Chicken Bacon Ranch Stromboli Recipe

My First Stromboli Surprise

I first made this for my grandson, Leo. He called it a “pizza burrito.” I still laugh at that. He ate three slices in one sitting. His smile was so big.

That’s why this matters. A good meal brings everyone together. It creates happy, silly memories around the table. What’s your favorite food to share with family?

Let’s Get Rolling

First, heat your oven to 400° F. Lay some parchment paper on a baking sheet. Unroll your pizza dough right on top. Gently stretch it out with your hands.

Now for the fun part. Spread ranch dressing all over the dough. Leave a little empty space around the edges. Then, add your shredded chicken and chopped bacon. Finish with a big handful of mozzarella cheese. Doesn’t that look good already?

The Secret to a Tight Roll

This part seems tricky, but you can do it. Start from the long side and roll it up. Use the parchment paper to help you push it along. It’s like rolling up a cozy blanket.

Place your roll seam-side down on the pan. Tuck the ends under. Then, take a knife and make a few small slits on top. This lets the steam out while it bakes. Fun fact: The name “Stromboli” comes from a movie, not Italy!

Watching It Turn Golden

Pop it in the hot oven. Now, just wait. In about 20 minutes, your kitchen will smell amazing. The stromboli will become a beautiful golden brown.

Let it cool for a few minutes before you slice it. This is important. It keeps all the cheesy goodness inside. Do you like to dip yours in extra ranch?

Why This Meal Matters

This is more than just food. It’s a lesson in making something from scratch. You see each step and feel proud of what you made. That’s a wonderful feeling.

That’s why this matters. Cooking for others is a way to show you care. It doesn’t have to be fancy. It just has to be made with love. What is one meal that always makes you feel loved?

Ingredients:

Ingredient	Amount	Notes
Thin crust refrigerated pizza dough	1 (8-ounce) can
Prepared ranch dressing	1/2 cup	Plus more for serving
Shredded rotisserie chicken	2 cups
Cooked bacon	1/2 cup	Chopped
Shredded mozzarella cheese	2 cups

My Gooey Chicken Bacon Ranch Stromboli

This stromboli is a family favorite. It always reminds me of my grandson’s soccer nights. We needed something quick and filling. This recipe was our perfect answer. It’s like a warm, cozy hug from the inside. Doesn’t that sound nice?

Ingredients

• 1 can of pizza dough
• 1/2 cup ranch dressing
• 1 1/2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
• 1/2 cup cooked, chopped bacon
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions

Step 1: First, get your oven nice and hot at 400° F. Line your baking sheet with parchment paper. Unroll your pizza dough right on it. Gently stretch it into a rectangle. I still laugh at how the dough sometimes springs back.

Step 2: Now for the fun part! Spread ranch dressing over the dough. Leave a little empty space around the edges. Then, scatter your shredded chicken and chopped bacon. Finally, cover it all with that lovely mozzarella cheese. The more cheese, the better, I always say.

Step 3: Time to roll it up. Start from one long side and roll it tightly. Use the parchment paper to help you. It can be a bit tricky. (My hard-learned tip: a tight roll means all the filling stays inside!). Place it seam-side down on the pan.

Step 4: Tuck the ends of your stromboli underneath. Then, take a knife and make a few slits on top. This lets the steam out while it bakes. Do you know why we make slits? Share below! Now it’s ready for the oven.

Step 5: Bake it for 15 to 25 minutes. You will know it’s done when it’s golden brown. Doesn’t that smell amazing? Let it sit for just a few minutes before you slice. This keeps it from falling apart. Serve it warm with extra ranch for dipping.

Cook Time: 15–25 minutes
Total Time: 30–40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Category: Dinner

Three Tasty Twists to Try

This recipe is like a blank canvas. You can change it up so easily. My grandkids love helping me invent new versions. Here are a few ideas we’ve loved. They are all so simple and fun.

Pizza Lover’s Twist: Swap the ranch for pizza sauce. Use pepperoni instead of chicken. It’s a whole new meal!

Veggie Delight: Skip the meat. Load it with chopped spinach and sun-dried tomatoes. It’s surprisingly delicious.

Spicy Kick: Add some chopped jalapeños with the bacon. Use a spicy ranch dressing too. It will warm you right up.

Which one would you try first? Comment below!

What to Serve With Your Stromboli

This stromboli is a star on its own. But a good side dish makes it a feast. I like to keep things simple and fresh. A crisp green salad is my go-to. It cuts through the richness perfectly. Some warm tomato soup is also a wonderful partner.

For drinks, I have two favorites. A cold glass of milk is a classic choice. For the grown-ups, a chilled lager beer is just right. It complements the salty bacon so well. Which would you choose tonight?

Keeping Your Stromboli Fresh and Tasty

Let’s talk about keeping your stromboli for later. First, let it cool completely. Then wrap it tightly in foil. You can keep it in the fridge for three days. For the freezer, wrap it in plastic wrap first. Then put it in a freezer bag. It will be good for two months.

I remember my first time making two stromboli. I froze one for my grandson’s visit. He was so happy to have a warm meal ready. This is why batch cooking matters. It gives you a tasty meal on a busy day. It feels like a gift to your future self.

To reheat, just warm it in a 350° F oven. Do this until the cheese is bubbly again. This keeps the crust from getting soggy. The microwave can make it soft. Have you ever tried storing it this way? Share below!

Easy Fixes for Common Stromboli Troubles

Sometimes the dough can tear. Do not worry. Just pinch the tear together with your fingers. It will bake up just fine. I once had a big tear. I patched it like a little dough doctor. It worked perfectly.

If your filling spills out, you might have over-stuffed it. Use the amounts in the recipe for your first try. A tight roll is easier. Why does this matter? A good roll means every bite has perfect flavor. It makes you feel like a pro cook.

A soggy bottom means your oven was not hot enough. Always preheat your oven fully. This gives you a crispy, golden crust. This step builds your cooking confidence. Which of these problems have you run into before?

Your Stromboli Questions Answered

Q: Can I make this gluten-free? A: Yes. Just use your favorite gluten-free pizza dough from the store.

Q: Can I make it ahead? A: You can assemble it the night before. Keep it covered in the fridge until baking.

Q: What are good ingredient swaps? A: Try cooked ground beef or turkey. Use cheddar cheese instead of mozzarella.

Q: Can I make a smaller one? A: Sure. Just cut all the ingredients in half. Use a smaller baking sheet.

Q: Any optional tips? A: Brush the top with a little melted butter before baking. This makes the crust extra golden and delicious. Which tip will you try first?

Thank You for Cooking With Me

I hope you love this recipe as much as my family does. It is a real crowd-pleaser. Cooking for others is a way to share your love. I always feel happy when my kitchen is full of good smells and people.

I would be so delighted to see your creation. Have you tried this recipe? Tag us on Pinterest! You can find me at Fiona’s Kitchen. I love seeing your photos. It makes my day.

Happy cooking!

—Fiona Brooks.