Savory Chicken Bacon Ranch Stuffed Bread Recipe

If you’re craving a savory, cheesy snack that’s perfect for sharing, this Chicken Bacon Ranch Stuffed Bread is just what you need. Packed with the flavors of chicken, bacon, and ranch, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s easy to make and even easier to enjoy.

Ingredients

• Italian Bread: A 16-inch loaf of crusty Italian bread is the perfect vessel for holding all the delicious fillings.
• Chive and Onion Cream Cheese: This flavored cream cheese adds a tangy and herbaceous base to the filling.
• Ranch Salad Dressing: 1 cup of Ranch dressing adds a creamy, tangy flavor that complements the other ingredients perfectly.
• Garlic Salt: 1 1/2 teaspoons of garlic salt enhance the overall flavor of the filling with a savory, garlicky kick.
• Onion Powder: 1 teaspoon of onion powder adds a mild onion flavor that blends well with the chive and onion cream cheese.
• Rotisserie Chicken: 3 cups of roughly chopped rotisserie chicken add heartiness and protein to the filling.
• Bacon: 6 slices of cooked and crumbled bacon provide a smoky, salty contrast to the creamy filling.
• Green Onions: 3 medium green onions, finely chopped, add a fresh, sharp flavor to balance the richness of the cheese and bacon.
• Colby-Jack Cheese: 3 cups of shredded Colby-Jack cheese, divided, melt into a gooey, cheesy layer throughout the bread.
• Melted Butter: 1 tablespoon of melted butter is brushed on the outside of the bread for a golden, crispy crust.

Instructions

Step 1:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a baking sheet by setting it aside for later use.

Step 2:

In a medium-sized mixing bowl, beat together the softened chive and onion cream cheese, Ranch dressing, garlic salt, and onion powder until the mixture is smooth and well-combined. This will be the flavorful base of your stuffed bread.

Step 3:

Stir in the roughly chopped rotisserie chicken, crumbled bacon, finely chopped green onions, and 1 cup of the shredded Colby-Jack cheese by hand. Make sure the filling is thoroughly mixed so that every bite of the bread is packed with flavor.

Step 4:

Take the Italian bread loaf and slice it in half lengthwise. Hollow out some of the bread from the center of each half to create space for the filling, being careful not to remove too much bread. You want enough room for the filling but still enough bread to support it.

Step 5:

Sprinkle 1 cup of the shredded Colby-Jack cheese on the bottom half of the bread. Spread the filling mixture evenly over the cheese layer, ensuring it's packed in well. Top the filling with the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheese.

Step 6:

Place the top half of the bread over the filling and press down gently to seal the loaf. Brush the bread on all sides with the melted butter to help it crisp up in the oven.

Step 7:

Wrap the stuffed bread loaf in foil, making sure it's fully enclosed, and place it on the prepared baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes, or until the bread is heated through and the cheese is fully melted. For a crispier texture, open the foil for the last 5 minutes of baking.

Step 8:

Once baked, let the bread rest for about 5 minutes before slicing. This allows the filling to set slightly, making it easier to cut. Slice the bread into 1-inch pieces and serve warm.

Serving and Storage Tips

• Serve the Chicken Bacon Ranch Stuffed Bread warm, straight out of the oven, for the best flavor and texture.
• Pair it with a side salad or soup for a complete meal, or serve it as an appetizer at parties and gatherings.
• If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• To reheat, wrap the slices in foil and warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or microwave for a quicker option.

Helpful Notes

• You can customize the filling by adding different ingredients like sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or even sun-dried tomatoes.
• For a spicier version, add a dash of hot sauce or some chopped jalapeños to the filling mixture.
• If you prefer a crispier crust, brush the outside of the bread with olive oil instead of butter.

Tips from Well-Known Chefs

• Chef Rachael Ray suggests using a mix of different cheeses like mozzarella and sharp cheddar for a more complex flavor.
• Chef Emeril Lagasse recommends adding a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or basil just before serving for a burst of freshness.
• Chef Giada De Laurentiis advises using freshly grated cheese rather than pre-shredded for a smoother, meltier texture.