromboli Sticks
-
1 package (13–14 ounces) refrigerated pizza dough
-
10 mozzarella cheese sticks
-
30 thin slices pepperoni
Garlic Butter
-
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
-
2 cloves garlic, minced
-
½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
-
¼ teaspoon salt
For Serving
-
Marinara or pasta sauce, warmed
Instructions
-
Preheat oven to 425°F. Lightly grease a baking sheet or line with parchment paper.
-
Roll pizza dough into a 13 x 10-inch rectangle on a lightly floured surface. Cut the dough in half crosswise, then cut each half into 5 equal strips.
-
Place one mozzarella cheese stick in the center of each strip. Top with three slices of pepperoni.
-
Fold the dough over the filling and pinch the edges tightly to seal, forming a stick.
-
In a small bowl, mix together the melted butter, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and salt.
-
Arrange stromboli sticks seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet. Brush generously with garlic butter.
-
Bake for 15 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
-
Brush with additional garlic butter immediately after baking, if desired.
-
Serve warm with marinara or pasta sauce for dipping.
Notes
-
Seal the dough tightly to prevent cheese from leaking.
-
Brush garlic butter before and after baking for extra flavor.
-
Best served warm for maximum cheese pull.
- Prep Time: 10 MINUTES
- Cook Time: 15 MINUTES
- Category: APPETIZER | DINNER
- Method: BAKED
- Cuisine: ITALIAN INSPIRED
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make stromboli sticks ahead of time?
Yes. You can assemble the stromboli sticks up to 24 hours in advance, place them seam-side down on a baking sheet, cover tightly, and refrigerate. Bake just before serving for best texture and cheese pull.
How do I keep the cheese from leaking out?
Make sure to seal the dough tightly, especially at the ends. Pinch the seams well and always bake the stromboli sticks seam-side down so the weight helps keep them closed.
Can I use shredded mozzarella instead of cheese sticks?
Cheese sticks work best because they hold their shape, but you can use shredded mozzarella in a pinch. Keep it centered and avoid overfilling to prevent leaks.
What dipping sauce goes best with stromboli sticks?
Warm marinara or pasta sauce is the classic choice, but they’re also great with ranch, garlic aioli, or even pizza sauce.
Can I add more toppings?
Absolutely. Cooked sausage, ham, or salami work well. You can also add a small amount of finely chopped peppers or olives—just don’t overload the dough.
Can these be cooked in an air fryer?
Yes. Air fry at 375°F for 8–10 minutes, checking halfway through. Cook until golden brown and fully heated through.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftover stromboli sticks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
What’s the best way to reheat them?
Reheat in the oven or air fryer to keep the outside crisp. Microwaving works, but the dough will be softer.
Can I freeze stromboli sticks?
Yes. Freeze baked and cooled stromboli sticks for up to 2 months. Reheat directly from frozen in the oven or air fryer until warmed through.
Final Thoughts
These garlic butter stromboli sticks are everything you want in a cheesy appetizer—easy, comforting, and packed with flavor. Whether you’re serving them for game day, a casual dinner, or a party platter, they’re guaranteed to disappear fast.
