Introduction:
Take your taste buds on a flavor-filled journey with our Chicken Bacon Ranch Stromboli recipe. This delightful twist on the classic stromboli combines tender chicken, crispy bacon, melty cheese, and creamy ranch dressing, all wrapped up in a golden-brown crust. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner or looking for a crowd-pleasing party appetizer, this Chicken Bacon Ranch Stromboli is sure to be a hit. Join us as we explore how to make this mouthwatering dish and bring a taste of comfort to your table.
Ingredients:
- 1 loaf frozen bread dough, defrosted
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon ranch seasoning (dry packet)
- 1 tablespoon Parmesan cheese, grated
- 3/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 3/4 teaspoon oregano
- 1 1/4 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup chicken, cooked and chopped
- 1/3 cup bacon bits
- 1 egg white, beaten for glazing
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Place the defrosted bread dough on a lightly greased baking sheet and press it into a rectangle, leaving about 2 inches from the edges of the pan.
- In a small bowl, mix vegetable oil, ranch seasoning, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and oregano. Spread this mixture evenly over the dough.
- Down the center of the dough, evenly distribute the mozzarella cheese, chicken, and bacon bits.
- Fold one side of the dough over the fillings, then fold in the short ends and continue rolling to enclose the filling completely. Seal all seams by pinching together.
- Brush the top of the stromboli with beaten egg white to create a golden crust.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, until the dough is golden and puffy.
- Let it rest for 5 minutes after baking, then slice and serve. Offer additional ranch dressing for dipping.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes
- Kcal: 388 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
Serving Tips:
- Slice Before Serving: Allow the Chicken Bacon Ranch Stromboli to cool for a few minutes after removing it from the oven, then use a sharp knife to slice it into individual portions. This makes it easier for guests to serve themselves and enjoy.
- Garnish for Presentation: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the sliced stromboli just before serving for a pop of color and added freshness. This simple garnish enhances the presentation and makes the dish even more inviting.
- Serve with Ranch Dipping Sauce: Present the Chicken Bacon Ranch Stromboli with a side of ranch dipping sauce in a small bowl or ramekin. This creamy and flavorful sauce complements the flavors of the stromboli and enhances the overall dining experience.
- Accompany with Side Salad: Serve the Chicken Bacon Ranch Stromboli alongside a crisp green salad dressed with balsamic vinaigrette or ranch dressing. The refreshing salad balances the richness of the stromboli and adds variety to the meal.
- Pair with Refreshing Beverage: Offer refreshing beverages such as iced tea, lemonade, or sparkling water with lemon slices to accompany the Chicken Bacon Ranch Stromboli. These drinks help cleanse the palate between bites and enhance enjoyment.
Storage Tips:
- Refrigeration: Store any leftover Chicken Bacon Ranch Stromboli in an airtight container or tightly wrapped in aluminum foil in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Allow the stromboli to cool completely before refrigerating to prevent condensation.
- Reheating: To reheat refrigerated Chicken Bacon Ranch Stromboli, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the slices on a baking sheet. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. This helps maintain the crispy texture of the crust.
- Freezing: While Chicken Bacon Ranch Stromboli can be frozen for longer storage, it’s best to freeze it before baking to preserve the quality of the dough. Wrap the unbaked stromboli tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as usual.
- Individual Portions: Consider slicing the stromboli into individual portions before refrigerating or freezing. This makes it easier to reheat only the desired amount without having to thaw the entire stromboli.
- Refresh Before Serving: If reheating refrigerated or frozen Chicken Bacon Ranch Stromboli, consider brushing the crust with a little olive oil before reheating to help revive its crispiness. This extra step ensures that the stromboli tastes just as delicious as when it was freshly baked.
FAQs:
- Can I use pre-made pizza dough for the Chicken Bacon Ranch Stromboli?
- Yes, you can use store-bought pizza dough for convenience. Simply follow the instructions on the packaging for rolling out the dough to the desired size.
- Is there a substitute for ranch dressing in the Stromboli recipe?
- If you’re not a fan of ranch dressing, you can substitute it with another creamy dressing such as blue cheese dressing or Caesar dressing. Alternatively, you can use mayonnaise mixed with a touch of garlic powder and dried herbs for a homemade alternative.
- Can I make the Chicken Bacon Ranch Stromboli ahead of time and reheat it later?
- Yes, you can assemble the Stromboli ahead of time, refrigerate it, and bake it when ready to serve. Alternatively, you can bake it ahead of time, allow it to cool, then refrigerate or freeze it. Reheat slices in the oven or microwave before serving.
- How do I prevent the Stromboli from becoming soggy?
- To prevent the Stromboli from becoming soggy, ensure that the filling ingredients, especially the chicken and bacon, are cooked and drained of excess moisture before assembling. Additionally, avoid overloading the Stromboli with sauce or fillings that may release excess moisture during baking.
- Can I customize the fillings in the Chicken Bacon Ranch Stromboli?
- Absolutely! Feel free to customize the fillings according to your preferences. You can add ingredients such as sliced bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, or different types of cheese to create your own unique flavor combination.
Conclusion:
With its irresistible combination of tender chicken, crispy bacon, gooey cheese, and creamy ranch dressing, our Chicken Bacon Ranch Stromboli is sure to become a new family favorite. Whether enjoyed as a cozy weeknight dinner or served as a crowd-pleasing appetizer at your next gathering, this flavorful dish is guaranteed to satisfy cravings and leave everyone coming back for more. So gather your ingredients and get ready to enjoy the comforting flavors of Chicken Bacon Ranch Stromboli.