Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Strombolis bring together the bold flavors of spicy buffalo sauce, melted cheese, and tender chicken, all wrapped up in soft, golden pizza dough. These strombolis are perfect for game day, a quick dinner, or as a crowd-pleasing appetizer. With the irresistible combination of mozzarella, blue cheese, and the tangy kick of buffalo sauce, each bite is a flavor-packed delight. Whether you love spicy food or just want a fun twist on your regular pizza night, these Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Strombolis will surely satisfy your cravings.
Made with simple ingredients and ready in about 40 minutes, these strombolis are as easy to prepare as they are delicious. The crispy outer crust gives way to a warm, cheesy, and spicy filling, while the cool ranch or blue cheese dressing on the side provides the perfect contrast to the heat. Whether you’re feeding your family or entertaining friends, these strombolis are sure to be a hit.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
1. Bold Flavors
With buffalo sauce, mozzarella cheese, and blue cheese crumbles, these strombolis are bursting with bold, spicy, and cheesy goodness that will leave your taste buds tingling.
2. Easy to Make
This recipe is incredibly simple, taking just about 35-40 minutes from start to finish. You can easily prepare these strombolis on a busy weeknight or for a last-minute gathering.
3. Customizable
You can easily customize this recipe by adding your favorite ingredients such as sautéed onions, peppers, or even bacon to make them even more indulgent.
4. Perfect for Game Day
These strombolis are an excellent finger food option for your next game day party or casual gathering. Serve them with ranch or blue cheese dressing for extra flavor.
5. Great for Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, these strombolis can be reheated and still taste fantastic. They hold their shape well and are just as good the next day.
Ingredients
- Pizza dough (1 lb)
- Cooked and shredded chicken (2 cups)
- Buffalo sauce (1/2 cup)
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (1 cup)
- Blue cheese crumbles (1/4 cup)
- Chopped green onions (1/4 cup)
- Ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping
Variations
1. Add More Veggies
If you want to add some veggies, try adding finely chopped bell peppers, onions, or spinach to the buffalo chicken mixture before rolling it up in the dough.
2. Swap the Chicken
For a twist, you can substitute the shredded chicken with cooked ground turkey, beef, or even pulled pork for different flavor profiles.
3. Make it Spicier
For an extra kick, add some diced jalapeños, extra buffalo sauce, or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the buffalo chicken mixture.
4. Cheese Alternatives
If you’re not a fan of blue cheese, you can skip it and use additional mozzarella or try a blend of Monterey Jack or cheddar cheese for a different cheesy flavor.
5. Make it Vegetarian
For a vegetarian option, swap the chicken for sautéed mushrooms or roasted cauliflower and add extra cheese for a satisfying, meatless version.
How to Make the Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to get it nice and hot for baking the strombolis.
Step 2: Roll Out the Pizza Dough
On a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, roll out the pizza dough into a large rectangle, about 12×9 inches.
Step 3: Prepare the Buffalo Chicken Filling
In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken with the buffalo sauce, stirring to coat the chicken evenly.
Step 4: Add the Toppings
Spread the buffalo chicken mixture evenly over the rolled-out pizza dough. Then sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese, blue cheese crumbles, and chopped green onions over the chicken mixture.
Step 5: Roll the Stromboli
Carefully roll up the dough around the filling, starting from one of the shorter sides. Pinch the edges to seal the stromboli and prevent the filling from spilling out.
Step 6: Bake the Stromboli
Place the stromboli on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the dough is golden brown and cooked through.
Step 7: Slice and Serve
Once the stromboli is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a couple of minutes before slicing. Serve with ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping.
Tips for Making the Recipe
1. Use Pre-Cooked Chicken
To save time, use rotisserie chicken or leftover chicken from a previous meal. It’ll be tender and easy to shred, making the process quicker.
2. Don’t Overfill the Stromboli
Be careful not to overstuff the stromboli with filling, as this can cause the dough to tear during baking. A moderate amount of filling is just right for a perfect, balanced bite.
3. Seal the Edges Well
Be sure to pinch the edges of the dough tightly to prevent the filling from leaking out during baking. You can also crimp the edges with a fork for a decorative touch.
4. Add Some Extra Kick
If you like your food spicy, try adding a teaspoon of hot sauce or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the buffalo chicken mixture for an added layer of heat.
5. Check the Dough
If you’re unsure if the stromboli is cooked through, check the bottom of the dough. It should be golden brown and firm to the touch.
How to Serve
Serve the Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Strombolis warm with a side of ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping. For a complete meal, pair it with a crisp green salad or some baked sweet potato fries. These strombolis are great for a casual dinner or as a fun appetizer for parties. If you want to add a little extra flavor, serve with a side of celery sticks for that classic buffalo experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftover strombolis, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. To reheat, place the stromboli in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
Freezing
To freeze the strombolis, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, and store them in a freezer-safe bag. When ready to enjoy, bake straight from the freezer at 375°F for 25-30 minutes.
Reheating
For the best results, reheat the stromboli in the oven to maintain its crispy exterior. You can also use a microwave, but the crust may not be as crispy.
FAQs
1. Can I use pre-made pizza dough?
Yes, you can use store-bought pizza dough for convenience. Just make sure to follow the instructions on the packaging for best results.
2. How do I prevent the dough from becoming soggy?
Make sure the buffalo chicken mixture isn’t too wet. If you find that the buffalo sauce is too watery, you can reduce it a bit before adding it to the chicken.
3. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the stromboli ahead of time, wrap it tightly, and store it in the fridge until ready to bake. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.
4. Can I use a different sauce instead of buffalo sauce?
Absolutely! If you prefer a milder flavor, you can use barbecue sauce or a honey mustard sauce instead of buffalo sauce.
5. Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
Yes, you can replace the chicken with sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, and onions, or use a plant-based protein like tofu or tempeh.
6. Can I freeze the strombolis?
Yes, you can freeze the assembled but unbaked strombolis for later use. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing.
7. How do I make these spicier?
To make the strombolis spicier, you can add extra buffalo sauce, sprinkle in some crushed red pepper flakes, or even include diced jalapeños in the filling.
8. How do I prevent the cheese from spilling out?
Make sure to seal the edges of the dough tightly and don’t overfill it. Also, ensure the cheese is evenly distributed to avoid pockets of cheese that could leak out.
9. Can I make these mini-sized?
Yes, you can divide the dough into smaller portions and make mini strombolis for appetizers or kids’ portions.
10. How do I keep the crust crispy?
To keep the crust crispy, avoid overloading the stromboli with too much filling and make sure to bake it on a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Conclusion
Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Strombolis are the perfect combination of spicy, cheesy, and crispy. With easy-to-find ingredients and a straightforward preparation method, these strombolis offer the perfect bite-sized meal for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a casual dinner or just looking for a satisfying weeknight meal, these Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Strombolis are sure to become a favorite!
PrintCheesy Buffalo Chicken Strombolis
- Total Time: 35-40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Strombolis are the perfect combination of spicy, cheesy, and savory. Pizza dough is filled with a spicy buffalo chicken mixture, topped with mozzarella, blue cheese, and green onions, then baked to golden perfection. Serve with a side of ranch or blue cheese dressing for the ultimate comfort food experience!
Ingredients
- 1 pound pizza dough
- 2 cups cooked and shredded chicken
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup blue cheese crumbles
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- Ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Roll out the pizza dough into a rectangle on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, mix the shredded chicken with buffalo sauce until evenly coated.
- Spread the buffalo chicken mixture over the pizza dough, leaving about 1 inch on the edges.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese, blue cheese crumbles, and chopped green onions over the chicken mixture.
- Carefully roll up the stromboli from one side to the other, pinching the edges to seal.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the stromboli is golden brown and cooked through.
- Slice into individual pieces and serve hot with ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping.
Notes
- You can make these ahead of time by preparing them and storing them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking.
- To make them spicier, you can add more buffalo sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- If you don’t have blue cheese, you can substitute with more mozzarella or another cheese of your choice.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: buffalo chicken, stromboli, cheesy stromboli, buffalo chicken pizza, easy stromboli recipe, buffalo chicken dip, stromboli with cheese, cheesy chicken recipe