If you’re seeking a crave-worthy, crowd-pleasing snack or party appetizer, you can’t go wrong with Quick and Easy Garlic Butter Stromboli Squares. This irresistible dish takes everyone’s favorite pizza-inspired ingredients and bakes them into golden, buttery slabs, packed with layers of gooey mozzarella, zesty cured meats, and a garlicky herb butter finish. Perfect for serving a hungry group or indulging in comfort food at home, these stromboli squares are a guaranteed hit—easy to make, impossible to resist, and destined to disappear in minutes!

Quick and Easy Garlic Butter Stromboli Squares Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The best thing about Quick and Easy Garlic Butter Stromboli Squares is that the ingredients are simple, but each one packs a punch for taste and texture. From melty cheeses to aromatic herbs, every element shines and works in harmony to create a beautiful, savory pull-apart treat.

Pizza Dough: The fluffy base and top for your stromboli squares—store-bought dough keeps things quick, but feel free to use your favorite homemade recipe.
Mozzarella Cheese: Sliced mozzarella ensures every bite is stringy and cheesy—don’t skimp on it for maximum melty goodness!
Pepperoni: A classic addition with spicy, robust flavor; microwaving it first keeps the stromboli from getting greasy.
Salami: Adds a rich, tangy bite that pairs beautifully with the other meats and cheese.
Ham: Sweet and savory ham balances out the spices from the other cured meats.
Garlic: Freshly minced garlic infuses every square with that unmistakable aroma and taste.
Unsalted Butter: The golden canvas for your garlic and herbs, brushed over the top for flavor and sheen.
Fresh Parsley: Bright and herbal, parsley brings freshness to each bite.
Fresh Basil: A fragrant finishing herb that pairs perfectly with the Italian flavors.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated parmesan adds salty, nutty crunch on top—don’t use the shelf-stable kind if you can help it.
Marinara Sauce: For dipping—grab your favorite jarred variety or make a quick batch for extra flair.

How to Make Quick and Easy Garlic Butter Stromboli Squares

Step 1: Prepare the Baking Sheet and Dough

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Roll out half of your pizza dough (or one can, if you’re using the pre-made kind) onto a 13 x 9-inch nonstick baking sheet. Work the dough gently with your hands to reach the edges and create an even layer—that foundation is the start of deliciousness!

Step 2: Lay Down Cheese

Spread half of the sliced mozzarella evenly over your prepared dough. This first cheesy layer guarantees that signature gooey stromboli pull the minute you cut into your squares.

Step 3: Prepare and Layer the Meats

Pop the pepperoni slices onto a paper towel-lined plate and microwave for about 15 seconds, just until the oils begin to release. Blot off the excess grease to ensure your stromboli isn’t soggy. Layer on the pepperoni, salami, and ham over the mozzarella. Then, follow up with the rest of your mozzarella for a second, sealing layer, before covering everything with your remaining slab of dough. Stretch the top so it covers all the filling edge to edge.

Step 4: Bake the Stromboli Slab

Slide your assembled stromboli into the oven and bake for about 25 minutes, until it’s puffed and starting to turn lightly golden on top. Your kitchen will already smell amazing!

Step 5: Make the Garlic Butter

Toward the end of baking, grab a microwave-safe bowl and add your minced garlic and butter. Loosely cover, then microwave for roughly 30 seconds, or until the butter is melted and the garlic is fragrant. Stir in the chopped parsley and basil for a burst of color and herby flavor.

Step 6: Slice, Brush, and Top

Using a pizza cutter, slice the warm stromboli into generous rectangles. Grab your garlic butter and brush it liberally over the top, making sure to get into all the nooks and crannies. Sprinkle a shower of grated parmesan over everything, then return the pan to the oven for another 10 minutes, until the top is golden, sturdy, and ultra-inviting.

Step 7: Cool, Slice, and Serve

Let the stromboli rest for about 5 minutes so it can set up (and so no one burns their fingers). Serve your Quick and Easy Garlic Butter Stromboli Squares warm with plenty of marinara sauce for dipping—the ultimate finish!

How to Serve Quick and Easy Garlic Butter Stromboli Squares

Garnishes

Elevate your stromboli squares with a sprinkle of extra fresh basil or parsley right before serving. A flurry of extra parmesan never hurt, either! If you want a little color and zing, a pinch of red pepper flakes can give your squares an extra pop.

Side Dishes

Quick and Easy Garlic Butter Stromboli Squares are fantastic as a main event with a big Italian-style salad—think crisp romaine, tomatoes, and olives tossed in a zesty vinaigrette. For a fun party spread, add crispy roasted vegetables or a fresh antipasto platter for guests to nibble alongside.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, arrange your stromboli squares on a large wooden board with bowls of warmed marinara and even a herby ranch dip. To make them even more inviting, stick toothpicks or mini forks in each square for easy grab-and-go snacking. Stack them up in a pyramid for a playful, shareable centerpiece your guests won’t forget!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you somehow have leftovers (which is rare!), wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator, where they’ll stay fresh and delicious for up to 4 days.

Freezing

Quick and Easy Garlic Butter Stromboli Squares freeze beautifully. After baking and cooling, layer the squares between pieces of parchment paper in a freezer-safe container. Pop them in the freezer, where they’ll keep their flavor and structure for up to 2 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge when you’re ready for round two.

Reheating

To revive that just-baked taste, reheat your stromboli squares in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10 to 12 minutes. They’ll come out crisp and melty—almost as though they were made fresh. You can also use a toaster oven for convenience, though the microwave works in a pinch (just expect a slightly softer crust).

FAQs

Can I make Quick and Easy Garlic Butter Stromboli Squares ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the stromboli (minus the garlic butter topping) up to a day in advance and keep it covered in the fridge. Finish baking and add the butter topping just before serving for the best texture and flavor.

What other fillings can I use inside the stromboli?

Feel free to get creative! Try sautéed mushrooms, spinach, roasted bell peppers, or even a sprinkle of Italian sausage for extra richness. Just make sure not to overfill, so your stromboli stays sturdy and easy to slice.

Can I use shredded cheese instead of sliced?

Yes, shredded mozzarella works well if you can’t find slices. Just layer it thick so you still get a gooey, cheesy center in each square!

Is there a way to make this recipe vegetarian?

Definitely! Swap out the meats for layers of sautéed veggies like spinach, mushrooms, and bell peppers, or try marinated artichokes and olives for a Mediterranean twist. The cheese and garlic butter will keep everything rich and flavorful.

What’s the best way to keep the bottom crust from getting soggy?

Baking your stromboli on a nonstick or lightly greased baking sheet helps, and be sure to blot your meats well after microwaving. If you have a pizza stone, using it can make for an extra crispy bottom. And don’t forget to let it cool for a few minutes before slicing, to allow the fillings to set up.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re hosting friends or just craving a cozy meal at home, these Quick and Easy Garlic Butter Stromboli Squares are fun to make, a dream to eat, and loved by kids and adults alike. Give them a try next time you’re in the mood for something cheesy, garlicky, and utterly comforting—you just might find yourself making them every week!