Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Strombolis: The Ultimate Game-Day Snack

When it comes to game-day snacks, few things hit the spot like cheesy, gooey, spicy, and savory dishes. One such dish that has risen to the occasion time and time again is the Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Stromboli. This mouth-watering creation combines the bold flavors of buffalo chicken with the comforting gooeyness of melted cheese, all wrapped in a golden, crispy crust that’s perfect for dipping. If you’re a fan of spicy food, delicious finger food, or just love trying new flavors, this Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Stromboli is sure to be a favorite in your recipe book.

The Origins of Stromboli

Before diving into the specifics of how to make this delightful dish, let’s take a moment to talk about the origins of Stromboli. While many people mistakenly assume that Stromboli hails from Italy, it was actually created in the United States. In the early 1950s, an Italian-American chef, Nazzareno Romano, is credited with developing the Stromboli at his pizzeria in Philadelphia. He combined the principles of a rolled-up pizza and an Italian calzone, giving birth to the Stromboli we know and love today. Traditionally, it consists of dough stuffed with a variety of fillings like meats, cheeses, and vegetables, rolled up, and baked to perfection.

The combination of a warm, flaky dough with a rich and savory filling makes the Stromboli an incredibly versatile dish. It can be customized with countless ingredients, making it the perfect snack or meal for any occasion.

Buffalo Chicken: A Flavor Profile Like No Other

The Buffalo chicken flavor is one that resonates deeply with many people. Originating from Buffalo, New York, the spicy, tangy combination of hot sauce and creamy ingredients like butter or ranch dressing has become iconic in American cuisine. Buffalo wings may be the most famous dish using this flavor, but it’s made its way into many other recipes over the years, including the popular Buffalo Chicken Dip and now, of course, our Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Stromboli.

Buffalo chicken is typically made by combining shredded chicken with a spicy Buffalo sauce, often adding ranch dressing or blue cheese for a creamy element to balance out the heat. When paired with gooey melted cheese and a crispy crust, the Buffalo chicken filling becomes a savory and irresistible treat.

Ingredients for the Perfect Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Stromboli

To create the ultimate Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Stromboli, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the Dough:

• Pizza Dough: You can either make your own from scratch or use store-bought pizza dough for convenience. If you opt for homemade, the dough will need to rise for about an hour.

For the Filling:

• Shredded Chicken: This can be leftover cooked chicken, rotisserie chicken, or even grilled chicken. Shredding the chicken allows it to absorb the Buffalo sauce better and spread evenly across the Stromboli.
• Buffalo Sauce: The star of the show, providing that signature spicy, tangy kick. Use a mild or hot sauce depending on your heat preference.
• Cream Cheese or Ranch Dressing: This is essential for adding creaminess and helping to balance out the spice of the Buffalo sauce. The richness of the cream cheese will make the filling smoother.
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: A sharp cheddar complements the spice of the Buffalo sauce wonderfully. It’s best to use freshly shredded cheese to get the perfect melt and flavor.
• Mozzarella Cheese: The classic go-to cheese for any Stromboli, providing that delicious stringy melt.
• Green Onions: A bit of freshness and crunch, balancing the richness of the other ingredients.
• Celery (Optional): A nod to the celery typically served with Buffalo wings, this optional ingredient adds some extra texture and flavor.

For the Dipping Sauce (Optional):

• Ranch Dressing: The cooling counterpart to the Buffalo heat.
• Blue Cheese Dressing: For those who prefer the tangy flavor of blue cheese to balance out the Buffalo sauce.

How to Make Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Strombolis

Step 1: Preparing the Chicken Filling Start by preparing the chicken filling. In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken with the Buffalo sauce and ranch dressing or cream cheese. The amount of sauce depends on how spicy or creamy you like your filling. Stir everything together until the chicken is well-coated in the sauce.

Next, add the shredded cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, and green onions to the bowl, mixing them in until evenly distributed. The cheese should melt nicely in the hot oven, giving the Stromboli that gooey, cheesy texture we all crave.

Step 2: Rolling Out the Dough Once your filling is ready, roll out your pizza dough on a floured surface. Using a rolling pin, stretch the dough into a rectangular shape, making sure it’s about 12 inches in length. Be sure to roll it out evenly to get a consistent crust.

Step 3: Assembling the Stromboli Place the Buffalo chicken mixture in the center of the dough, leaving about an inch of space on each side for folding. Carefully fold the sides of the dough over the filling, making sure the edges are tightly sealed. Roll the dough up like a log, ensuring that the seam is on the bottom. Tuck the ends of the dough underneath to keep everything tightly secured.

Step 4: Baking the Stromboli Place your Stromboli on a parchment-lined baking sheet, brush the top with a bit of olive oil or melted butter to help it brown, and sprinkle with some extra cheddar cheese if desired. Bake at 375°F for about 20-25 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.

Step 5: Serving the Strombolis Allow the Stromboli to cool for a few minutes before slicing it into individual pieces. Serve it with your choice of dipping sauces, such as ranch or blue cheese dressing, and enjoy!

Tips for Perfecting Your Stromboli

• Add Extra Veggies: If you want to add a bit more flavor and texture, consider adding sautéed mushrooms, peppers, or spinach to the filling. These ingredients will complement the rich chicken and cheese perfectly.
• Use High-Quality Cheese: The key to a creamy, melted filling is using fresh, high-quality cheese. Avoid pre-shredded cheese, as it doesn’t melt as well.
• Control the Heat: Adjust the amount of Buffalo sauce according to your preference for spice. You can opt for mild sauce for a subtle flavor or use a hotter variety for more of a kick.
• Make Ahead: You can prep the filling ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for a day or two. When you’re ready to assemble, simply roll out the dough and bake the Stromboli.

Why You’ll Love Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Strombolis

There’s no denying it: Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Strombolis are the perfect comfort food. Whether you’re serving them as a snack, appetizer, or main course, they pack bold flavors in a convenient, easy-to-eat form. The golden, crispy crust contrasts perfectly with the spicy, creamy filling, creating a balance of textures and tastes that will have everyone coming back for more.

These Strombolis are not only delicious but also versatile. They’re ideal for casual get-togethers, game days, parties, or even a weeknight meal. Plus, the fact that you can customize the filling means you can tailor them to your tastes.

Conclusion: A Crowd-Pleasing Snack

Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Strombolis are the perfect balance of comfort and excitement, with the spicy kick of Buffalo sauce and the rich melt of cheese inside a crispy, golden crust. Whether you’re feeding a crowd, preparing a casual snack, or just want to enjoy a flavor-packed meal, this recipe will not disappoint. The combination of tender shredded chicken, tangy Buffalo sauce, creamy cheese, and that unbeatable crispy dough is sure to be a hit every time you serve it.

Give this Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Stromboli recipe a try, and prepare to add it to your list of go-to game-day snacks or dinner ideas!