Chicken Bacon Ranch Stuffed Bread
Chicken Bacon Ranch Stuffed Bread is the ultimate comfort food, combining the savory flavors of chicken, crispy bacon, and creamy ranch dressing, all encased in a warm, crusty loaf of bread. This dish is perfect for game day, family gatherings, or any time you want a hearty, crowd-pleasing meal. Stuffed bread recipes have always been a hit because they are easy to make, versatile, and absolutely delicious.
Preparing the Filling
- Mix the filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, crumbled bacon, ranch dressing, cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, and chopped green onions. Mix until well combined.
Assembling the Stuffed Bread
- Prepare the bread: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). On a cutting board, slice the French bread loaf in half lengthwise.
- Hollow out the bread: Carefully remove some of the bread from the center of each half, creating a well for the filling.
- Fill the bread: Spoon the chicken bacon ranch mixture into the hollowed-out halves, spreading it evenly.
Baking the Bread
- Combine butter and garlic: In a small bowl, mix the melted butter with the garlic powder.
- Brush with butter: Brush the garlic butter over the top of the filled bread halves.
- Wrap in foil: Place the stuffed bread halves on a baking sheet and loosely wrap them in aluminum foil.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish: Remove from the oven, unwrap the foil, and garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
Tips for the Perfect Chicken Bacon Ranch Stuffed Bread
- Choosing the right bread: Use a sturdy French bread or Italian loaf that can hold the filling without becoming too soggy.
- Ensuring a flavorful filling: Use a good quality ranch dressing and freshly cooked bacon for the best flavor.
- Perfecting the baking time: Keep an eye on the bread to ensure it doesn’t overbake and become too crispy.
Serving Suggestions
Chicken Bacon Ranch Stuffed Bread pairs wonderfully with:
- Mixed green salad
- Potato wedges or French fries
- Coleslaw
- A cold beer or a glass of iced tea
Storing and Reheating
- How to store leftovers: Place any leftover stuffed bread in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- Reheating tips: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes or in the microwave until heated through.
Variations and Substitutions
- Vegetarian options: Substitute the chicken and bacon with roasted vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms.
- Gluten-free adaptations: Use a gluten-free loaf of bread and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different types of cheese?
Yes, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, or even Swiss cheese.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add some heat, mix in some diced jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce into the filling mixture.
What other fillings can I add?
You can add ingredients like diced tomatoes, black olives, or even spinach to the filling for extra flavor and texture.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the stuffed bread and refrigerate it for up to a day before baking. Just add the garlic butter right before baking.
Chicken Bacon Ranch Stuffed Bread
Chicken Bacon Ranch Stuffed Bread is the ultimate comfort food, combining the savory flavors of chicken, crispy bacon, and creamy ranch dressing, all encased in a warm, crusty loaf of bread. This dish is perfect for game day, family gatherings, or any time you want a hearty, crowd-pleasing meal. Stuffed bread recipes have always been a hit because they are easy to make, versatile, and absolutely delicious.
Ingredients
- 1 (16 inch) loaf Italian Bread
- 1 (8 oz) package chive and onion cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup bottled Ranch salad dressing
- 1 1/2 tsp garlic salt
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 3 cups rotisserie chicken, roughly chopped
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 3 medium green onions, finely chopped
- 3 cups shredded Colby-Jack cheese, divided
- 1 Tbsp melted butter
Instructions
Preheat Oven:Preheat the oven to 350°F. Prepare a baking sheet nearby.
Mix Filling:In a medium mixing bowl, beat together the cream cheese, Ranch dressing, garlic salt, and onion powder until smooth.Stir in the chopped chicken, bacon, green onions, and 1 cup of the cheese by hand until well combined.
Prepare Bread:Slice the bread loaf in half lengthwise and hollow out some of the bread from the center of each piece to make room for the filling.
Assemble:Sprinkle 1 cup of cheese on the bottom half of the bread. Spread the filling mixture evenly over the cheese. Top with the remaining 1 cup of cheese.Place the top half of the bread over the filling and press gently to seal.
Final Touches:Brush the bread on all sides with melted butter and wrap it in foil.Bake:Place the foil-wrapped loaf on the baking sheet and bake for 30-40 minutes until the bread is heated through and the cheese has melted.Open the foil for the last 5 minutes to allow the bread to crisp up.
Serve:Let the bread rest for 5 minutes after baking, then slice and serve warm.