Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Ultimate Chicken Cordon Bleu Stromboli Recipe brings together the best of both worlds – the refined flavors of traditional chicken cordon bleu with the convenience and comfort of Italian stromboli. The combination of tender chicken breast, smoky deli ham, and creamy Swiss cheese creates a symphony of flavors that will have your family asking for seconds. What makes this recipe truly special is how the pizza dough becomes perfectly golden and crispy on the outside while keeping all those delicious ingredients warm and melty on the inside. It’s an ideal recipe for busy weeknights, game day gatherings, or when you want to impress guests with minimal effort. Plus, it’s completely customizable – you can adjust the ingredients to suit your family’s preferences while maintaining that signature chicken cordon bleu taste everyone loves.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 lb pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast (sliced or shredded)
- 6 slices deli ham
- 6 slices Swiss cheese
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise (optional)
- 1 tbsp melted butter
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried parsley
- 1 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
How to Make Chicken Cordon Bleu Stromboli
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Allow your pizza dough to come to room temperature for about 15-20 minutes if it’s been refrigerated.
Step 2: Roll Out the Dough On a lightly floured surface, roll the pizza dough into a large rectangle, approximately 12×16 inches. The dough should be about ¼ inch thick. Transfer the rolled dough to your prepared baking sheet.
Step 3: Create the Sauce Base In a small bowl, mix together the Dijon mustard and mayonnaise (if using) until smooth. Spread this mixture evenly over the surface of the dough, leaving a 1-inch border around all edges.
Step 4: Layer the Fillings Arrange the Swiss cheese slices over the mustard mixture, followed by the deli ham slices. Top with the cooked chicken breast, distributing it evenly across the surface. The key is to not overfill – you want to be able to roll and seal the stromboli properly.
Step 5: Roll and Seal Starting from one long side, carefully roll the dough into a tight log, tucking in the sides as you go. Pinch the seam and ends firmly to seal, then place the stromboli seam-side down on the baking sheet.
Step 6: Add the Finishing Touches Brush the top and sides of the stromboli with melted butter. In a small bowl, combine the garlic powder, dried parsley, and grated Parmesan cheese, then sprinkle this mixture evenly over the buttered surface.
Step 7: Score and Bake Using a sharp knife, make 4-5 diagonal slashes across the top of the stromboli, cutting about ¼ inch deep. This allows steam to escape and creates an attractive appearance. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.
Step 8: Rest and Serve Remove from the oven and let the stromboli rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing. This allows the cheese to set slightly and makes cutting much easier.
Helpful Tips
Choose high-quality deli ham and Swiss cheese for the best flavor – the quality of your ingredients directly impacts the final result. When rolling the stromboli, work slowly and deliberately to prevent the dough from tearing. If your dough springs back while rolling, let it rest for another 10 minutes to relax the gluten. For extra flavor, consider adding a thin layer of cream cheese along with the mustard mixture. Make sure your chicken is completely cooled before assembling to prevent the dough from becoming soggy. If you’re making your own pizza dough, prepare it a day ahead and let it develop flavor in the refrigerator overnight.
Details
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 6-8 servings
Difficulty: Intermediate
Cuisine: Italian-American Fusion
Notes
This Ultimate Chicken Cordon Bleu Stromboli Recipe is incredibly versatile. You can substitute the Swiss cheese with Gruyère or even sharp cheddar for different flavor profiles. If you prefer a spicier kick, add a thin layer of whole grain mustard or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes. For those watching their sodium intake, look for low-sodium deli ham and reduce the amount of cheese slightly. The stromboli can be assembled earlier in the day and refrigerated until ready to bake – just add an extra 5 minutes to the cooking time if baking from cold. Leftover stromboli makes an excellent lunch the next day and can be reheated in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this stromboli ahead of time? Yes! You can assemble the stromboli up to 24 hours in advance. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate. When ready to bake, remove the plastic wrap, brush with butter and seasonings, and bake as directed, adding 5-10 extra minutes to account for the cold start.
What if I don’t have Swiss cheese? While Swiss cheese is traditional for chicken cordon bleu, you can substitute it with Gruyère, provolone, or even mozzarella. Each will give a slightly different flavor profile but will still be delicious.
Can I use rotisserie chicken? Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken works perfectly for this recipe. Simply remove the skin and shred or slice the meat. It’s actually a great time-saver and adds extra flavor.
How do I know when the stromboli is fully cooked? The stromboli is done when the crust is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) to ensure the chicken is properly heated through.
Can I freeze this stromboli? Yes, you can freeze the baked stromboli for up to 3 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes.
Storage Instructions
Store leftover stromboli in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container. To reheat, place slices on a baking sheet and warm in a 350°F oven for 8-10 minutes, or until heated through. Avoid microwaving as it can make the crust soggy. For longer storage, wrap individual portions in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. The stromboli can be reheated directly from frozen – just increase the reheating time to 15-20 minutes in the oven.
Related Recipes
For more delicious recipes that your family will love, check out these favorites from our collection at https://runoflif.com:
- Classic Chicken Cordon Bleu – Experience the traditional version that inspired this stromboli
- Italian Sausage and Pepper Stromboli – Another fantastic stromboli variation with bold Italian flavors
- Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Calzone – Perfect for cheese lovers who enjoy handheld comfort food
- Ham and Cheese Pinwheels – Easy appetizers with similar flavors in bite-sized portions
Conclusion
This Ultimate Chicken Cordon Bleu Stromboli Recipe successfully bridges the gap between elegant dining and casual comfort food. The combination of tender chicken, savory ham, and melted Swiss cheese wrapped in golden pizza dough creates a meal that’s both satisfying and impressive. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family on a busy weeknight or entertaining guests for a casual dinner party, this stromboli delivers on both flavor and presentation.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability and make-ahead potential, making it a valuable addition to any home cook’s repertoire. With simple ingredients and straightforward techniques, you can create a restaurant-quality meal in your own kitchen. The next time you’re craving the classic flavors of chicken cordon bleu but want something a little different, give this stromboli a try – it’s sure to become a new household favorite that you’ll find yourself making again and again.