As Halloween draws near, I love finding ways to make our meals festive and fun. This year, I decided to create a Halloween Mummy Stromboli that not only looks adorable but also tastes fantastic. My family was thrilled with the combination of cheesy goodness wrapped in golden, flaky dough. Each slice reveals a delightful surprise, and it made for a great centerpiece at our spooky dinner. Plus, it was easy to make, which is always a bonus during the busy Halloween season!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this spooky masterpiece:

For the Stromboli:

1 pound pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
1 cup mozzarella cheese (shredded)
1 cup pepperoni slices (or your favorite filling)
1 egg (for egg wash)
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
Black olives (for eyes)

For the Dipping Sauce:

1 cup marinara sauce
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface into a large rectangle.
Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese and pepperoni evenly over the dough, leaving a border around the edges.
Carefully roll the dough tightly from one long side to the other, sealing the edges well.
Place the rolled stromboli seam-side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Cut slits in the top of the stromboli to resemble mummy bandages. Brush the top with a beaten egg.
Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
While the stromboli bakes, prepare the dipping sauce by mixing marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, and olive oil in a small saucepan. Heat until warm.
Once baked, remove the stromboli from the oven and place black olives for eyes before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 6
Calories per Serving: Approximately 450
Total Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Cholesterol: 50mg
Carbohydrates: 40g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 3g
Protein: 20g

Preparation Time

Total Time: 40 minutes
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes

How to Serve

Slice the mummy stromboli into thick pieces for easy serving.
Arrange on a festive platter, drizzled with marinara sauce.
Add extra black olives on the side for those who want more “eyes”!
Consider serving with a salad or vegetable platter for a balanced meal.

Additional Tips

Get Creative: Experiment with different fillings like cooked vegetables, sausage, or even cheese varieties to suit your family’s tastes.
Make it Ahead: Prepare the stromboli in advance, wrap it tightly, and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake.
Customize Your Sauce: Add red pepper flakes or fresh herbs to the marinara sauce for an extra kick!
Use Store-Bought Dough: For convenience, using store-bought dough saves time and effort, especially on busy nights.
Make Mini Versions: Consider making smaller, individual-sized strombolis for a fun appetizer option.

Recipe Variations

Vegetarian Option: Swap out pepperoni for vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for a tasty vegetarian stromboli.
Different Cheeses: Try using a blend of cheeses, like cheddar or provolone, for varied flavors.
Sweet Twist: For dessert, create a sweet stromboli using Nutella and bananas, wrapped in dough and baked.

Serving Suggestions

Pair with a spooky drink like “Witch’s Brew” (green soda with gummy worms) for a complete Halloween vibe.
Decorate the dining area with Halloween-themed tableware and centerpieces to set the mood.
Play Halloween music in the background to keep the spirits high!

Freezing and Storage

Freezing: Unbaked stromboli can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before baking.
Storage: Store leftover baked stromboli in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.

Special Equipment

Baking sheet
Parchment paper
Mixing bowls
Rolling pin

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use homemade pizza dough?
A1: Yes, homemade pizza dough works great for this recipe!

Q2: What if I don’t have black olives?
A2: You can use small pieces of pepper or other ingredients to create eyes.

Q3: Can I make the dough ahead of time?
A3: Absolutely! Homemade dough can be prepared in advance and refrigerated or frozen.

Q4: How can I make this gluten-free?
A4: Use gluten-free pizza dough for a delicious gluten-free option.

Q5: What else can I serve with the stromboli?
A5: A mixed greens salad or garlic bread would pair well with this dish.

This Halloween Mummy Stromboli Dinner is a delightful way to celebrate the spooky season while enjoying a delicious meal. With its fun appearance and savory flavors, it’s bound to be a hit with your family and friends. Get ready to enjoy a wonderfully festive dining experience this Halloween!