This Chicken Cordon Bleu Stromboli is a showstopping mash-up of a classic French favorite and a beloved Italian-inspired stuffed bread. Imagine gooey Swiss cheese, savory ham, and juicy chicken breast, all hugged in a golden crust with a touch of Dijon for zippy flavor. Whether you’re entertaining friends, feeding a hungry family, or just treating yourself to something special, this recipe brings comfort and just the right hint of elegance to your table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Creating Chicken Cordon Bleu Stromboli requires just a handful of everyday ingredients, but each one plays a star role. The magic happens when those layers of chicken, ham, and cheese get wrapped in pillowy pizza dough and baked to a golden finish. Here’s what you’ll need and why each is important:
- 1 pound pizza dough: The cozy, chewy base that holds all the tasty fillings together and crisps up beautifully.
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard: Adds a tangy, slightly sharp kick that echoes traditional chicken cordon bleu sauce.
- 1 cup cooked chicken breast, shredded or chopped: Brings hearty, lean protein and soaks up all the delicious flavors.
- 4 ounces sliced deli ham: Lends smoky-sweet notes and a classic French twist to the filling.
- 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese: Melts luxuriously and balances the flavors; Gruyère works too for a bolder taste!
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash): Gives the stromboli its glossy, golden finish once baked.
- 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, umami-rich crust and extra depth.
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs: Sprinkles some herbal goodness over the crust, keeping things fragrant and inviting.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Enhances all the flavors in every bite.
- Flour for dusting: Prevents sticking while rolling out the dough and makes handling a breeze.
How to Make Chicken Cordon Bleu Stromboli
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Workspace
Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While the oven heats up, dust a large, clean surface with a little flour to create the perfect spot for rolling out your pizza dough. This step helps prevent sticking and ensures a smooth experience from start to finish.
Step 2: Roll Out the Dough
Place your pizza dough on the floured surface and use a rolling pin (or your hands if you’re feeling rustic) to coax it into a generous rectangle, roughly 10×14 inches. The goal is an even thickness throughout, making it easy to layer ingredients and roll everything up later.
Step 3: Build the Flavor Foundation
Grab that creamy Dijon mustard and spread it evenly across the surface of your dough, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges. That border is key: it helps seal the stromboli tight and keeps all the goodness inside when you roll it.
Step 4: Layer that Filling
First, evenly scatter the cooked chicken over the mustard layer. Next, arrange the ham slices on top followed by a generous sprinkling of shredded Swiss cheese. Season lightly with salt and pepper to taste. Take a moment to appreciate the colorful, mouthwatering layers you’ve created!
Step 5: Roll and Seal
Carefully start rolling the dough from one long edge, tucking in the sides as you go to keep everything neatly inside. When you’re done, the seam should be underneath to help lock in the fillings. Transfer the rolled stromboli to a parchment-lined baking sheet, keeping that seam-side down for a smooth, golden top.
Step 6: Add the Finishing Touches
Brush the top of your log with the beaten egg, then sprinkle on the Parmesan and Italian herbs. Don’t forget to use a sharp knife to cut 3–4 small slits along the top—this lets steam escape and prevents the crust from splitting.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Pop your Chicken Cordon Bleu Stromboli into the hot oven and let it bake for 25 to 30 minutes. You’re looking for a crust that’s deeply golden and crisp. Once out of the oven, let it rest for at least 5 minutes before slicing. This prevents the cheese from oozing everywhere and keeps those layers distinct and pretty.
How to Serve Chicken Cordon Bleu Stromboli
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like parsley or chives scattered over the top add a splash of color and freshness. A light dusting of extra Parmesan right before serving will make each slice look irresistible.
Side Dishes
Pair this Chicken Cordon Bleu Stromboli with a simple green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette, roasted vegetables, or crispy potato wedges. For a real treat, serve with a side of honey mustard or creamy Dijon sauce for dipping—those flavors echo the filling and tie the whole meal together.
Creative Ways to Present
Slice the stromboli into thick rounds and fan them out on a wooden board for a rustic, shareable appetizer. For individual servings, plate with a drizzle of sauce and a sprig of herbs for an elegant touch. Tiny cocktail picks turn slices into party-ready finger food!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you somehow have leftovers, wrap them tightly in foil or store in an airtight container in the fridge. The Chicken Cordon Bleu Stromboli will keep beautifully for up to three days, and makes a fuss-free lunch the next day.
Freezing
You can freeze baked or unbaked stromboli! If baked, let it cool completely, wrap slices individually, and freeze for up to two months. If unbaked, roll up the stromboli (without the egg wash and toppings), wrap well, and freeze. Add extra baking time if cooking from frozen.
Reheating
To reheat, place slices in a 350°F oven until warmed through and the cheese is melty again, about 10–12 minutes. A toaster oven works great too! Avoid microwaving if possible, as it may make the crust lose its pleasant crispness.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought pizza dough?
Absolutely! Store-bought dough makes this recipe a breeze, though you can certainly go homemade if you have a favorite recipe. Both work deliciously—just make sure the dough is at room temperature for easy rolling.
What kind of cheese can I substitute for Swiss?
Gruyère is fantastic if you want a nuttier, more robust flavor, while mozzarella offers a milder and extra-melty result. Even provolone slips right in if that’s what you have on hand.
Can I make Chicken Cordon Bleu Stromboli ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble it up to the egg wash step, wrap tightly, and refrigerate for several hours. When ready to bake, brush on the egg and sprinkle with toppings just before it goes in the oven.
How do I keep the dough from getting soggy?
Be mindful not to overload with sauce or fillings that are too wet. Adding just a thin layer of mustard and fully cooked (not watery) chicken helps keep the crust crisp.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Sure! Just use a gluten-free pizza dough (store-bought or homemade), and double-check that your other ingredients are gluten-free. Baking times may vary slightly depending on the dough you choose.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for an easy, fun, and seriously satisfying dinner, Chicken Cordon Bleu Stromboli might just become your new go-to. Give it a try, share it with loved ones, and don’t be surprised when it disappears in minutes—this is comfort food at its finest!
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Chicken Cordon Bleu Stromboli Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Chicken Cordon Bleu Stromboli recipe combines the flavors of the classic dish in a convenient and delicious rolled-up form. Perfect for a family dinner or gathering with friends, this easy-to-make stromboli is sure to impress.
Ingredients
Pizza Dough:
- 1 pound pizza dough
Filling:
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 cup cooked chicken breast, shredded or chopped
- 4 ounces sliced deli ham
- 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Additional:
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
- Flour for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Roll out the dough: Lightly flour a surface and roll out the pizza dough into a large rectangle, about 10×14 inches.
- Layer the ingredients: Spread Dijon mustard on the dough, add chicken, ham, Swiss cheese, salt, and pepper.
- Roll the stromboli: Roll the dough into a log, tucking in the sides. Place seam-side down on a baking sheet.
- Top and bake: Brush with egg wash, sprinkle with Parmesan and herbs. Make slits on top and bake for 25–30 minutes until golden.
- Serve: Let it rest before slicing and serving.
Notes
- You can use rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- Gruyère cheese is a great substitute for Swiss.
- Serve with honey mustard or creamy Dijon sauce for dipping.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/4 stromboli)
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
