Easy & Delicious Breakfast Stromboli: Your Ultimate Weekend Brunch Recipe (Weight Watchers Friendly!)
There’s something truly special about breakfast, isn’t there? It’s not just the first meal of the day; it’s an opportunity to create something truly delicious and satisfying. For many, like myself, breakfast is hands down the favorite meal, a chance to indulge in a delightful combination of savory flavors. I’m constantly dreaming up creative ways to bring all my beloved breakfast foods together into one harmonious dish. Imagine a meal where crispy bacon, fluffy egg whites, and perfectly seasoned home fries unite in a warm, golden crust. Sounds incredible, right? That’s precisely what inspired this super easy-to-make breakfast stromboli recipe, and the result is nothing short of a delightful and incredibly filling experience!
This fantastic recipe leverages the convenience of Pillsbury pizza dough, making it accessible even for novice bakers. If you can’t find the exact Pillsbury product, don’t worry! Most other store-bought pizza dough brands will work wonderfully, just roll them out to the approximate 14×9 inch dimensions specified in the instructions. While using a different dough might slightly alter the nutritional points, it’s good to know that a whole Pillsbury pizza crust typically accounts for 30 Smart Points. This particular recipe is designed to yield 6 generous servings, with each serving coming in at a satisfying 7 Smart Points, making it an excellent choice for a leisurely weekend brunch or even a quick and satisfying weeknight meal prep option.
The beauty of a stromboli lies in its ability to encapsulate a wealth of flavors and textures within a convenient, portable package. Unlike an open-faced breakfast or a scattered plate of components, the stromboli keeps everything neatly tucked inside, creating a burst of flavor with every bite. It’s a fun, engaging way to serve breakfast that feels a little bit special, yet requires minimal fuss.
Preparing this breakfast stromboli is a straightforward process, making it perfect for those mornings when you want something substantial without spending hours in the kitchen. The key is in preparing your fillings efficiently before assembling and baking. You’ll cook the bacon until perfectly crisp, sauté the vibrant peppers and onions with the home fries until tender and slightly browned, and scramble your egg whites to a light and fluffy consistency. Combining these elements creates a symphony of breakfast goodness that will tantalize your taste buds.
Understanding Stromboli: A Quick Dive into Its Charm
For those new to the world of stromboli, it’s often confused with its cousin, the calzone. While both are delicious baked dough creations, there are distinct differences. A stromboli is typically rolled or folded into a cylindrical shape with the filling sealed inside, then baked until golden. A calzone, on the other hand, is usually shaped like a half-moon, with the edges crimped to seal. Understanding these nuances can enhance your culinary appreciation. If you’ve ever wondered about the precise distinction, I highly recommend checking out my dedicated post: Stromboli vs Calzone: What’s the Difference?
Crafting Your Perfect Breakfast Stromboli: Ingredients and Customization
One of the best aspects of this breakfast stromboli is its adaptability. While the core ingredients create a classic and satisfying flavor profile, there’s ample room for customization to suit your personal preferences or dietary needs.
- Pizza Dough: The recipe calls for 1 package of Pillsbury pizza dough for its consistent quality and ease of use. If you’re looking for an alternative, many grocery stores offer fresh pizza dough balls in their refrigerated section, which can be rolled out to the desired dimensions. For those closely tracking points, remember that the entire Pillsbury crust contributes 30 Smart Points, which is then distributed across 6 servings. Feel free to use a whole wheat or gluten-free dough if preferred, adjusting point values accordingly.
- Veggies: We use 1/3 cup of diced green peppers and 1/3 cup of diced onion, which add a lovely crunch, sweetness, and savory depth. But don’t stop there! Consider adding diced mushrooms, spinach (sautéed to remove excess water), cherry tomatoes, or even a hint of jalapeño for a spicy kick. The more colorful, the better!
- Bacon: Six slices of center-cut low-point bacon are specified for a healthier option without sacrificing flavor. If center-cut is hard to find, regular bacon can be used, but be mindful of the fat content and Smart Points. Turkey bacon is another excellent lean alternative, or for ultimate convenience, you can use pre-cooked bacon crumbles often found near salad dressings – just ensure they are low in points.
- Home Fries: One cup of frozen home fries provides that comforting potato element. The original recipe refers to specific ones from product reviews, but any brand of frozen, diced potatoes suitable for frying or baking will work. For an even healthier twist, you could par-boil and dice your own potatoes or use sweet potato chunks for a different flavor profile.
- Eggs: We opt for 1 cup of egg whites from a carton for a lighter, protein-packed filling. If you prefer the richness of whole eggs, feel free to substitute with 4-5 whole eggs, scrambled. Just be aware this will change the nutritional values and Smart Points.
- Cheese: Half a cup of reduced-fat shredded cheese melts beautifully and binds the ingredients. Cheddar, mozzarella, or a Mexican blend would all be delicious. If you’re not concerned with fat content, a full-fat cheese will provide an even creamier texture.
- Seasoning: A dash of salt and pepper is essential, but the suggestion of Trader Joe’s Everything But The Bagel Seasoning is a stroke of genius, adding a fantastic texture and savory garlic-onion flavor. Other great options include smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, a pinch of red pepper flakes, or even a custom herb blend like Italian seasoning for a different twist.
Breakfast stromboli
Ingredients
- 1 package of Pillsbury pizza dough
- 1/3 cup diced peppers, I used green, but any color works!
- 1/3 cup diced onion
- 6 slices center cut low point bacon, cooked until crispy and crumbled
- 1 cup frozen home fries, diced and ready for sautéing
- 1 cup egg whites, I use from the carton for convenience and lower points
- 1/2 cup reduced-fat shredded cheese
- Dash of salt and pepper
- Seasoning of choice, I recommend Trader Joe’s Everything But The Bagel Seasoning for an extra flavor boost
Instructions
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Begin by cooking your bacon until it reaches your desired level of crispiness. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes over medium heat. Once cooked, remove the bacon, drain off any excess fat (which helps keep the points low!), and crumble it. Set the crumbled bacon aside to cool slightly. If you’re having trouble finding low-point center-cut bacon, turkey bacon is a fantastic alternative, or you can even use pre-cooked bacon crumbles, often found in the salad dressing aisle, as they are generally low in points.
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Next, prepare your vegetable and potato mix. Spray a large frying pan generously with a non-stick cooking spray and place it on the stove over medium heat. Dice your peppers and onions into small, uniform pieces, and add them to the pan along with your frozen home fries. Season with a dash of salt and pepper to taste. Cook this mixture for approximately 15 minutes, stirring frequently, until the vegetables are tender-crisp and the home fries are lightly browned and cooked through.
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In a separate pan, also lightly sprayed with cooking spray, cook and scramble your egg whites. Whisk them lightly before pouring into the hot pan, and cook until they are firm and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
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Once all your fillings are cooked, combine them. Place the home fries and vegetable mix along with the scrambled egg whites in a large bowl. Add in your crumbled bacon and your seasoning of choice (Trader Joe’s Everything But The Bagel seasoning is highly recommended!). Mix everything together thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed and seasoned.
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Before assembling, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. This will prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
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Unroll your pizza dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Using a rolling pin or your hands, gently stretch or roll the dough until it forms a rectangle approximately 14×9 inches in size. Try to keep the thickness consistent for even baking.
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Now for the fun part: shaping your stromboli! Using a pizza cutter or a sharp knife (a pizza cutter usually yields cleaner lines), make even cuts down each long side of the dough. Start about 1 inch from the edge and cut inwards towards the center, stopping about 1 inch from the central strip. Ensure your cuts on one side line up roughly with the cuts on the opposite side, creating a series of strips on both flanks, leaving the middle section uncut (refer to the pictures for a visual guide).
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Spoon your delicious breakfast mixture evenly down the uncut middle section of the dough. Don’t overfill, but ensure it’s packed nicely. Top this filling with your reduced-fat shredded cheese. Now, take the cut dough strips and alternate folding them over the filling, creating a braided pattern across the top. It might look intricate, but I promise it’s much easier than it sounds and creates a beautiful, rustic look!
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For a golden, glossy finish, lightly brush the top of the braided dough with a bit of egg white or a single whisked egg. This also helps seal the dough and gives it that professional bakery look. Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 25 minutes, or until the stromboli is beautifully golden brown and cooked through.
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Once out of the oven, let the stromboli cool for a few minutes before cutting. This helps the filling set. To get 6 equal servings, I find it easiest to first cut the stromboli in half through the middle, then cut each half into three equal pieces.
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This recipe yields 6 satisfying servings, each containing 7 Smart Points across all three MyWW programs (Blue, Green, and Purple plans, and equivalent to 7 Point Plus on the old Weight Watchers program). It’s also a fantastic candidate for meal prepping as it freezes exceptionally well!
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Nutritional information per serving: Approximately 254 Calories, 6.2g Fat, 2.4g Saturated Fat, 36g Carbohydrates, 1.4g Fiber, 4g Sugar, and 14.8g Protein. These values highlight its balanced profile, making it a smart choice for a filling and energizing meal.
Additional Info
Serving Suggestions and Storage Tips
Once your Breakfast Stromboli is baked to perfection, it’s ready to be the star of your breakfast or brunch table. Serve it warm, perhaps with a side of fresh fruit for a balanced meal, or a dollop of your favorite hot sauce for an extra kick. A freshly brewed cup of coffee or tea would complete this cozy and satisfying experience. Its robust flavors make it a versatile dish that pairs well with many simple accompaniments.
One of the greatest advantages of this recipe is its suitability for meal preparation. Since it makes 6 servings, you might have leftovers, which is fantastic! Leftover stromboli stores beautifully. Simply wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, or in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, you can use a microwave for a quick warm-up, but for best results, reheat in a toaster oven or conventional oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes until heated through and the crust regains its crispness.
Conclusion: A Breakfast to Remember
This easy and delicious Breakfast Stromboli truly transforms your morning meal into an exciting culinary adventure. It’s a wonderful way to enjoy classic breakfast flavors in a fresh, new format that’s both comforting and incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re adhering to a Weight Watchers program or simply seeking a healthier, hearty breakfast option, this recipe ticks all the boxes. Its simple preparation, customizable ingredients, and excellent nutritional profile make it a go-to choice for busy weekdays or relaxed weekend brunches. Give this recipe a try and prepare to delight your family and friends with a breakfast that’s as fun to make as it is to eat!
Don’t forget to experiment with the fillings to make it uniquely yours. Share your creations and tips in the comments below, and let’s make breakfast exciting!