Chicken Bacon Ranch Stuffed Bread: A Crowd-Pleasing Party Favorite

Introduction

Chicken Bacon Ranch Stuffed Bread is a fun and flavorful twist on the classic party appetizer. This recipe takes soft and fluffy Hawaiian sweet rolls and stuffs them with a creamy, cheesy, and bacon-packed chicken filling. It’s baked to golden perfection and served warm, making it a perfect dish for sharing with friends and family.

Anecdotal Story

I’m a big fan of anything with bacon and ranch, so when I first came across this recipe, I knew I had to try it. I was hosting a game day party, and I wanted to make something that was easy to assemble and would feed a crowd. This Chicken Bacon Ranch Stuffed Bread was the perfect solution. It was a huge hit, and everyone raved about the delicious flavors and the fun presentation. Now, it’s a staple at all my gatherings.

Ingredient Descriptions

• Cooked and Shredded Chicken: This is the base of the filling, providing protein and a satisfying texture. You can use leftover cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken for convenience.
• Ranch Dressing: Adds a creamy and tangy flavor to the filling. Use your favorite brand of ranch dressing or make your own from scratch.
• Cooked and Crumbled Bacon: Adds a smoky and salty flavor and a crispy texture to the filling.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty and nutty flavor to the filling. Freshly grated Parmesan cheese is always preferred for its superior flavor and texture.
• Hawaiian Sweet Rolls: These soft and fluffy rolls are the perfect vessel for the filling.
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Adds a creamy and cheesy flavor to the filling.
• Butter: Adds richness and flavor to the topping. Use unsalted butter for the best results.
• Garlic Powder: Adds a subtle garlic flavor to the topping.

Equipment/Tools

• 9×13 inch Baking Pan: For baking the stuffed bread.
• Mixing Bowl: For combining the filling ingredients.
• Small Bowl: For mixing the garlic butter topping.
• Pastry Brush: For brushing the garlic butter topping over the rolls.
• Aluminum Foil: For covering the pan during baking.

Complete Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements

• 4 cups cooked and shredded chicken
• 1 cup Ranch dressing
• ½ cup cooked and crumbled bacon
• 3 tablespoons Parmesan cheese
• 15 Hawaiian sweet rolls (sliced in half)
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• ¼ cup butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 baking pan.
2. Prepare the Rolls: Place the bottom half of the Hawaiian rolls into the greased baking pan.
3. Make the Chicken Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, Ranch dressing, crumbled bacon, and Parmesan cheese. Mix until everything is well combined.
4. Assemble the Sliders: Evenly spread the chicken mixture over the bottom half of the rolls in the pan. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the chicken mixture.
5. Top with Roll Lids: Place the top halves of the Hawaiian rolls over the chicken and cheese mixture to form sandwiches.
6. Garlic Butter Topping: In a small bowl, mix the melted butter with garlic powder. Brush the garlic butter mixture generously over the tops of the rolls.
7. Bake: Cover the pan with aluminum foil and bake for 15 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and the sliders are heated through.
8. Serve: Remove the foil and serve the sliders warm. Enjoy their cheesy, bacon-packed goodness!

Troubleshooting Common Problems

• Bread is too dry: Make sure not to overbake the stuffed bread. Cover the pan with foil during baking to retain moisture.
• Filling is too runny: Add more shredded cheese or breadcrumbs to the filling to thicken it.
• Cheese is not melting: Make sure the oven is preheated to the correct temperature and bake for the full amount of time.
• Rolls are burning: Tent the baking dish with aluminum foil if the tops are browning too quickly.

Tips and Variations

• Use different meats: Substitute the chicken with turkey, ham, or ground beef.
• Add different vegetables: You can add other vegetables to the filling, such as diced onions, bell peppers, or jalapeños.
• Make it spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce to the filling for a spicy kick.
• Make it vegetarian: Omit the chicken and bacon and add extra vegetables or beans for a vegetarian version.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve the Chicken Bacon Ranch Stuffed Bread warm as an appetizer or a main course.
• Cut it into individual sliders or larger squares for sharing.
• Serve with a side salad or chips and dip for a complete meal.

Pairing Recommendations

• Drinks: A cold beer, a glass of iced tea, or a refreshing lemonade pairs well with this stuffed bread.
• Side Dishes: Serve the stuffed bread with a side of potato salad, coleslaw, or fruit salad.

Nutritional Information (Approximate)

(Nutritional information will vary depending on the specific ingredients used.)

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Comprehensive FAQ

• Can I make this stuffed bread ahead of time? Yes, you can assemble the stuffed bread ahead of time and bake it just before serving.
• How do I store leftover stuffed bread? Store leftover stuffed bread in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it in the oven or microwave before serving