Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Strombolis
Get ready to elevate your game day snacks with these Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Strombolis! These delicious rolls are packed with spicy shredded chicken, gooey mozzarella, sharp cheddar, and tangy blue cheese, all wrapped up in golden pizza dough. Brushed with an egg wash and sprinkled with parmesan, they bake up crispy and hot—perfect for dipping in ranch or extra buffalo sauce. Whether it’s game day, a party, or a cozy weeknight dinner, these strombolis combine the bold flavors of buffalo wings with the convenience of a handheld meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crowd-Pleasing: Perfect for feeding a group without breaking a sweat.
- Restaurant-Quality Flavor: Made with simple ingredients you probably already have on hand.
- Customizable Heat Level: Adjust the spice to suit everyone’s taste, from mild to wild!
- Complete Meal: No sides needed, but a simple salad pairs beautifully.
I first created this recipe during football playoffs last year when I wanted something substantial yet easy to eat while cheering on my team. Now, it’s a must-have whenever friends come over to watch the game!
Ingredients
- Pizza Dough: The perfect crispy yet soft wrapper—store-bought for convenience or homemade for that special touch.
- Shredded Chicken: A hearty protein base; rotisserie chicken works wonders for quick prep.
- Buffalo Sauce: Adds that signature tangy heat; Frank’s RedHot is a classic, but any quality buffalo sauce will do.
- Fresh Herbs: Cilantro or parsley and chives brighten up the filling and cut through the richness.
- Jalapeño: For a fresh kick; remove the seeds for a milder flavor.
- Ranch Dressing: A creamy base that balances the spice; homemade is great, but good-quality store-bought works too.
- Cheese Blend: A mix of mozzarella, cheddar, and blue cheese creates the perfect cheesy goodness.
- Sesame Seeds: For a subtle nutty crunch and visual appeal—use toasted seeds for an extra flavor boost.
- Italian Seasoning: Aromatic herbs that complement the savory filling.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 450°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This high temperature helps achieve a beautiful golden crust, and the parchment makes cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Make the Buffalo Chicken Filling
In a bowl, combine shredded chicken with buffalo sauce, ensuring every piece is well-coated. Fold in the fresh herbs and jalapeño for a burst of flavor that balances the richness of the sauce.
Step 3: Assemble the Strombolis
Divide the pizza dough into four equal portions. On a floured surface, roll each portion into an 8-inch circle. Spread a layer of ranch dressing, leaving a small border around the edges. Add a generous layer of the buffalo chicken mixture and an even distribution of cheese. Remember, less is more here—too much filling can lead to bursting during baking!
Step 4: Form and Seal
Tuck in two sides of each dough circle, then roll it up like a cinnamon roll. Pinch the seam to seal completely and place seam-side down on your prepared baking sheet. This technique creates beautiful spirals of filling when sliced.
Step 5: Apply Topping and Prepare for Baking
In a small bowl, mix together the parmesan cheese, sesame seeds, and Italian seasoning. Brush the tops of each stromboli with the beaten egg for a glossy finish and to help the topping stick. Sprinkle generously with the parmesan mixture, then cut a couple of small slits in the top to allow steam to escape while baking.
You Must Know
- Make Ahead: These strombolis can be prepped ahead of time and reheated whenever hunger strikes.
- Perfect for a Crowd: This versatile recipe welcomes adaptations based on what you have on hand.
- Complete Meal: Each stromboli is a meal in itself, so no need for sides!
The combination of buffalo chicken and multiple cheeses in these strombolis takes me back to my college days, where my roommates and I would whip up buffalo chicken dip for our weekend gatherings. This recipe evolved from those fun times, bringing back memories of laughter and friendship around our tiny kitchen table.
Make It Your Own
The beauty of this stromboli recipe lies in its adaptability. If buffalo sauce is too spicy for your taste, substitute sweet barbecue sauce mixed with a touch of honey. The smoky sweetness pairs beautifully with the cheese blend while keeping that satisfying flavor profile. For a vegetarian twist, swap out the chicken for roasted cauliflower tossed in buffalo sauce—it mimics the texture and soaks up all that tangy goodness!
Homemade Sauce Options
Elevate your strombolis by making your own buffalo sauce! Simply combine 1/2 cup melted butter with 3/4 cup hot sauce (like Frank’s RedHot), 1 tablespoon of honey, and 1 teaspoon of garlic powder. For homemade ranch, mix 1 cup mayonnaise, 1/2 cup sour cream, 1 tablespoon each of dried parsley, dill, and chives, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, and a squeeze of lemon juice. Both sauces keep well in the fridge for up to a week and add depth to your flavors.
Make Ahead Tips
These strombolis are perfect for meal prep! Assemble them up to the baking stage, wrap each one tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. You can also freeze unbaked strombolis for up to three months—just wrap them well in plastic and foil. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator overnight, add the egg wash and toppings right before baking, and adjust the cooking time by adding about 5 extra minutes.
You Must Know
- Allow the strombolis to rest for 5 minutes after baking. This helps the cheese set slightly, making slicing cleaner and preventing molten cheese from escaping too quickly.
- Serve with small ramekins of extra buffalo sauce and ranch dressing for dipping. This elevates the experience and lets guests control their desired heat level.
- For a prettier presentation, brush the tops with garlic butter during the last 5 minutes of baking for added flavor and an irresistible sheen.
This recipe is sure to impress any crowd while being easy enough for a weeknight dinner. Give it a try and savor the perfect balance of flavor and comfort in every bite!
Frequently Asked Questions
→ Can I make these strombolis ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the strombolis up to the baking stage, cover them tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, brush with egg wash, add toppings, and bake directly from the refrigerator, adding 5-10 minutes to the cooking time.
→ What can I substitute for blue cheese?
If blue cheese isn’t your thing, feel free to omit it or replace it with feta, goat cheese, or additional mozzarella or cheddar for a milder flavor.
→ How spicy are these strombolis?
The spice level depends on your buffalo sauce and the jalapeño. For a milder version, use a less spicy buffalo sauce, skip the jalapeño, or reduce the buffalo sauce and increase the ranch dressing.
→ Can I use rotisserie chicken for this dish?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is perfect and a major time-saver. Just shred the meat from a store-bought rotisserie chicken and measure out 1 cup for this recipe.
→ How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Store cooled strombolis in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes until heated through. You can also microwave them, but they won’t retain their crispy exterior.
→ Can I freeze these strombolis?
Yes! After baking, let them cool completely, then wrap individually in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in a 350°F oven until warmed through.
Ingredients
Dough & Seasonings:
- 1 pound pizza dough
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 egg, beaten
Buffalo Chicken Filling:
- 1 cup cooked shredded chicken
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives
- 1 jalapeño, seeded and chopped
Cheese:
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
- 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese (optional)
- 1 cup shredded whole milk mozzarella
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan or asiago cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 450°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, combine the shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, cilantro, chives, and jalapeño.
- Divide the pizza dough into 4 balls. On a floured surface, roll each ball into about an 8-inch circle/oval. Spread each piece of dough with ranch dressing, then add an even layer of the buffalo chicken mixture. Top with equal amounts of mozzarella and cheddar, and drizzle with additional buffalo sauce if desired.
- Tuck in two sides of the dough, then roll up into a log (like a cinnamon roll), pinching to seal. Place seam side down on the prepared baking sheet.
- In a bowl, combine the parmesan, sesame seeds, and Italian seasoning. Brush the tops of the strombolis with the beaten egg, then sprinkle with the parmesan mixture. Cut 2 small slits in the top of each stromboli.
- Bake for 10 minutes, then reduce the heat to 375°F and bake another 20 to 30 minutes or until golden brown on top. Serve with additional buffalo sauce and/or ranch.
This recipe is bound to be a hit, whether you’re hosting a game day gathering or just looking for a fun weeknight dinner. Enjoy every cheesy, spicy bite! 🥳🍗✨
