Get ready to experience a flavor sensation with our Chicken Smoked Turkey Ranch Stromboli with Jalapeño Cream Swirl! This isn’t your average stromboli; we’re taking things up a notch with a delicious combination of smoky turkey, savory chicken, a creamy, spicy jalapeño ranch swirl, and a golden-brown, perfectly baked crust. It’s a hearty, satisfying meal that’s perfect for a casual dinner, game night, or even a potluck. This recipe delivers a delightful balance of textures and tastes that will have everyone coming back for more. Let’s dive into what makes this stromboli so special, starting with the ingredients!
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 500 g (1 lb) Pizza Dough: The foundation of our stromboli! You can use store-bought dough for convenience, or make your own homemade pizza dough for a truly authentic experience. Ensure the dough is at room temperature for easier rolling.
- 200 g (7 oz) Cooked Chicken Breast, Shredded: We’re using pre-cooked chicken breast to save time, but rotisserie chicken works wonderfully too. Shredding the chicken ensures it distributes evenly throughout the stromboli.
- 100 g (3.5 oz) Smoked Turkey Bacon, Diced: The smoky flavor of turkey bacon adds a wonderful depth to this stromboli. Dicing it allows it to blend seamlessly with the chicken and cheese.
- 150 g (5.3 oz) Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: A classic pizza cheese that melts beautifully and provides a mild, creamy flavor. We recommend using low-moisture mozzarella to prevent a soggy stromboli.
- 100 g (3.5 oz) Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Adding cheddar cheese introduces a sharper, more robust flavor that complements the mozzarella and other ingredients.
- 2 tbsp (30 g) Ranch Seasoning Mix: The key to that classic ranch flavor! Use a good quality ranch seasoning mix, or make your own from scratch for a customized taste.
- 100 g (3.5 oz) Cream Cheese, Softened: Softened cream cheese is essential for creating a smooth and spreadable jalapeño ranch cream. Make sure it’s at room temperature for easy mixing.
- 1 Small Jalapeño (15 g), Finely Minced: This adds a delightful kick to the cream swirl. Remove the seeds and membranes for a milder heat, or leave them in for extra spice.
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) Milk: Used to thin out the cream cheese and create the perfect consistency for spreading.
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) Olive Oil: Used for sautéing the chicken and bacon, and for brushing the stromboli before baking, resulting in a golden-brown and crispy crust.
- 2 tbsp (8 g) Fresh Parsley, Chopped: Adds a pop of color and freshness as a garnish.
- Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper to Taste: Essential for seasoning the chicken and bacon mixture, enhancing all the flavors.
- Extra Jalapeño Ranch Cream (see preparation): For drizzling over the finished stromboli, adding an extra layer of creamy, spicy goodness.
Ingredient Substitutions
Feel free to customize this stromboli to your liking! Here are a few substitution ideas:
- Chicken: You can substitute the chicken breast with cooked and shredded turkey, or even leftover rotisserie chicken.
- Smoked Turkey Bacon: Regular bacon can be used if you don’t have smoked turkey bacon on hand, but the smoky flavor will be different.
- Cheeses: Feel free to experiment with different cheese blends! Provolone, Monterey Jack, or Pepper Jack would all be delicious additions.
- Jalapeño: If you’re not a fan of spice, you can omit the jalapeño altogether, or substitute it with a milder pepper like poblano.
Let’s Build Your Stromboli: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Preheat and Prep: Begin by preheating your oven to 200°C (400°F). This ensures even cooking and a beautifully golden-brown crust. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
- Sauté the Chicken and Turkey: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the shredded chicken and diced smoked turkey bacon. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Sauté for 4-5 minutes, or until lightly browned. This step adds a depth of flavor and ensures the meats are heated through. Allow the mixture to cool slightly before assembling the stromboli – this prevents the cheese from melting prematurely.
- Combine the Cheesy Ranch Goodness: In a large bowl, combine the shredded mozzarella, shredded cheddar, and 2 tablespoons of ranch seasoning. Mix well to ensure the seasoning is evenly distributed throughout the cheese. This creates a flavorful base for your stromboli filling.
- Whip Up the Jalapeño Ranch Cream: In a small bowl, whisk together the softened cream cheese, the remaining 2 tablespoons of ranch seasoning, the finely minced jalapeño, and the milk. Continue whisking until the mixture is smooth and spreadable. Adjust the amount of jalapeño to your spice preference – a little goes a long way! This cream adds a creamy, spicy kick that perfectly complements the other flavors.
- Roll Out the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll the pizza dough into a rectangle approximately 30 x 40 cm (12 x 16 inches). Aim for an even thickness to ensure consistent baking.
- Spread the Creamy Base: Spread a thin, even layer of the jalapeño ranch cream over the rolled-out dough, leaving a 2-cm (¾-inch) border around the edges. This border will help seal the stromboli.
- Layer the Filling: Layer the cooled chicken-turkey mixture evenly over the jalapeño ranch cream. Then, sprinkle the cheese-ranch mixture generously on top. Ensure the filling is distributed evenly for a balanced flavor in every bite.
- Roll It Up: Starting from the long side, tightly roll the dough into a log, like you’re rolling a jelly roll. Pinch the dough together along the seam to seal it securely. This prevents the filling from escaping during baking.
- Prepare for Baking: Place the stromboli seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet. Brush the top of the roll with the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. This will help the crust become golden brown and crispy.
- Bake to Perfection: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Keep a close eye on it during the last few minutes to prevent burning.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the stromboli from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing. This allows the filling to set slightly, making it easier to slice. Slice into 2-cm (¾-inch) thick pieces.
- Plate and Garnish: Arrange the slices slightly overlapping on a white plate. Drizzle generously with the warm remaining jalapeño ranch cream. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and a few thin jalapeño slices for a pop of color.
Why This Stromboli Works: The Flavor Synergy
This Chicken Smoked Turkey Ranch Stromboli isn’t just a random combination of ingredients; it’s a carefully constructed flavor profile. The smokiness of the turkey bacon provides a robust base, while the chicken adds a lean protein element. The ranch seasoning, infused into both the cheese and the cream, delivers that classic, comforting flavor we all love. But the real star is the jalapeño cream swirl. It introduces a delightful heat and creaminess that cuts through the richness of the cheese and meat, creating a balanced and addictive experience. The dough, when baked to golden perfection, provides the perfect vessel for all these flavors to come together.
Tips for the Perfect Stromboli Crust
The crust is the foundation of any good stromboli. If you’re using store-bought dough, let it come to room temperature before rolling. This makes it more pliable and easier to work with. Don’t overwork the dough, as this can make it tough. A light dusting of flour on your work surface will prevent sticking. For an extra crispy crust, brush it with an egg wash (1 egg beaten with 1 tablespoon of water) before baking. And remember, a golden-brown crust is a sign of a perfectly baked stromboli!
Variations and Customization
Feel free to get creative with this recipe! You can substitute the chicken and turkey with other proteins like Italian sausage or pepperoni. Add other vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms to the filling. Experiment with different cheeses, such as provolone or Monterey Jack. And if you’re not a fan of jalapeños, you can omit them from the cream or substitute them with other peppers like serranos or poblanos. The possibilities are endless!
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
Leftover stromboli can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, wrap individual slices in foil and bake at 175°C (350°F) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat it in a microwave, but the crust may not be as crispy. For a quick snack, cold stromboli is also delicious!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Can I make the stromboli ahead of time? Yes, you can assemble the stromboli and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking.
- Can I freeze the stromboli? Yes, you can freeze the unbaked stromboli for up to 2 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before baking.
- What can I serve with this stromboli? A simple side salad, some marinara sauce for dipping, or a bowl of soup would all be great accompaniments.
This Chicken Smoked Turkey Ranch Stromboli with Jalapeño Cream Swirl is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It’s perfect for game day, a casual dinner, or any occasion where you want to impress your friends and family. Don’t forget to save this recipe to Pinterest for later!
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Chicken Smoked Turkey Ranch Stromboli With Jalapeño Cream Swirl
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: General
Description
This Chicken Smoked Turkey Ranch Stromboli is a flavorful and hearty meal featuring a creamy jalapeño swirl and a golden-brown crust. It’s perfect for casual dinners or gatherings, offering a delightful balance of smoky, savory, and spicy flavors.
Ingredients
- 500 g (1 lb) Pizza Dough: Use store-bought or homemade, at room temperature.
- 200 g (7 oz) Cooked Chicken Breast, Shredded: Pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken works well.
- 100 g (3.5 oz) Smoked Turkey Bacon, Diced: Adds a smoky depth of flavor.
- 150 g (5.3 oz) Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Low-moisture is recommended.
- 100 g (3.5 oz) Shredded Cheddar Cheese: For a sharper flavor.
- 2 tbsp (30 g) Ranch Seasoning Mix: Use a good quality mix.
- 100 g (3.5 oz) Cream Cheese, Softened: Essential for the jalapeño ranch swirl.
- 1 Small Jalapeño (15 g), Finely Minced: Adjust to your spice preference.
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) Milk: To thin the cream cheese.
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) Olive Oil: For sautéing and brushing the crust.
- 2 tbsp (8 g) Fresh Parsley, Chopped: For garnish.
- Salt and Pepper to Taste: Season the chicken and bacon.
- Extra Jalapeño Ranch Cream: For drizzling.
Instructions
- Sauté Meats: Brown shredded chicken and diced turkey bacon in olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and cool.
- Combine Cheeses: Mix mozzarella, cheddar, and ranch seasoning in a bowl.
- Make Cream Swirl: Whisk softened cream cheese, ranch seasoning, minced jalapeño, and milk until smooth.
- Roll Out Dough: Roll pizza dough into a 30×40 cm rectangle.
- Spread and Layer: Spread jalapeño ranch cream, then chicken-turkey mixture, and cheese mixture evenly over the dough.
- Roll and Seal: Roll dough tightly into a log and pinch seam to seal.
- Bake: Brush with olive oil and bake at 200°C (400°F) for 20-25 minutes, until golden brown.
- Rest and Serve: Let rest for 5 minutes, slice, drizzle with extra cream, and garnish with parsley.
Notes
For a crispier crust, brush with an egg wash before baking. Feel free to customize the filling with different proteins, vegetables, or cheeses.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
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