Chicken Bacon Ranch Stuffed Bread

Imagine biting into a warm loaf of Italian bread, crusty on the outside, yet oozing with gooey cheese, savory chicken, smoky bacon, and creamy ranch dressing. This Chicken Bacon Ranch Stuffed Bread is comfort food at its best perfect for game days, family gatherings, or whenever you need something delicious and satisfying. Simple ingredients come together for a bread that’s packed with bold flavors and textures, sure to become a household favorite.

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Why This Stuffed Bread is a Winner

1. Crowd-Pleaser: This bread has everything you love cheese, chicken, bacon, and ranch dressing all wrapped up in one neat loaf. It’s great for sharing with family and friends.
2. Easy to Make: Using rotisserie chicken saves time, and the filling comes together in just minutes.
3. Endless Adaptability: You can add different fillings or switch up the cheeses to suit your taste.
4. Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a cozy night in, a potluck, or a tailgate, this stuffed bread is versatile and fun to serve.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Bread:

• 1 (16-inch) loaf Italian bread – This will be your “container” for all the fillings. Choose a fresh, soft loaf with a crusty exterior.

For the Filling:

• 1 (8 oz) package chive and onion cream cheese, softened – Adds a creamy, savory base with a hint of onion and chive flavor.
• 1 cup bottled Ranch dressing – Brings that classic tangy ranch taste to every bite.
• 1 1/2 tsp garlic salt – Enhances the flavors with a touch of garlicky goodness.
• 1 tsp onion powder – Complements the garlic and boosts the overall flavor profile.
• 3 cups rotisserie chicken, roughly chopped – Pre-cooked and shredded rotisserie chicken makes this recipe quick and convenient.
• 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled – Adds a smoky, savory flavor that pairs perfectly with the chicken and cheese.
• 3 medium green onions, finely chopped – Adds a fresh crunch and mild onion flavor.
• 3 cups shredded Colby-Jack cheese, divided – Melts beautifully and adds a creamy, cheesy goodness to every slice.
• 1 Tbsp melted butter – For brushing the loaf to achieve a golden, crispy exterior.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

1. Preheat to 350°F (175°C) – Set your oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper to catch any drips or spills.

Step 2: Mix the Filling

1. Combine Cream Cheese and Ranch: In a medium mixing bowl, beat together the softened chive and onion cream cheese, bottled ranch dressing, garlic salt, and onion powder. Mix until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
2. Add the Mix-Ins: Stir in the chopped rotisserie chicken, crumbled bacon, green onions, and 1 cup of shredded Colby-Jack cheese by hand. Mix until all ingredients are evenly combined.

Tip: Make sure the cream cheese is at room temperature so it mixes smoothly without lumps.

Step 3: Prepare the Bread

1. Slice the Loaf: Using a sharp knife, slice the Italian bread loaf in half lengthwise.
2. Hollow Out the Bread: Carefully remove some of the bread from the center of each half, creating a hollow area for the filling. Be careful not to tear through the crust.

Tip: Save the removed bread pieces to make breadcrumbs or croutons.

Step 4: Assemble the Stuffed Bread

1. Add a Cheese Layer: Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded Colby-Jack cheese onto the bottom half of the bread. This layer of cheese helps create a barrier that prevents the bread from becoming too soggy.
2. Spread the Filling: Spoon the filling mixture evenly over the cheese layer, pressing down slightly to ensure it’s spread out.
3. Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded Colby-Jack cheese over the filling for an extra cheesy layer.
4. Close the Bread: Place the top half of the bread back on the filled bottom half and press down gently to help seal.

Step 5: Final Touches

1. Brush with Butter: Using a pastry brush, coat the outside of the bread loaf with melted butter. This helps the bread develop a golden, crispy crust during baking.
2. Wrap in Foil: Wrap the entire loaf tightly in aluminum foil to lock in moisture and heat as it bakes.

Step 6: Bake the Bread

1. Place on the Baking Sheet: Put the foil-wrapped loaf on the prepared baking sheet.
2. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes. The cheese should be melted and the bread heated through.
3. Unwrap for Crispiness: For a crustier exterior, open the foil for the last 5 minutes of baking. This allows the bread to crisp up slightly.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

1. Let It Rest: Allow the bread to rest for about 5 minutes after removing it from the oven. This will make it easier to slice without the filling spilling out.
2. Slice and Serve: Cut the loaf into 1-inch slices for easy serving. Serve warm and enjoy the cheesy, savory goodness in every bite!

Serving Suggestion: Pair this stuffed bread with a fresh salad, a warm bowl of soup, or simply enjoy it on its own as a satisfying snack.

Tips for Success

1. Use Fresh Ingredients: Freshly cooked bacon, green onions, and quality cheese make a big difference in the flavor of the filling.
2. Hollow Out Carefully: Be gentle when removing the bread from the center. Removing too much can make the bread flimsy, while too little will limit the filling space.
3. Wrap the Bread Well: Wrapping the bread in foil helps it heat evenly and prevents the cheese from leaking out.
4. Crisp to Your Preference: If you like a crispier crust, bake with the foil open for a few extra minutes. For softer bread, keep it wrapped the whole time.

Variations and Serving Ideas

1. Add Veggies: Add in sautéed bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach to give the filling extra color and nutrition.
2. Try Different Cheeses: Swap out Colby-Jack for cheddar, mozzarella, or pepper jack for a little kick.
3. Spice It Up: Add a bit of hot sauce, crushed red pepper, or chopped jalapeños to the filling for a spicy twist.
4. Serve with Dipping Sauce: Ranch, marinara, or garlic aioli make great dipping options and add another layer of flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?

Yes! You can prepare the filling and hollow out the bread a day ahead. Simply store both in the fridge, then assemble and bake when you’re ready to serve.

Can I Freeze the Stuffed Bread?

This bread is best enjoyed fresh. However, you can freeze it if needed. Wrap the assembled bread tightly in foil and plastic wrap, then freeze. To reheat, bake at 350°F, wrapped in foil, until heated through.

What Other Types of Bread Work?

If you can’t find Italian bread, use a French baguette or a sourdough loaf. Just adjust the amount of filling depending on the bread’s size.

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 399 kcal
• Serving Size: 1-inch slice
• Total Servings: Approximately 16 slices

Final Thoughts

This Chicken Bacon Ranch Stuffed Bread is everything you love about a classic sandwich, turned into a warm, cheesy, pull-apart bread that’s ideal for any gathering. The creamy ranch dressing and chive cream cheese add layers of flavor, while the bacon and cheese make every bite irresistibly savory.

Serve this bread at your next party, as a game-day snack, or simply to make a regular weeknight dinner extra special. The best part? It’s as easy to make as it is delicious. Enjoy every mouthwatering bite!