If you’re searching for a mouth-watering twist on traditional Italian cuisine, look no further than the Chicken Bacon Ranch Stromboli. This delightful dish perfectly combines the savory flavors of chicken and bacon with the zesty kick of ranch dressing, all wrapped up in a soft, golden crust. Whether you’re planning a family dinner, game night, or simply craving a hearty meal, this stromboli promises to be a crowd-pleaser. Let’s dive into how you can make this delicious dish at home.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To get started, you’ll need to gather the following ingredients:
- Pizza dough: You can either make your own or use a store-bought dough. One pound of dough is perfect for a standard-sized stromboli.
- Chicken: Cook and shred about 1 cup of chicken. For a quicker option, you can use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken.
- Bacon: Cook 6 slices of bacon until crispy and then crumble them.
- Ranch dressing: About 1/3 cup to add that creamy, tangy flavor.
- Cheese: 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese works best for that perfect cheese pull.
- Butter: Melted, for brushing the dough.
- Garlic powder and Italian seasoning: For seasoning the crust.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. This ensures that your stromboli cooks evenly and gets that beautiful golden-brown crust.
- Prepare the Dough: Roll out your pizza dough on a lightly floured surface into a rectangle, about 10×14 inches. This size is ideal for ensuring that you can fill and roll your stromboli without any issues.
- Add the Fillings: Spread the ranch dressing evenly over the rolled-out dough, leaving a small border around the edges to help seal the stromboli later. Sprinkle the shredded chicken and crumbled bacon evenly over the ranch. Top with shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Roll It Up: Start at one long side and roll the dough tightly towards the opposite side, enclosing the fillings. Pinch the edges and ends together to seal in all the delicious flavors.
- Season: Brush the top of the stromboli with melted butter and sprinkle lightly with garlic powder and Italian seasoning for that extra touch of flavor.
- Bake: Transfer the stromboli to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese inside is bubbly.
- Cool and Serve: Let the stromboli cool for a few minutes before slicing. This rest period helps the cheese set a bit, making the stromboli easier to slice.
Serving Suggestions
Chicken Bacon Ranch Stromboli can be served as a standalone meal or paired with a side of extra ranch dressing for dipping. It also goes wonderfully with a light salad or some steamed vegetables to balance out the meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Chicken Bacon Ranch Stromboli isn’t just delicious; it’s also incredibly versatile. You can swap out ingredients based on your preferences or dietary needs. Vegetarians can skip the chicken and bacon and add some roasted vegetables, while those who love spice might add jalapeños or pepper jack cheese to the filling.
Moreover, it’s perfect for any occasion—easy enough for a weeknight meal, yet impressive enough for entertaining guests. Plus, the leftovers make a fantastic lunch the next day!
Conclusion
The Chicken Bacon Ranch Stromboli is a guaranteed hit for any meal. It’s easy to prepare, packed with flavor, and sure to satisfy your cravings for something deliciously different. So why not give this recipe a try and see just how tasty it can be? Your taste buds will thank you!
Serving and Storage Tips for Chicken Bacon Ranch Stromboli
After mastering the art of making the delectable Chicken Bacon Ranch Stromboli, it’s important to know the best ways to serve and store it to maximize enjoyment and freshness. Here are some useful tips to ensure your stromboli stays delicious from the oven to your plate, and even the next day!
Serving Tips:
- Let It Rest: Once you remove the stromboli from the oven, allow it to rest for about 5-10 minutes before slicing. This resting period helps the cheese and fillings set, reducing the chance of everything spilling out when you cut into it.
- Cut with Care: Use a serrated knife to slice the stromboli. This type of knife is perfect for cutting through the crispy crust without squashing the fillings.
- Serve Warm: Stromboli is best enjoyed warm when the cheese is still melty and the crust is perfectly crisp. If it cools down, you can reheat slices in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 5-10 minutes or until heated through.
- Accompaniments: While stromboli is delicious on its own, you can pair it with various sides to make a complete meal. Consider serving it with a side salad, some fresh veggies, or extra ranch dressing for dipping.
Storage Tips:
- Cool Completely: Before storing any leftover stromboli, allow it to cool completely to room temperature. This prevents condensation inside the storage container, which could make the crust soggy.
- Refrigerate Properly: Wrap individual slices or the whole stromboli in aluminum foil or plastic wrap. You can also place it in an airtight container. Refrigerated stromboli will last for about 3-4 days.
- Freezing for Longer Storage: If you want to keep your stromboli for longer, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to protect it from freezer burn. Properly stored, frozen stromboli can last for up to 2 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheating: To reheat refrigerated stromboli, place it in an oven preheated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10-15 minutes or until heated through. For frozen stromboli, extend the heating time as needed, and ensure it’s thoroughly warmed.
- Microwave with Caution: While the microwave is a quick option for reheating, it can make the crust chewy rather than crispy. If using a microwave, place a cup of water alongside the stromboli while heating to help keep the crust a bit crispier.
By following these serving and storage tips, you can enjoy your Chicken Bacon Ranch Stromboli at its best, whether it’s fresh out of the oven or as a tasty leftover. Enjoy every bite with the confidence that you’re experiencing it in its ideal form!
- Can I make Chicken Bacon Ranch Stromboli ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare Chicken Bacon Ranch Stromboli in advance, which makes it perfect for entertaining or busy days. You can assemble the stromboli up to a day ahead, keep it wrapped tightly in the refrigerator, and then bake it when you’re ready to serve. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if you’re starting from cold. - What are some variations I can try with this stromboli recipe?
This recipe is quite versatile, allowing for various substitutions and additions based on your preferences:
- Protein: Substitute chicken with turkey, ham, or leave it out for a vegetarian option.
- Cheese: Experiment with different cheeses like cheddar, provolone, or a mix of cheeses for different flavors.
- Vegetables: Add onions, bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms to incorporate some vegetables.
- Spice: Include jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or a dash of hot sauce to give the stromboli a spicy kick.
- How do I know when the stromboli is done baking?
The stromboli should be golden brown and crisp on the outside when it’s done baking. The internal temperature should reach around 165°F (74°C) if you want to use a food thermometer for accuracy. The cheese inside should be melted and bubbly, and the fillings hot throughout. - Is there a gluten-free option for Chicken Bacon Ranch Stromboli?
Yes, you can make this stromboli gluten-free by using gluten-free pizza dough, which is readily available at most supermarkets or can be homemade. Ensure that all other ingredients, such as ranch dressing and bacon, are certified gluten-free to avoid cross-contamination.