Cheesy Chicken Cordon Bleu Stromboli

Name: Cheesy Chicken Cordon Bleu Stromboli
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1 sheet refrigerated pizza dough (13.8 oz / 390 g); 1 cup (150 g) cooked chicken, shredded or diced; 6 slices deli ham; 6 slices Swiss cheese; ¼ cup (60 ml) Dijon mustard or honey mustard; 2 tablespoons mayonnaise (optional); 1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash); 1 tablespoon sesame seeds or Italian seasoning (optional)

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Everyday Culinary Delights👩‍🍳

Posted on January 7, 2025

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Few dishes manage to blend elegance and comfort food quite like Chicken Cordon Bleu. Known for its crispy breading, melty Swiss cheese, and savory ham, this dish has long been a staple of French-inspired cuisine. But what if you could take all those rich, indulgent flavors and wrap them in golden, flaky pizza dough? That’s exactly what Chicken Cordon Bleu Stromboli delivers—a handheld, sliceable, and utterly satisfying twist on a beloved classic.

Perfect for weeknight dinners, game-day snacks, or even as an impressive appetizer, this stromboli is as easy to make as it is delicious. It brings together tender chicken, salty ham, creamy Swiss cheese, and a hint of tangy mustard, all rolled up in a crispy, golden crust. If you love flavor-packed meals that require minimal effort, this recipe is one you’ll want to keep in your collection.

The Origins of Chicken Cordon Bleu and Stromboli

A Brief History of Chicken Cordon Bleu

The origins of Chicken Cordon Bleu trace back to Switzerland, where “Cordon Bleu” translates to “Blue Ribbon,” symbolizing excellence in cuisine. This dish gained popularity in the mid-20th century, becoming a go-to for home cooks and fine dining alike. Traditionally, it consists of breaded chicken breast stuffed with ham and Swiss cheese, then pan-fried or baked to golden perfection.

The Italian-American Influence of Stromboli

Stromboli, on the other hand, is an Italian-American invention, first appearing in the 1950s in the United States. Unlike calzones, which are folded and sealed like a pocket, strombolis are rolled and baked, resulting in a crispy, sliceable dish filled with cheese, meats, and seasonings.

By combining these two iconic dishes, Chicken Cordon Bleu Stromboli offers the best of both worlds—the cheesy, meaty goodness of cordon bleu with the crispy, golden-brown crust of a stromboli.

Ingredients

For the Stromboli

1 sheet (13.8 oz) refrigerated pizza dough – The perfect flaky, crispy base
1 cup cooked chicken, shredded or diced – Adds protein and heartiness
6 slices deli ham – The classic Cordon Bleu flavor
6 slices Swiss cheese – Melts beautifully for a creamy texture
¼ cup Dijon or honey mustard – Adds a tangy, savory kick
2 tbsp mayonnaise (optional) – Enhances the creaminess of the filling

For the Topping

1 large egg, beaten – Creates a golden, glossy crust
1 tbsp sesame seeds or Italian seasoning (optional) – Adds flavor and texture

Directions

1. Preheat the Oven

Set the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. Roll Out the Dough

On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pizza dough into a rectangle (12×14 inches).

3. Add the Filling

Spread Dijon mustard (or honey mustard) evenly over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges.
Layer ham slices, shredded chicken, and Swiss cheese on top.

4. Roll the Stromboli

Starting from the long side, roll the dough tightly into a log.
Pinch the edges to seal the seam and tuck the ends under.

5. Brush with Egg Wash

Brush the top with a beaten egg for a crispy, golden crust.
Sprinkle with sesame seeds or Italian seasoning, if desired.

6. Bake Until Golden

Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and crispy.

7. Slice and Serve

Let it cool for 5 minutes, then slice into thick pieces and serve warm with honey mustard or marinara sauce for dipping.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Calories: 320 kcal
Protein: 18g
Fat: 14g
Carbohydrates: 28g
Fiber: 1g

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. All the Flavors of Chicken Cordon Bleu with Less Effort

Traditional Chicken Cordon Bleu requires pounding chicken, stuffing it, breading, and frying or baking. This stromboli simplifies the process by rolling everything into pizza dough, cutting down on prep time without sacrificing flavor.

2. The Perfect Blend of Crunchy, Creamy, and Savory

Each bite of this stromboli delivers a crunchy exterior, a melty cheese center, and layers of salty ham and tender chicken—all wrapped in a golden-brown crust.

3. Quick and Easy with Pre-Made Dough

Using refrigerated pizza dough means this dish comes together in under an hour, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.

Stromboli is naturally great for slicing and serving, making it a fantastic choice for potlucks, parties, or family dinners.

5. Customizable to Your Taste

From different cheeses to spice levels, this recipe is easy to adapt to your personal preferences.

Secrets to the Perfect Stromboli

Achieving the best texture and flavor in a Chicken Cordon Bleu Stromboli requires a few key techniques.

1. Let the Dough Rest Before Rolling

Cold pizza dough can be difficult to stretch, leading to uneven thickness or tearing. Letting it rest at room temperature for 15–20 minutes makes it easier to roll out.

2. Layer the Ingredients Evenly

Distributing the chicken, ham, and cheese evenly ensures that every bite has the perfect ratio of flavors. Avoid piling ingredients in one area, which can make rolling the stromboli difficult.

3. Roll Tightly for a Perfect Shape

Starting from one long edge, roll the dough as tightly as possible to keep the filling contained and create a uniform swirl of flavors inside.

4. Seal the Edges to Prevent Leaks

Pinching the seam and tucking the ends under keeps the cheese from melting out during baking.

5. Use an Egg Wash for a Golden Crust

Brushing the top with a beaten egg before baking gives the stromboli its shiny, golden-brown finish.

6. Let It Cool Before Slicing

Allowing the stromboli to rest for 5–10 minutes before cutting helps keep the filling from spilling out and makes slicing easier.

Creative Variations to Try

While this recipe is already packed with bold flavors, you can customize it to suit your tastes.

1. Add a Kick of Spice

Sprinkle in red pepper flakes or spicy brown mustard for a little heat.
Swap Swiss cheese for pepper jack or smoked gouda.

2. Try Different Meats and Cheeses

Instead of ham, use prosciutto, turkey, or crispy bacon.
Replace Swiss cheese with mozzarella, provolone, or Gruyère.

3. Make It Extra Crispy

Swap pizza dough for puff pastry for a flakier, more delicate crust.

4. Add Fresh Greens

Layer baby spinach between the ham and cheese for added freshness.

5. Experiment with Dipping Sauces

Honey mustard, garlic aioli, or even buffalo sauce can add extra layers of flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I Make This Ahead of Time?

Yes! You can assemble the stromboli ahead of time, wrap it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

2. Can I Freeze Stromboli?

Absolutely. Bake the stromboli, let it cool, then freeze it whole or in slices. To reheat, bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15–20 minutes until warmed through.

3. What’s the Best Dipping Sauce?

Honey mustard enhances the tangy flavor.
Marinara sauce complements the cheesy filling.
Garlic butter or ranch dressing adds richness.

4. Can I Use Homemade Pizza Dough?

Yes! If you prefer homemade dough, just roll it out to the same dimensions as store-bought dough.

5. How Do I Store Leftovers?

Store slices in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for best texture.

Conclusion: A Crowd-Pleasing, Easy-to-Make Favorite

Chicken Cordon Bleu Stromboli is the perfect blend of comfort food and gourmet flavor, making it a go-to recipe for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it as a main dish, a party snack, or a game-day treat, this stromboli delivers melty cheese, savory ham, and tender chicken wrapped in a crispy crust.

With simple ingredients, minimal prep, and endless variations, this dish is a must-try for home cooks looking to add a fun, flavorful recipe to their collection.

So, preheat your oven, roll out your dough, and get ready to enjoy a crispy, cheesy, and utterly delicious Chicken Cordon Bleu Stromboli that’s guaranteed to impress!