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These cheesy buffalo chicken strombolis are the ultimate answer for anyone craving something handheld, spicy, and packed with melty cheese. Each bite brings together the zing of buffalo chicken, creamy ranch, and the best triple-cheese pull wrapped in crisp pizza dough. I first made them during football playoffs and they were devoured before halftime was over. Now they are a game day ritual at my place.
I made these for a casual get together when I realized how much easier it was to serve up hearty strombolis than wings with all the fixings. My friends still remind me about those first perfect rolls every playoff season.
Ingredients
- Pizza dough: gives you a crisp yet soft base that holds all the filling without falling apart choose the freshest dough or make your own if you have the time
- Shredded chicken: forms the hearty filling using rotisserie chicken makes prep a breeze and the flavor is delicious
- Buffalo sauce: brings tang and heat pick a reputable brand or make your own for maximum flavor
- Fresh herbs: such as cilantro parsley and chives add brightness and a pop of color buy them fresh for best results
- Jalapeño: adds optional extra spice for those who like it hot remove seeds for less intensity
- Ranch dressing: cools the heat and adds silky creaminess a homemade version is especially flavorful
- Cheese blend: mozzarella cheddar and blue cheese melt together for rich texture and layers of flavor always shred your own cheese for peak melting
- Sesame seeds: top each stromboli for a toasty crunch use toasted seeds for a nutty boost
- Italian seasoning: ties the whole experience together with classic herb notes
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare Your Oven:
- Preheat to 450°F and set up a parchment lined baking sheet so the high temp gives you that signature golden finish and the lining stops sticking for easy removal and cleanup
- Create Buffalo Chicken Filling:
- Mix shredded chicken thoroughly with buffalo sauce until evenly coated then fold in fresh herbs and diced jalapeño so the heat and freshness infuse every bite
- Assemble The Strombolis:
- Roll out the dough on a floured surface into even circles spread a layer of ranch leaving the edges bare then add your buffalo chicken mixture and sprinkle with all three cheeses being careful not to overload which can cause leaks
- Form And Seal:
- Fold in both sides of each dough circle and tightly roll up into a log pressing the seam to seal completely place each log seam side down to help it keep its shape while baking
- Apply Topping And Prepare For Baking:
- Brush the tops of each log with beaten egg for gloss mix parmesan sesame seeds and Italian seasoning then generously sprinkle over each roll and cut small steam slits to keep the crust intact and prevent soggy spots
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Buffalo chicken holds a special place for me because it reminds me of college days making big trays of dip for everyone to share when money was tight. Now I get to relive those fun nights by making strombolis loaded with the same flavors and enjoying new memories with my own family crowding around the kitchen table.
Make It Your Own
One of the best features of this recipe is its adaptability. If you want something a little less spicy try a blend of barbecue sauce and a touch of honey in place of buffalo. For vegetarian guests swap in roasted cauliflower florets tossed with buffalo sauce. You can change the cheese blend to your favorites or replace blue cheese entirely if someone at the table is not a fan.
Homemade Sauce Options
You can craft your own buffalo sauce at home with hot sauce melted butter a splash of honey and garlic powder whisked together. Homemade ranch takes just mayonnaise sour cream dried herbs and a squeeze of lemon juice. Both sauces up the flavor intensity and keep well if you want to prep in advance.
Make Ahead and Freezer Tips
You can assemble strombolis the night before and keep them in the fridge wrapped in plastic. For longer storage wrap tightly and freeze before baking. Thaw in the fridge then bake with egg wash and toppings right before serving. They keep texture and flavor beautifully when stored this way perfect when prepping for a big event or busy weeknight.
Serving Suggestions
Serve strombolis sliced into rounds to show off the swirled filling. A few ramekins of extra ranch and buffalo sauce for dipping let everyone control their own heat level. They stand alone as a meal but a crisp green salad or celery sticks echo classic wing night and round things out nicely for lighter appetites.
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Recipe FAQs
- → Can I prepare these strombolis ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble them up to the baking stage and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Just add the egg wash and toppings before baking, and extend cooking by 5–10 minutes.
- → What are good cheese alternatives to blue cheese?
If blue cheese isn't preferred, options like feta, goat cheese, or additional mozzarella and cheddar work well for a milder flavor.
- → How can I adjust the spice level of the filling?
Reduce spice by choosing milder buffalo sauce, removing jalapeños, or increasing the creamy base like ranch to balance heat.
- → Is rotisserie chicken suitable for this dish?
Absolutely, shredded rotisserie chicken saves prep time while providing a tasty, hearty filling.
- → How should leftovers be stored and reheated?
Store cooled strombolis in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes to keep a crispy exterior.
- → Can these be frozen for later use?
Yes, wrap baked strombolis individually in plastic and foil before freezing for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.