Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Strombolis: A Spicy Twist!

Are you ready to elevate your game day spread with a mouthwatering treat? Look no further than these Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Strombolis! This recipe takes classic pizza dough and transforms it into a flavor-packed sensation that perfectly balances spice, creaminess, and cheesiness in every bite. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply craving a delicious meal, these strombolis are sure to impress even the toughest critics.

I first crafted this recipe during a football playoff party, seeking a dish that was both hearty and easy to enjoy while cheering on my favorite team. Little did I know that these Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Strombolis would become a staple at our house, requested by friends whenever there’s a game on. The blend of buffalo chicken, a medley of cheeses, and a hint of spice not only satisfies the taste buds but also brings back fond memories of college days spent with friends around a kitchen table.

The beauty of this stromboli recipe lies in its versatility. For those who prefer a milder kick, simply swap out the buffalo sauce for a sweet barbecue alternative. Vegetarians can rejoice by substituting chicken with roasted cauliflower drenched in tangy buffalo sauce. Plus, with tips on making your own buffalo sauce and ranch dressing, you can truly customize this recipe to suit your taste preferences. So, gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to enjoy a delightful culinary experience with these Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Strombolis!

Quick Benefits

  • Convenient Meal Prep: Perfect for preparing ahead and freezing for later, making it an ideal option for quick weeknight dinners or meal prepping.
  • Adaptable Flavors: Easily customize the level of spiciness by adjusting the buffalo sauce and jalapeño, or switch out ingredients like blue cheese for a milder taste.
  • Crowd Pleaser: A flavor-packed dish that is sure to impress guests at gatherings, game day events, or casual dinners with its spicy, creamy, and cheesy combination.
  • Nostalgic Comfort: Evokes memories of shared meals and laughter, adding an emotional touch to the dining experience.

Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Strombolis: A Spicy Twist! Recipe

  • Delicious Flavor Profile: The combination of spicy buffalo chicken, creamy ranch, and a blend of cheeses creates a perfect balance of flavors in every bite.
  • Great for Game Day: These strombolis are a hit at gatherings or game day parties and disappear quickly from the table.
  • Easy to Make: Using store-bought pizza dough and rotisserie chicken makes this recipe quick and convenient to prepare.
  • Adaptable Recipe: Easily customize the spice level by adjusting the buffalo sauce and jalapeño, or swap out ingredients like blue cheese for feta or goat cheese.
  • Homemade Sauces: Elevate the flavors by making your own buffalo sauce and ranch dressing, which can be stored for future use.
  • Make Ahead and Freeze: Perfect for meal prep, you can assemble the strombolis ahead of time or freeze them for convenient meals later on.
  • Comfort Food with a Twist: Enjoy the nostalgia of buffalo chicken flavors in a new form, reminiscent of college memories and shared meals with friends.

Ingredients for Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Strombolis: A Spicy Twist!

Dough & Seasonings

  • 1 egg, beaten
  • 1 pound pizza dough
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds

Buffalo Chicken Filling

  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives
  • 1/2 cup fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped
  • 1 cup cooked shredded chicken
  • 1 jalapeño, seeded and chopped
  • 1/2 cup buffalo sauce

Cheese

  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated parmesan or asiago cheese
  • 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese (optional)
  • 1 cup shredded whole milk mozzarella
  • 1/2 cup ranch dressing

Pro Tips for Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Strombolis: A Spicy Twist!

For optimal convenience, prep the strombolis ahead by assembling them, covering tightly, and storing in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, simply brush with egg wash, add toppings, and adjust cooking time slightly.

If blue cheese isn’t your favorite, feel free to swap it out with alternatives like feta, goat cheese, or extra mozzarella or cheddar for a milder taste profile, catering to your preferences and those of your guests.

To control the spiciness level, adjust the buffalo sauce and jalapeño quantities. Opt for a milder buffalo sauce, remove the jalapeño, or balance out the flavors by increasing the ranch dressing and decreasing the buffalo sauce for a less fiery version that still packs delicious flavor.

How to Make Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Strombolis: A Spicy Twist!

Step 1: Preheat Oven

Preheat the oven to 450°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 2: Prepare Filling

Mix together the chicken, buffalo sauce, cilantro, chives, and jalapeño in a bowl.

Step 3: Assemble Strombolis

Divide the pizza dough into 4 portions and shape each into an 8-inch circle/oval. Spread with ranch, add buffalo chicken, mozzarella, cheddar, and optional buffalo sauce. Roll up each dough piece into a log, pinching to seal, and place seam side down on a baking sheet.

Step 4: Apply Topping

Combine parmesan, sesame seeds, and Italian seasoning in a bowl. Brush stromboli tops with beaten egg, sprinkle with cheese mixture, and make 2 small slits on each.

Step 5: Bake

Bake at 400°F for 10 minutes, then reduce heat to 375°F and bake for an additional 20-30 minutes until golden brown. Serve with extra buffalo sauce or ranch on the side.

📌 Pin for later!

Storage Tips

Once you have prepared the cheesy buffalo chicken strombolis, you can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply reheat in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes until heated through. While microwaving is an option, note that the strombolis may not retain their crispy exterior as well as when reheated in the oven.

If you have extra strombolis or want to save some for later, you can freeze them after baking. Allow the strombolis to cool completely, then wrap each one individually in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before placing them in the freezer. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. To enjoy your frozen strombolis, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in a 350°F oven until warmed through. This method preserves the flavors and textures of the dish effectively for future enjoyment.

Ingredient Substitutions

For a milder version of the Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Strombolis, adjust the spice level by using a less spicy buffalo sauce, omitting the jalapeño, or reducing the amount of buffalo sauce while increasing the ranch dressing. This modification will cater to those who prefer a less spicy flavor profile without compromising the overall deliciousness of the dish.

If you’re not a fan of blue cheese, feel free to omit it from the recipe or substitute it with a milder option such as feta cheese, goat cheese, or additional mozzarella or cheddar. This simple swap allows you to customize the strombolis to your taste preferences while still maintaining the gooey, cheesy goodness that makes this dish so irresistible.

To save time, utilize store-bought rotisserie chicken as a convenient and tasty alternative to cooking and shredding chicken at home. By using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken, you can streamline the preparation process without sacrificing the flavor or texture of the dish. Simply shred the rotisserie chicken meat and measure out the required amount for the recipe.

Serving Suggestions

For a fun twist on serving these Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Strombolis, try cutting them into smaller bite-sized pieces after baking and arranging them on a platter with toothpicks for easy snacking at parties or game day gatherings. This way, guests can enjoy the delicious flavors without needing a plate and knife.

To elevate the presentation of these strombolis, serve them alongside a variety of dipping sauces such as extra buffalo sauce, ranch dressing, or a tangy blue cheese dip. The combination of the crispy stromboli crust filled with gooey cheese and spicy chicken, paired with different dipping options, will make for a dynamic and interactive dining experience that your guests will love.

FAQs for Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Strombolis: A Spicy Twist!

Can I prepare the strombolis ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the strombolis up to the baking stage, cover them tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, brush with egg wash, add toppings, and bake directly from the refrigerator, adding 5-10 minutes to the cooking time.

What can I use instead of blue cheese?

If you don’t enjoy blue cheese, you can simply omit it or substitute with feta cheese, goat cheese, or additional mozzarella or cheddar for a milder flavor profile.

How can I adjust the spice level of the strombolis?

The spice level depends primarily on your buffalo sauce and the jalapeño. For a milder version, use a less spicy buffalo sauce, remove the jalapeño, or reduce the amount of buffalo sauce and increase the ranch dressing.

Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking chicken for this recipe?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken works perfectly and is a great time-saver. Simply shred the meat from a store-bought rotisserie chicken and measure out 1 cup for this recipe.

Conclusion

The versatility and crowd-pleasing nature of Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Strombolis make them a must-try for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a game day gathering, a casual dinner with friends, or simply craving a flavorful meal, these strombolis are sure to hit the spot. Embrace the cheesy, spicy goodness of this recipe and watch it become a favorite in your household, just like it has in mine.

So go ahead, gather your ingredients, roll out that pizza dough, and let the aroma of cheesy buffalo chicken strombolis fill your kitchen. Whether you’re reminiscing about college days or creating new memories with loved ones, this recipe is bound to bring joy and satisfaction with every delicious bite of these Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Strombolis.

📌 Pin for later!

Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Strombolis: A Spicy Twist!

Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Strombolis: A Spicy Twist!

“Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Strombolis: A spicy, creamy, and cheesy delight that disappears faster than any other appetizer, perfect for game day gatherings and weeknight dinners.”
Prep Time20 Minutes
Cook Time40 Minutes
Total Time60 Minutes
CuisineAmerican
Skill LevelEasy
Servings4 Servings (4 strombolis)

Ingredients

Dough & Seasonings

  • 1 egg, beaten
  • 1 pound pizza dough
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds

Buffalo Chicken Filling

  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives
  • 1/2 cup fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped
  • 1 cup cooked shredded chicken
  • 1 jalapeño, seeded and chopped
  • 1/2 cup buffalo sauce

Cheese

  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated parmesan or asiago cheese
  • 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese (optional)
  • 1 cup shredded whole milk mozzarella
  • 1/2 cup ranch dressing

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 450°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Prepare Filling: Mix together the chicken, buffalo sauce, cilantro, chives, and jalapeño in a bowl.
  3. Assemble Strombolis: Divide the pizza dough into 4 portions and shape each into an 8-inch circle/oval. Spread with ranch, add buffalo chicken, mozzarella, cheddar, and optional buffalo sauce. Roll up each dough piece into a log, pinching to seal, and place seam side down on a baking sheet.
  4. Apply Topping: Combine parmesan, sesame seeds, and Italian seasoning in a bowl. Brush stromboli tops with beaten egg, sprinkle with cheese mixture, and make 2 small slits on each.
  5. Bake: Bake at 400°F for 10 minutes, then reduce heat to 375°F and bake for an additional 20-30 minutes until golden brown. Serve with extra buffalo sauce or ranch on the side.