Easy Homemade Stromboli ($10 Family Dinner Idea) and more...

This easy stromboli recipe is a fun $10 dinner idea that my entire family loves. It's great as leftovers the next day (my boys take it in their school lunches), and it can be eaten hot or cold (or even at room temperature). Feel free to sub store-bought ... ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  View Online Here's what's new: Easy Homemade Stromboli ($10 Family Dinner Idea) Best Things to Buy on Black Friday (and What Not To) Easy Homemade Stromboli ($10 Family Dinner Idea) This easy stromboli recipe is a fun $10 dinner idea that my entire family loves. It’s great as leftovers the next day (my boys take it in their school lunches), and it can be eaten hot or cold (or even at room temperature). Feel free to sub store-bought pizza dough if you’re short on time — or if you get a really great deal on it! I was inspired to make this as I’ve gotten some cheap deals on deli meat the last few weeks. I don’t add marina sauce in my stromboli, but you definitely can if you like. I’ve found marinara sauce makes it messier and you have to eat it with a fork — which isn’t a bad thing. But when you’re serving a houseful of hungry teens who aren’t going to be using forks, like I often am, it works better to offer marinara as a dipping sauce on the side for those who want it. You could also customize this recipe by adding in some veggies like sliced black olives or other pizza toppings. I hope you love it as much as we do! As an added plus, stromboli smells so amazing while baking. This post is part of our $10 Dinner Ideas series, brought to you by Brigette on our team! Each week, she shares easy, delicious, and affordable family-friendly dinner ideas that cost less than $10 to make, use everyday ingredients, and are super quick meals. Stromboli Menu: Stromboli (you can definitely add a side, but at my house, my family isn’t going to touch a side when the main course is stromboli!) Ingredients for Stromboli: 2 cups warm water 1 1/2 Tablespoons instant active yeast (Sam’s Club – 2lbs for $6.88) — $0.12 1 1/2 Tablespoons sugar (Aldi – $2.86 for 9 1/2 cups) — $0.04 3 Tablespoons olive oil (Aldi – $7.25 for 33 tablespoons) — $0.66 1 1/2 teaspoons salt 5 1/4 cups all-purpose or bread flour (approximately – use more or less as needed) (Aldi – $1.99 for 5 lbs) — $0.52 4 Tablespoons butter, melted (Aldi – $2.49 for 4 sticks)  — $0.31 4 garlic cloves, minced (Aldi – $0.99 for 3 heads) — $0.13 1 lb sliced deli meat (Publix – $1.49 for 8oz) – $2.98 1 lb sliced cheese (Aldi – $1.50 for 8oz) — $3 Fresh herbs or dried Italian seasoning or parsley 1 egg, whisked with 1 Tablespoon water (Aldi – $1.66 for 12 eggs) — $0.14 Total Cost for Dinner: $7.90 (makes 2 large loaves – serves approximately 8) How to Make Stromboli: 1. In a large bowl, combine the sugar, salt, yeast and 2 cups of the flour. Stir well. In another bowl, stir together the olive oil and the warm water. 2. Pour the water mixture into the flour mixture and stir until combined. Continue adding the remaining flour until the dough sticks together. 3. Turn onto a floured surface and knead for a few minutes, adding more flour as needed. 4. Put dough into a greased bowl and let rise in a warm place until doubled — about 45 minutes. 5. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Divide dough in half and roll each half into a 12×18 inch rectangle. Stir together the melted butter and minced garlic. Brush each rectangle with half of the garlic butter. 6. Layer on the sliced cheese and meat, dividing evenly between the 2 loaves. Leave a 1-inch border on the bottom and sides and a 3″ border on top without meat/cheese (when you roll it, the fillings will be pushed forward). 7. Starting from the bottom, roll tightly into a 16-inch log. Pinch the edges together firmly and tuck the ends under. 8. Place each loaf on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush with the egg wash and sprinkle with fresh herbs or Italian seasoning, if desired. 8. Bake at 400 degrees for 30 minutes. Let cool at least 5 minutes before cutting into slices. Serve with warm marinara sauce, if desired. Print Easy Stromboli This easy stromboli recipe is a fun dinner idea that my entire family loves. It’s great as leftovers the next day (my boys take it in their school lunches), and it can be eaten hot or cold (or even at room temperature). I hope you love it as much as we do! Course Appetizer, Bread, dinner, Main Course Cuisine American, Italian Keyword easy dinner, family favorite, homemade Prep Time 15 minutes minutes Cook Time 30 minutes minutes Rising Time 45 minutes minutes Servings 8 Calories 695kcal Author Brigette Cost $7.90 Ingredients 2 cups warm water 1 1/2 Tablespoons instant active yeast Sam’s Club – 2lbs for $6.88 — $0.12 1 1/2 Tablespoons sugar Aldi – $2.86 for 9 1/2 cups — $0.04 3 Tablespoons olive oil Aldi – $7.25 for 33 tablespoons — $0.66 1 1/2 teaspoons salt 5 1/4 cups all-purpose or bread flour approximately – use more or less as needed (Aldi – $1.99 for 5 lbs) — $0.52 4 Tablespoons butter melted (Aldi – $2.49 for 4 sticks) — $0.31 4 cloves garlic minced (Aldi – $0.99 for 3 heads) — $0.13 1 lb sliced deli meat Publix – $1.49 for 8oz – $2.98 1 lb sliced cheese Aldi – $1.50 for 8oz — $3 Fresh herbs or dried Italian seasoning or parsley 1 egg whisked with 1 Tablespoon water (Aldi – $1.66 for 12 eggs) — $0.14 Instructions In a large bowl, combine the sugar, salt, yeast and 2 cups of the flour. Stir well. In another bowl, stir together the olive oil and the warm water. Pour the water mixture into the flour mixture and stir until combined. Continue adding the remaining flour until the dough sticks together. Turn onto a floured surface and knead for a few minutes, adding more flour as needed. Put dough into a greased bowl and let rise in a warm place until doubled — about 45 minutes. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Divide dough in half and roll each half into a 12×18 inch rectangle. Stir together the melted butter and minced garlic. Brush each rectangle with half of the garlic butter. Layer on the sliced cheese and meat, dividing evenly between the 2 loaves. Leave a 1-inch border on the bottom and sides and a 3″ border on top without meat/cheese (when you roll it, the fillings will be pushed forward). Starting from the bottom, roll tightly into a 16-inch log. Pinch the edges together firmly and tuck the ends under. Place each loaf on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush with the egg wash and sprinkle with fresh herbs or Italian seasoning, if desired. Bake at 400 degrees for 30 minutes. Let cool at least 5 minutes before cutting into slices. Serve with warm marinara sauce, if desired. Notes Feel free to sub store-bought pizza dough if you’re short on time — or if you get a really great deal on it! I don’t add marina sauce in my stromboli, but you definitely can if you like. You could also customize this recipe by adding in some veggies like sliced black olives or other pizza toppings. Nutrition Calories: 695kcal | Carbohydrates: 70g | Protein: 31g | Fat: 32g | Saturated Fat: 16g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 10g | Trans Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 110mg | Sodium: 1541mg | Potassium: 270mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 775IU | Vitamin C: 0.5mg | Calcium: 429mg | Iron: 5mg FAQs about Stromboli: What’s the difference between stromboli and a calzone? Both are breading wrapped around fillings, but they are different shapes and sizes. A calzone is a single-serving half-moon dish, while a stromboli is an elongated cylinder that is sliced and shared. What is in a traditional stromboli? A traditional stromboli has mozzarella or provolone cheese, along with Italian deli meats like ham, prosciutto, or pepperoni. How are you supposed to eat stromboli? Allow it to cool slightly and then slice it and eat it with a fork or simply by picking it up. I prefer to serve marinara on the side so it’s an easy finger food. Can you eat stromboli cold? Yes! You can eat stromboli hot, cold, or even at room temperature. It’s great leftover and my kids love to pack it in their school lunches. More Ideas for Family Dinners Under $10: Egg Roll in a Bowl ($10 Family Dinner Idea) Baked Nachos Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole and Whole Wheat Blueberry Muffins Sloppy Joes and Simple Coleslaw Chinese Chicken Stir Fry with Vegetables Cheesy Baked Tortellini and Green Bean Fries Bubble Pizza Creamy Chicken and Rice Skillet French Toast Casserole and Baked Scrambled Eggs Easy Baked Chicken Biscuits and Gravy Quick & Easy Mini Calzones And, be sure to check out all our easy dinner recipes here! If you make this Stromboli $10 family dinner, we’d love for you to leave a review and let us know how it turned out! FREE DOWNLOAD: 60 Meals To Help You Avoid Takeout! Meal time just got so much easier!       Best Things to Buy on Black Friday (and What Not To) Every year around this time, I find myself asking the same question: “What’s actually worth buying on Black Friday?” I still remember my early mom days, standing in long lines at 6 a.m., clutching a coffee, hoping to grab those one or two hot deals in the throngs of people who were also hoping to get a great deal, too. Thankfully, things have changed. These days, I do almost all my Black Friday shopping from home in my cozy PJ’s with a mug of hot tea in hand. Over the years, I’ve learned which deals are truly worth jumping on and which ones can wait. This year, Black Friday 2026 falls on Friday, November 27, the day after Thanksgiving. But with more retailers rolling out early savings events, the best sales often start weeks before that. If you’re trying to stretch your Christmas budget this year, I’m here to help you figure out exactly what to buy on Black Friday (and what to skip) so you can shop smarter, save more, and stress less this holiday season. By the way, don’t miss this post with Best Places to Shop on Black Friday: Where to Find the Hottest Deals in 2026. The Best Things to Buy on Black Friday While every store claims to have “can’t-miss” deals, certain categories tend to offer the biggest savings each year. If you plan ahead, you can score major discounts on gifts, electronics, and even home essentials that will make your holidays brighter without stretching your budget. Toys Black Friday toys are always among the hottest sellers. Prices on popular brands drop significantly, making it the perfect time to stock up for Christmas or birthday gifts for later in the year. Retailers like Target, Walmart, and Amazon often offer early access toy sales that run through November. Shopping early helps you shop before high-demand items like LEGO sets, Tonies, squishies, Hot Wheels tracks, and Barbie dream houses might sell out. Barbie and Dolls Speaking of dolls, Black Friday Barbie deals are always worth watching. If your kids love Barbie or collectible dolls, this is the best time to buy. Many stores run exclusive bundle offers with accessories or themed playsets that rarely go on sale any other time of year. After the brand’s resurgence in recent years, some of these items sell out quickly so it’s smart to add your favorites to your cart as soon as they drop. Holiday Décor and Christmas Trees It’s also a great time to shop for Black Friday Christmas tree deals and holiday decorations. Artificial trees, lights, and wreaths can be marked down as much as 50% before December even begins. While many people wait until after Christmas for clearance sales, buying now gives you more options and helps you set up your home early for the season. Laptops and Tablets If you’re shopping for electronics, laptop Black Friday deals and iPad specials on Black Friday can save you hundreds. Retailers like Best Buy, Amazon, and Target often feature limited-time doorbusters on tech products that make great gifts for students, professionals, or anyone working from home. Older-generation iPads and Chromebooks tend to see the biggest price drops, and some stores even include bonus gift cards when you purchase select models. Streaming and Digital Deals Some of the best Black Friday Streaming Deals are on digital subscriptions. Services like Hulu, Disney+, and Paramount+ typically offer deep discounts or extended free trials. And don’t forget about streaming Hallmark Christmas movies! If you’re looking for a budget-friendly way to enjoy family movie nights or binge-watch your favorite shows, this is the time to sign up or renew your subscription. These deals also make for great gifts, especially for families who want to save on entertainment. Gaming Consoles Gamers can look forward to incredible PS5 Black Friday deals this year. Bundles that include popular games or accessories often provide the most value, especially since consoles rarely go on sale outside of major events like Black Friday. Keep an eye on Amazon, GameStop, and major retailers for restocks, since quantities can disappear fast. Apple Watches and Tech Accessories For fitness lovers or busy moms who want to stay on top of their goals, Apple Watch Black Friday deals are another hot category. Look for markdowns on older models like the Series SE or previous generations, which still offer great functionality at a fraction of the price. This is the perfect time to buy a discounted smartwatch for yourself or as a thoughtful and practical holiday gift. (Psst… Wondering which wearable fitness tracker is best? Check out this post for a comparison of Apple Watch vs. Oura Ring vs. Whoop.) Books Book lovers should definitely keep an eye out for Black Friday book sales. You can find discounted box sets, popular titles, and children’s books perfect for holiday gifting. Amazon, Target, Walmart, and Barnes & Noble often feature buy-one-get-one or 50% off deals on bestsellers and classics alike. And, books make a simple, meaningful, and budget-friendly gift idea for everyone on your list. (If you want ideas, visit these posts for my favorite fiction books, best non-fiction books, and best devotionals & Christian books for women.) Appliances and Home Essentials Finally, don’t overlook Black Friday appliance deals if you’ve been planning a big purchase for your home. From refrigerators and microwaves to washers and dryers, major retailers like Home Depot, Lowe’s, and Best Buy roll out some of their steepest discounts of the year for Black Friday. If you can time your upgrade for November, you can save hundreds, especially on large items, often with extended warranties or free delivery. Best Black Friday Gifts to Watch For If you’re shopping for gifts, this is one of the best times to grab unique Black Friday deals that go beyond the typical electronics and toys. Personalized photo gifts, cozy blankets, home gadgets, and kitchen tools often get marked down, making them perfect for thoughtful yet affordable presents. Stocking stuffers like candles, mugs, journals, or small tech accessories can also be bundled with larger gifts to stretch your dollars further. Shopping early allows you to wrap up your list before the holiday rush and take advantage of the widest selection. What Not to Buy on Black Friday While Black Friday brings incredible deals in certain categories, not every discount is worth jumping on. For example, winter clothing is often cheaper in January when post-holiday clearance sales hit. Bedding and linens also see better prices during January “white sales,” and jewelry tends to drop in price around Valentine’s Day and Mother’s Day. Even fitness equipment is often cheaper in early January when retailers market to New Year’s resolution shoppers. If you can wait, you’ll likely score even better savings later on. When Do Stores Start Their Black Friday Sales? The days of waking up at 5 a.m. to stand in line outside a store are long gone. Now, most major retailers start their Black Friday events early, sometimes as soon as late October. Stores like Target, Walmart, and Amazon all launch early deal weeks that roll straight into Black Friday weekend. Signing up for store newsletters or loyalty programs can help you access these sales before the general public. Early shopping also helps you avoid last-minute shipping delays or stock shortages. Is Cyber Monday Cheaper Than Black Friday? You might be wondering if it’s better to wait until Cyber Monday for certain items. The answer depends on what you’re buying. Black Friday typically offers deeper discounts on physical goods like toys, appliances, and TVs, while Cyber Monday is known for its digital and tech-focused deals. Categories like Cyber Week TV deals and Cyber Week computer deals often shine online, with flash sales and digital bundles that may not appear in stores. If you missed something on Friday, it’s worth checking back on Monday for a second chance at savings. Some Final Thoughts Shopping for the Best Black Friday Deals Black Friday can feel a little overwhelming. There are so many ads, emails, and “can’t-miss” deals popping up everywhere. But remember, you don’t have to buy everything. The goal is to be intentional: to choose the deals that truly make your life easier or help you give more meaningfully without overspending. To make the most of your holiday budget, start with a plan. Set spending limits before you start browsing and stick to your list. Use digital coupons, store reward programs, and cashback apps like Rakuten, Ibotta, TopCashback, and Swagbucks to stack additional savings on top of already discounted prices. If you’re shopping online, try to check out early since many of the best offers sell out fast or are limited to a few hours. And don’t forget to bookmark our Best Black Friday deals page for live updates and roundups as we get closer to the big day. If you’re hoping to make the most of your Black Friday, you’ll love my FREE Black Friday Playbook — it’s your simple, step-by-step guide to shop smarter, save more, and enjoy the holiday season with peace of mind! More Links You’ll Love: FREE Christmas Budget Boost Cheatsheet: Easily earn $100-$300 before Christmas!! 50+ Simple Ways to Practice Hospitality On A Budget FREE Christmas Gift Lists & Budget Tracker Printables! 40+ Ways to Celebrate Christmas on a Budget Crowd-Pleasing Meals for 25+ How We Lowered Our Christmas Budget, Reduced our Clutter, and Created More Family Time! 50+ Budget-Friendly and Easy DIY Christmas Gifts Best Places to Shop on Black Friday: Where to Find the Hottest Deals This Year What do you think are the best things to buy on Black Friday? We’d love to hear your advice in the comments! What if Black Friday could be simple and stress-free — and still save you the most money? Walk into the biggest shopping weekend of the year with a smart plan, a clear budget, and proven strategies to make the most of every deal       Latest finds on Pinterest The best devotionals for kids that actually keep their attention! 📚✨ From toddlers to tweens, these faith-filled books help explain big truths in simple ways and spark meaningful conversations about Jesus. Skip takeout and make these easy homemade Chipotle bowls instead! 🌯✨ This build-your-own rice bowl dinner is budget-friendly, customizable, and perfect for feeding a family. Great for using leftovers and picky eaters — everyone gets exactly what they love! 💛 Skip the expensive takeout and make this easy Chicken Stir Fry at home! It’s full of chicken and vegetables, covered in a flavorful homemade sauce, and easy to customize with whatever veggies your family loves. Safely Unsubscribe • Archives • Preferences • Contact • Subscribe • Privacy Email subscriptions powered by FeedBlitz® • 650 E. 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