If you’re on the hunt for a savory, cheesy, and utterly comforting meal to wow your friends or satisfy your own cravings, this Chicken Bacon Ranch Stromboli Recipe has your name written all over it. Imagine tender chunks of chicken, crispy bacon, and melty mozzarella and cheddar cheeses all wrapped up in a golden, flaky crust generously brushed with ranch dressing and seasoned to perfection. Whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing appetizer, this stromboli is guaranteed to become one of your all-time favorites with every bite bursting with flavor and warmth.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple yet incredibly important, each bringing its own unique flavor, texture, or color to create the perfect Chicken Bacon Ranch Stromboli Recipe. From the creamy tang of ranch dressing to the crispy crunch of bacon, every component plays its part wonderfully.
- 1 pound pizza dough: Choose store-bought for convenience or homemade for that personal touch; it’s the delicious base that encases all the fillings.
- 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded or diced: Tender and juicy, this is the hearty protein star of the show.
- 1/2 cup cooked bacon, chopped: Crispy and smoky, the bacon adds a wonderful contrast to the creamy cheese and ranch.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully, creating that signature gooey, cheesy pull we all love.
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Adds a sharper cheese flavor and a vibrant golden color when melted.
- 1/3 cup ranch dressing: Packed with herbs and creamy tang, it elevates the whole dish with its recognizable ranch flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: A subtle punch of garlic that brings an irresistible aroma and taste.
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning: Adds a bit of herbal depth and zest that complements the other flavors beautifully.
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash): Brushed on top to give the stromboli a gorgeous, golden, and shiny crust.
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional): Adds a fresh, herbal pop of color and flavor right before serving.
How to Make Chicken Bacon Ranch Stromboli Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Dough
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly greasing it to keep your stromboli from sticking. Roll out your pizza dough on a floured surface to about a 10 by 14-inch rectangle—this canvas size is just perfect for a nice, thick filling layer without being too bulky.
Step 2: Layer the Ingredients
Spread the ranch dressing evenly over the dough, but remember to leave a 1-inch border so the filling doesn’t spill out when you roll. Next, layer on the shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheeses, evenly, followed by your cooked chicken and chopped bacon. Finish by sprinkling the garlic powder and Italian seasoning across the top to boost the flavor profile in every bite.
Step 3: Roll and Seal the Stromboli
Starting from one of the long edges, roll the dough tightly into a log shape, making sure to tuck the fillings in as you go. Once rolled, pinch the seams and both ends firmly to seal in all that delicious goodness—this step helps prevent any oozing while baking.
Step 4: Prepare for Baking
Transfer your rolled stromboli to the prepared baking sheet with the seam side down—this helps it stay sealed during baking. Brush the entire top with beaten egg to ensure a beautifully golden and shiny crust. Use a sharp knife to cut 3 or 4 small slits on top; these act as vents so steam can escape without bursting your stromboli open.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Pop your stromboli into the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the crust turns a gorgeous golden brown and is cooked all the way through. When it’s out, let it rest for about 5 minutes—this allows the filling to settle and makes slicing easier. Garnish with fresh parsley if you like, for that inviting splash of green.
How to Serve Chicken Bacon Ranch Stromboli Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley or chopped chives adds just the right pop of color and freshness to your stromboli. Plus, a side dollop of ranch or marinara sauce really takes this dish into another level of flavor heaven as a dipping option.
Side Dishes
Pair this hearty stromboli with a simple green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette to balance out the richness. Crispy roasted vegetables or garlic Parmesan fries also pair beautifully to round out your meal in style.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut your Chicken Bacon Ranch Stromboli Recipe into thick, gorgeous slices, and serve them slightly angled on a wooden board surrounded by small ramekins of extra ranch, hot sauce, or marinara. This presentation invites sharing and makes for a festive, crave-worthy table centerpiece perfect for family dinners or game day gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap any leftover stromboli tightly in plastic wrap or foil and store it in the fridge. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, giving you a quick and satisfying next-day meal option.
Freezing
You can freeze unbaked stromboli by wrapping it securely in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. When you’re ready to bake, thaw it overnight in the fridge, then bake as directed. For baked stromboli, freeze in airtight containers and thaw before reheating.
Reheating
For reheating, the oven or air fryer works best to restore that crispy crust. Reheat at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 to 15 minutes until warmed through. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep the crust from getting soggy.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese in this Chicken Bacon Ranch Stromboli Recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap out mozzarella or cheddar for cheeses like pepper jack for a spicy kick, provolone for a smooth melt, or even gouda for a smoky twist. The stromboli is very versatile.
Is it possible to make this stromboli vegetarian?
Yes! Simply omit the chicken and bacon, and consider adding sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or roasted peppers to keep things flavorful and hearty.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time and bake later?
You can assemble the stromboli and keep it wrapped in the fridge for a few hours or even overnight. Just allow it to come back to room temperature before baking for the best texture.
What type of dough works best for stromboli?
Pizza dough is ideal because it provides a sturdy yet tender base that crisps up nicely in the oven. You can use store-bought or homemade, whichever fits your schedule and preferences.
How spicy can I make this Chicken Bacon Ranch Stromboli Recipe?
If you love heat, add pepper jack cheese or a drizzle of hot sauce inside before rolling. You can also sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes to taste for an extra layer of spice.
Final Thoughts
Embracing the perfect balance of rich cheeses, smoky bacon, tender chicken, and creamy ranch all wrapped in a golden crust, this Chicken Bacon Ranch Stromboli Recipe is nothing short of magical. It’s a delicious, crowd-pleasing dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate. I hope you give this recipe a try soon and watch it quickly become a beloved staple in your kitchen!
Print
Delicious Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 slices
- Category: Main Course, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
A delicious and easy-to-make Chicken Bacon Ranch Stromboli featuring a golden, flaky crust stuffed with shredded chicken, crispy bacon, melty mozzarella and cheddar cheeses, and creamy ranch dressing. Perfect for a hearty main course or a shareable appetizer.
Ingredients
Stromboli Dough and Base
- 1 pound pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/3 cup ranch dressing
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Fillings
- 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 1/2 cup cooked bacon, chopped
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Garnish
- Fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or lightly greasing it to prevent sticking.
- Roll Out the Dough: On a floured surface, roll out the pizza dough into a large rectangle approximately 10×14 inches, ensuring an even thickness for proper cooking.
- Spread Ranch Dressing: Evenly spread the ranch dressing over the dough, making sure to leave a 1-inch border around the edges to avoid leakage during baking.
- Add Fillings: Layer the shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheeses over the ranch, followed by the cooked chicken and chopped bacon. Sprinkle garlic powder and Italian seasoning evenly on top for added flavor.
- Roll the Stromboli: Starting from one long side of the rectangle, tightly roll the dough into a log shape. Pinch the seams and ends firmly to seal the stromboli to prevent fillings from spilling out.
- Prepare for Baking: Place the stromboli seam side down on the prepared baking sheet. Brush the top generously with the beaten egg wash to achieve a beautiful golden crust.
- Make Steam Vents: Using a sharp knife, cut 3 to 4 small slits on top of the stromboli. This allows steam to escape during baking and prevents the crust from becoming soggy.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and cooked through, and the cheeses inside are melted.
- Rest and Serve: Remove from the oven and let the stromboli rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve warm with extra ranch dressing or marinara sauce for dipping.
Notes
- For a spicy twist, substitute pepper jack cheese or add a drizzle of hot sauce inside before rolling.
- Great for meal prepping — store leftovers in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven or air fryer for best results.
