Stromboli is a delicious Italian-American creation that is essentially a rolled-up pizza, typically filled with a variety of meats, cheeses, and sometimes vegetables. Originating in the 1950s in the United States, Stromboli has become a beloved dish for its portability and ability to be customized to suit a wide range of tastes. The name “Stromboli” itself is believed to have been inspired by the Italian island of the same name, known for its active volcano—much like the explosive flavors packed inside this rolled delicacy.

The Chicken Bacon Ranch Stromboli takes the classic Italian Stromboli and gives it a modern, American twist by incorporating the ever-popular flavor combination of chicken, bacon, and ranch dressing. This trio is adored for its perfect balance of creamy, savory, and slightly tangy flavors, making it a staple in many comfort food dishes. The combination of tender chicken, crispy bacon, and rich ranch dressing, all enveloped in melted mozzarella and a golden-brown crust, creates a mouthwatering experience in every bite.

This recipe is a crowd-pleaser, making it perfect for gatherings, parties, or family dinners. Its ease of preparation, along with the hearty and satisfying ingredients, means that you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying the company of friends and family. Whether served as a main course or sliced into smaller pieces for an appetizer, Chicken Bacon Ranch Stromboli is sure to be a hit at any event.

Ingredients Breakdown

Pizza Dough: The foundation of any good Stromboli is the pizza dough. You can opt for homemade dough if you prefer a more hands-on approach and the ability to control the texture and flavor. Homemade dough allows you to adjust the thickness and gives you the option to infuse herbs or seasonings directly into the dough. On the other hand, store-bought dough is a convenient alternative that saves time without compromising much on quality. When handling pizza dough, it’s important to work on a lightly floured surface to prevent sticking and to roll it out evenly to avoid thin spots that could tear during baking.

Ranch Dressing: Ranch dressing serves as the creamy base that ties all the ingredients together. The quality of the ranch you use can significantly impact the overall flavor of the Stromboli. Opt for a rich, flavorful dressing, or better yet, make your own to ensure it’s fresh and free of preservatives. Homemade ranch can be customized to your taste by adjusting the level of tanginess, creaminess, or even adding a bit of spice.

Mozzarella Cheese: Mozzarella is the go-to cheese for Stromboli because of its excellent melting properties, which create that irresistible, gooey texture inside the roll. Shredded mozzarella spreads evenly and melts quickly, making it ideal for this recipe. If you’re looking to experiment, you could substitute or mix mozzarella with other cheeses like cheddar for a sharper flavor or provolone for a more robust taste.

Cooked Bacon: Bacon adds a smoky, savory element to the Stromboli that pairs wonderfully with the creamy ranch and mild mozzarella. For the best flavor and texture, cook the bacon until it’s crispy but not overly brittle, as it will continue to cook slightly inside the Stromboli. Crumbling the bacon into smaller pieces ensures that each bite is infused with that distinctive bacon flavor.

Cooked Chicken: The chicken in this recipe should be cooked and diced into small, bite-sized pieces. For a more flavorful result, season the chicken well with salt, pepper, and any other herbs or spices you enjoy before cooking. Grilling or roasting the chicken can add an additional layer of flavor that complements the other ingredients beautifully.

Red Onion: Red onion provides a subtle crunch and a slightly sweet, sharp flavor that cuts through the richness of the cheese and bacon. Thinly slicing the onion ensures that it cooks through during baking, softening its flavor and blending seamlessly with the other ingredients.

Fresh Parsley: Parsley isn’t just for garnish in this recipe—it adds a pop of color and a hint of freshness that balances the richness of the other components. Chopping the parsley finely and sprinkling it on top of the Stromboli after baking enhances both the visual appeal and the flavor profile.

Egg (for Egg Wash): The egg wash is a crucial step for achieving that beautiful, golden-brown crust that is the hallmark of a well-baked Stromboli. Brushing the top of the dough with beaten egg before baking not only enhances its color but also adds a slight sheen and helps to hold any toppings or seasonings in place.

The Importance of Quality Ingredients

The success of a Chicken Bacon Ranch Stromboli hinges on the quality of its ingredients. Using fresh, high-quality ingredients can elevate the dish from good to great by enhancing the overall flavor and texture. For instance, fresh pizza dough that’s well-kneaded will rise better and create a more pleasant bite. Similarly, high-quality mozzarella will melt smoothly and create that signature stretchiness that people love.

When selecting ingredients, consider opting for organic or locally-sourced products where possible. Fresh herbs like parsley should be vibrant and fragrant, while cheese should be rich and creamy. Choosing the best cuts of chicken and thick-cut bacon can also add depth to the dish, ensuring that every bite is flavorful and satisfying. Finally, don’t underestimate the impact of a good-quality ranch dressing—whether store-bought or homemade, it can make a significant difference in the final taste of the Stromboli.

Step-by-Step Instructions and Tips

Preparing the Ingredients

Before you begin assembling your Chicken Bacon Ranch Stromboli, it’s essential to have all your ingredients prepped and ready. Start by cooking the bacon. Place strips of bacon in a cold skillet and cook over medium heat, turning occasionally, until crispy and golden brown. Transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease, then crumble it into small pieces once it’s cool enough to handle.

Next, focus on the chicken. If you haven’t cooked it yet, you can grill, roast, or sauté chicken breasts seasoned with salt, pepper, and any preferred herbs or spices. Once cooked, let the chicken rest for a few minutes to retain its juices before dicing it into small, bite-sized pieces.

For the red onion, peel and thinly slice it. The slices should be thin enough to cook through while baking in the Stromboli but still provide a slight crunch and flavor contrast to the other ingredients.

Lastly, prepare your work area by gathering all the prepped ingredients: crumbled bacon, diced chicken, sliced onions, shredded mozzarella, ranch dressing, and chopped parsley. Arrange them in small bowls or on a large tray within easy reach. Having everything organized and ready will make the assembly process smooth and efficient.

Rolling Out and Assembling the Stromboli

Start by preparing your pizza dough. If you’re using store-bought dough, let it come to room temperature to make it easier to roll out. Lightly flour your work surface and rolling pin to prevent sticking. Roll the dough out into a large rectangle, roughly 12×14 inches, with an even thickness of about 1/4 inch. It’s important to roll the dough evenly to ensure it bakes uniformly and holds the filling properly.

Once your dough is rolled out, begin the layering process. Spread the ranch dressing evenly over the surface of the dough, leaving about a 1-inch border around the edges to make sealing the Stromboli easier. Next, sprinkle a layer of shredded mozzarella cheese over the ranch, ensuring it’s spread evenly to provide a gooey, cheesy base for the other ingredients.

Now, distribute the diced chicken evenly over the cheese, followed by the crumbled bacon. Make sure these ingredients are spread out uniformly so that every slice of Stromboli will have a balanced amount of filling. Scatter the thinly sliced red onions on top, and then add a final sprinkle of shredded mozzarella for extra cheesiness.

To roll the Stromboli, start at one of the long edges and roll the dough tightly into a log. As you roll, tuck in the sides slightly to prevent the filling from spilling out. When you reach the end, pinch the seam and the ends to seal the Stromboli completely. This step is crucial to prevent leaks during baking.

Place the Stromboli seam-side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to keep it from sticking during baking.

Baking the Stromboli

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Before placing the Stromboli in the oven, brush the top with a beaten egg using a pastry brush. This egg wash will give the Stromboli a beautiful golden-brown color and a slight sheen, making it look as good as it tastes.

For ventilation, use a sharp knife to make small slits across the top of the Stromboli. These slits allow steam to escape during baking, which helps prevent the Stromboli from becoming soggy and ensures a crispy crust.

Bake the Stromboli in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and firm to the touch. To check for doneness, gently lift the Stromboli with a spatula to see if the bottom is also golden brown and crisp.

Once done, remove the Stromboli from the oven and let it rest on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before slicing. This resting period allows the cheese to set slightly, making it easier to slice without the filling spilling out.

Serving and Presentation

After the Stromboli has rested, use a sharp serrated knife to slice it into 1 to 2-inch pieces. The serrated knife will help you cut through the crust without compressing the filling, ensuring clean and neat slices.

For a beautiful presentation, arrange the slices on a serving platter, slightly overlapping them. Garnish the Stromboli with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. You can also serve it with a side of extra ranch dressing or marinara sauce for dipping, adding another layer of flavor to each bite.

If serving the Stromboli as part of a buffet or party spread, consider adding some colorful, fresh salads or roasted vegetables on the side to create a balanced and visually appealing meal.

Storage and Reheating Tips

If you have leftovers, store the Stromboli in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days. To prevent the crust from becoming soggy, you can place a paper towel in the container to absorb any excess moisture.

When reheating, avoid using the microwave if possible, as it can make the crust chewy rather than crisp. Instead, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), place the Stromboli slices on a baking sheet, and heat for 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. This method will help restore the Stromboli’s original texture and flavor.

Alternatively, you can use a toaster oven for reheating smaller portions, which will also maintain the crust’s crispiness while warming the filling evenly.

Recipe Variations

Alternative Fillings: While the Chicken Bacon Ranch combination is a classic, you can easily customize your Stromboli with different fillings. For a vegetarian version, try using a mix of sautéed spinach, mushrooms, and bell peppers, paired with ricotta and mozzarella cheese. If you’re a fan of Italian flavors, consider using pepperoni, salami, and provolone cheese with marinara sauce. For a Mediterranean twist, fill your Stromboli with feta cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, olives, and grilled chicken.

Spicy Version: To add some heat, you can drizzle hot sauce or sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes over the filling before rolling up the Stromboli. Alternatively, incorporate spicy ingredients like jalapeños, spicy Italian sausage, or pepper jack cheese. A thin layer of spicy mustard or sriracha mixed with the ranch dressing can also add an extra kick.

Gluten-Free Option: If you’re looking to make a gluten-free Stromboli, simply substitute the regular pizza dough with a gluten-free dough. Many stores offer pre-made gluten-free pizza dough, but you can also make your own at home using gluten-free flour blends. Just be sure to follow the specific instructions for the gluten-free dough, as it may require different handling and baking times.

Side Dishes and Pairings

Suggested Side Dishes: Stromboli pairs well with a variety of side dishes. For a light and fresh option, serve it alongside a crisp Caesar salad or a mixed green salad with a tangy vinaigrette. A classic Italian-style pasta salad with tomatoes, olives, and mozzarella balls is another great accompaniment. For a heartier meal, consider serving the Stromboli with a bowl of tomato basil soup or a creamy potato soup.

Drink Pairings: The richness of the Chicken Bacon Ranch Stromboli pairs nicely with a range of beverages. If you prefer wine, a crisp white like Pinot Grigio or a light red like Chianti would complement the flavors well. For beer lovers, a pale ale or lager can balance the richness of the dish. Non-alcoholic options like iced tea, sparkling water with lemon, or a citrusy lemonade can provide a refreshing contrast to the savory Stromboli.

FAQs

Can I make Stromboli ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the Stromboli ahead of time. Assemble it completely, but instead of baking, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, remove it from the refrigerator, let it come to room temperature for about 30 minutes, and then proceed with the egg wash and baking as directed.

What is the best way to reheat Stromboli?
To reheat Stromboli and maintain its crispy crust, use an oven or toaster oven. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the Stromboli slices on a baking sheet. Heat for 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. This method prevents the crust from becoming soggy, which can happen if reheated in a microwave.

Can I freeze Stromboli?
Yes, Stromboli freezes well. After baking, let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-safe bag. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw the Stromboli in the refrigerator overnight and then reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.

What other cheeses can I use?
Aside from mozzarella, you can use provolone, cheddar, gouda, or even a combination of cheeses to add more depth of flavor. Just make sure the cheese you choose melts well to maintain the gooey texture inside the Stromboli.

How do I prevent the filling from leaking out?
To prevent filling leakage, ensure that the dough is rolled tightly and that the seams are pinched well to seal them. Additionally, making slits on top of the Stromboli before baking allows steam to escape, which helps prevent the filling from bubbling out.

Can I use a different sauce instead of ranch?
Absolutely! Marinara sauce, garlic butter, or even a creamy Alfredo sauce can be used as alternatives to ranch dressing, depending on your flavor preference. These sauces will alter the flavor profile but can still complement the other ingredients beautifully.

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