I can’t wait to share a recipe that quickly became one of my all-time favorites to make and eat. Last weekend, I tried whipping up Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Strombolis for my game night, and they were a massive hit! Picture this: golden-brown pizza dough stuffed with saucy buffalo chicken, three types of gooey melted cheese, and a drizzle of ranch dressing.
The best part? A sprinkle of a simple but flavorful “pizza seasoning” mix takes the whole thing to the next level. I loved how easy it was to pull together, and the individual portions make it perfect for sharing (or hoarding for yourself like me!). Trust me, one bite of these cheesy, spicy, and absolutely delicious strombolis, and you’ll never look at game-day snacks the same way.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
These Buffalo Chicken Strombolis aren’t just a recipe; they’re a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Quick to Make and Easy to Assemble
Even if you’re no expert in the kitchen, this recipe comes together without a hitch. Using store-bought pizza dough cuts prep work down to just rolling and filling. It’s a low-effort, high-reward kind of meal.
Packed With Flavor
Between the kick from the buffalo sauce, the creaminess of melted mozzarella and cheddar, and the zing of ranch dressing, every bite is bursting with bold flavors. It’s comfort food with a spicy twist.
Perfect for Sharing
The recipe makes four personal-sized strombolis, which means everyone gets their own cheesy pocket of deliciousness. Plus, it’s super fun to serve for gatherings or weeknight dinners. Great for picky eaters or adventurous foodies alike!
Highly Customizable
You can easily tweak the spice level, use your favorite cheese combinations, or opt for dairy-free swaps if needed. It’s a simple base recipe that leaves room for creativity. No two batches have to be the same!
Great for Game Day
Football season, anyone? These strombolis are meaty, cheesy, and downright addictive, making them the MVP of your snack table. Serve with extra ranch or buffalo sauce for dipping and watch them disappear.
Cooking Time
You can whip these up in no time with minimal prep and baking!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
Ingredients
To make these irresistible strombolis, here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 pound store-bought pizza dough
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- ½ cup buffalo sauce
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro or parsley, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh chives, minced
- 1 small jalapeño, finely diced
- ⅓ cup ranch dressing
- ¼ cup crumbled blue cheese (optional)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 large egg, beaten
Variations
Get creative with these variations to suit your taste buds or dietary needs!
- Dairy-Free: Use a plant-based cheese mix and a dairy-free ranch dressing to make it lactose-friendly.
- Turn Down the Heat: If spicy isn’t your thing, swap the jalapeño with mild peppers or leave it out altogether.
- Make It Vegetarian: Replace the chicken with roasted veggies like cauliflower or sautéed mushrooms.
- Experiment with Flavors: Add smoked paprika or garlic powder to the ranch for an extra flavor boost.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Rolling Pin: To roll out your dough into individual portions.
- Mixing Bowl: For tossing the chicken with buffalo sauce and herbs.
- Baking Sheet: To bake the strombolis to golden perfection.
- Pastry Brush: For brushing the egg wash over the dough.
How to Make Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Stromboli?
Making these strombolis is easier than it looks, and trust me, every step is so worth it. Here’s how to do it!
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
Start by preheating your oven to 450°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. Grab a mixing bowl and toss your cooked, shredded chicken with buffalo sauce, cilantro, chives, and jalapeños. Mix it well to ensure every piece of chicken is coated with spicy goodness.
Step 2: Roll and Fill the Dough
Divide your pizza dough into four equal pieces. On a floured surface, roll out each piece into an 8-inch oval or circle. Spread a generous layer of ranch dressing across each piece of dough, then pile on the buffalo chicken mixture. Sprinkle with shredded mozzarella, cheddar, and crumbled blue cheese, if using.
Step 3: Fold and Seal the Strombolis
Fold in two sides of the dough to tuck in the filling, then roll it up lengthwise like a cinnamon roll. Pinch the edges to seal everything in. Place your stromboli seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet for stability.
Step 4: Add Toppings and Bake
Brush each stromboli with a beaten egg to help it bake to a beautiful golden color. Then, sprinkle the tops with a mix of parmesan, sesame seeds, and Italian seasoning. Use a sharp knife to cut a few small slits in the top of the dough for ventilation. Bake at 450°F for 10 minutes, then reduce the heat to 375°F and bake for another 20–30 minutes.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Once your strombolis are golden brown and fragrant, serve them hot with extra buffalo sauce or ranch for dipping. Trust me, biting into that cheesy, spicy goodness is pure bliss!
Tips for Making the Recipe
Here are some helpful tips to make your Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Strombolis:
Use Store-Bought Dough for Convenience: If you’re short on time, go ahead and grab pre-made pizza dough. It works just as well and saves tons of time.
Don’t Skip the Egg Wash: This step ensures a gorgeous golden crust on your stromboli. It also helps the Parmesan topping stick better.
Adjust the Spice to Your Liking: Add more buffalo sauce or jalapeños for extra heat, or stick with milder options if you prefer a less spicy version.
Bake Until Crispy: Keep an eye on the stromboli in the oven and bake until the crust is deep golden brown. That crispy outside is key!
How to Serve Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Strombolis?
Presentation is everything, even for a casual meal. Slice your strombolis into pieces for easy serving, and arrange them on a platter with ramekins of ranch or extra buffalo sauce. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves for a pop of color. These strombolis pair well with a side salad, crispy fries, or crunchy veggie sticks for dipping. They’re equally perfect as a game-day appetizer or a standalone meal!
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick breakdown of the nutritional values per serving.
- Calories: 568
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fat: 34g
Make Ahead and Storage
If you’re planning ahead, these strombolis can be prepped in advance!
- Refrigeration: Assemble the strombolis, but don’t add the egg wash yet. Store them covered in the fridge for up to 24 hours, then brush with egg wash and bake when ready.
- Freezing: You can also freeze fully baked strombolis. Wrap them individually in foil, place them in a freezer bag, and freeze for up to 3 months. When reheating, pop them into the oven at 375°F until warmed through.
Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Strombolis are everything you want in a comfort dish—ooey, gooey, spicy, and perfect for sharing. Whether you’re hosting friends, catering a party, or simply craving a flavor-packed dinner, this recipe checks all the boxes! I can’t wait for you to try it.
Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Strombolis
Ingredients
- 1 pound store-bought pizza dough
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- ½ cup buffalo sauce
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro or parsley finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh chives minced
- 1 small jalapeño finely diced
- ⅓ cup ranch dressing
- ¼ cup crumbled blue cheese optional
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 large egg beaten
Instructions
- Start by preheating your oven to 450°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. Grab a mixing bowl and toss your cooked, shredded chicken with buffalo sauce, cilantro, chives, and jalapeños. Mix it well to ensure every piece of chicken is coated with spicy goodness.
- Divide your pizza dough into four equal pieces. On a floured surface, roll out each piece into an 8-inch oval or circle. Spread a generous layer of ranch dressing across each piece of dough, then pile on the buffalo chicken mixture. Sprinkle with shredded mozzarella, cheddar, and crumbled blue cheese, if using.
- Fold in two sides of the dough to tuck in the filling, then roll it up lengthwise like a cinnamon roll. Pinch the edges to seal everything in. Place your stromboli seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet for stability.
- Brush each stromboli with a beaten egg to help it bake to a beautiful golden color. Then, sprinkle the tops with a mix of parmesan, sesame seeds, and Italian seasoning. Use a sharp knife to cut a few small slits in the top of the dough for ventilation. Bake at 450°F for 10 minutes, then reduce the heat to 375°F and bake for another 20–30 minutes.
- Once your strombolis are golden brown and fragrant, serve them hot with extra buffalo sauce or ranch for dipping. Trust me, biting into that cheesy, spicy goodness is pure bliss!
Notes
- Use Store-Bought Dough for Convenience: If you’re short on time, go ahead and grab pre-made pizza dough. It works just as well and saves tons of time.
- Don’t Skip the Egg Wash: This step ensures a gorgeous golden crust on your stromboli. It also helps the Parmesan topping stick better.
- Adjust the Spice to Your Liking: Add more buffalo sauce or jalapeños for extra heat, or stick with milder options if you prefer a less spicy version.
- Bake Until Crispy: Keep an eye on the stromboli in the oven and bake until the crust is deep golden brown. That crispy outside is key!
