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Chicken Bacon Ranch Stuffed Bread: The Ultimate Party Appetizer or Game Day Snack


  • Author: Jessica

Description

Learn how to make this incredibly delicious and easy Chicken Bacon Ranch Stuffed Bread. Loaded with chicken, bacon, cheese, and a flavorful ranch mixture, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!


Ingredients

Scale

  • 1 (16 inch) loaf Italian bread
  • 1 (8 oz) package chive and onion cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup bottled ranch salad dressing
  • 1 ½ teaspoon garlic salt
  • 1 teaspoon 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
  • ⅓ cup unsalted butter, melted

Instructions

1. Prepare the Oven and Baking Sheet: Getting Ready to Bake

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Prepare Baking Sheet: You will not need to line the baking sheet with anything.

2. Make the Filling: A Creamy, Flavorful Mixture

  1. Combine Cream Cheese Mixture: In a medium mixing bowl, beat together the softened chive and onion cream cheese, ranch dressing, garlic salt, and onion powder until smooth.
    • Tip: Using an electric mixer makes this step quick and easy.
  2. Stir in Chicken, Bacon, and Onions: Add the chopped rotisserie chicken, crumbled bacon, and finely chopped green onions to the bowl.
  3. Mix Well: Stir everything together by hand until the chicken, bacon, and onions are evenly distributed throughout the cream cheese mixture.
  4. Incorporate Cheese: Add 1 cup of the shredded Colby-Jack cheese to the filling mixture and stir until just combined.

3. Prepare the Bread: Creating a Vessel for the Filling

  1. Slice Bread: Using a serrated bread knife, slice the Italian bread loaf in half lengthwise, creating a top and bottom half.
  2. Hollow Out: Gently hollow out the soft bread from the center of each half, leaving about a 1-inch border around the edges. This creates space for the filling.
    • Tip: Save the scooped-out bread for making breadcrumbs or croutons.

4. Assemble the Stuffed Bread: Building the Layers

  1. Sprinkle Cheese: Sprinkle 1 cup of the shredded Colby-Jack cheese evenly over the bottom half of the bread loaf.
  2. Spread Filling: Spread the chicken, bacon, and cheese filling evenly over the cheese layer on the bottom half of the loaf.
  3. Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheese over the filling.
  4. Replace Top: Carefully place the top half of the bread loaf over the filling, pressing down gently to seal.

5. Add the Finishing Touches: Enhancing Flavor and Browning

  1. Melt Butter: In a small bowl, melt ⅓ cup of unsalted butter.
  2. Brush with Butter: Using a pastry brush, generously brush the entire surface of the bread loaf (top, bottom, and sides) with the melted butter.

6. Bake to Perfection: Achieving a Golden-Brown Crust and Melty Filling

  1. Wrap in Foil: Wrap the entire loaf tightly in aluminum foil.
  2. Place on Baking Sheet: Place the foil-wrapped loaf on a baking sheet.
  3. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes, or until the bread is heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  4. Crisp the Top (Optional): Open the foil to expose the top of the loaf during the last 5 minutes of baking to allow it to crisp up.

7. Cool and Serve: Enjoying the Flavorful Creation

  1. Rest: Let the Chicken Bacon Ranch Stuffed Bread rest for about 5 minutes after baking to allow the filling to set slightly.
  2. Slice and Serve: Carefully remove the foil, and using a serrated knife, slice the loaf into individual portions and serve warm.