Description
Savory chicken bacon ranch stuffed bread delivers a mouthwatering blend of creamy ranch, crispy bacon, and tender chicken nestled in golden, crusty bread. Comfort meets indulgence in this irresistible appetizer you’ll crave at every gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
- 4 slices bacon, crumbled
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
Bread and Cheese:
- 1 loaf french bread or italian bread
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
Herbs and Seasonings:
- 2 tbsp fresh chives, chopped
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and optimal bread preparation.
- Slice the bread lengthwise, creating a boat-like shape, carefully hollowing out the center to create a generous stuffing cavity without puncturing the bottom crust.
- In a mixing bowl, blend cream cheese until smooth, then incorporate shredded chicken, crumbled bacon, ranch dressing, chives, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt, creating a harmonious and flavorful filling mixture.
- Generously stuff the bread cavity with the chicken-bacon mixture, ensuring even distribution and pressing gently to compact the filling.
- Sprinkle mozzarella cheese over the entire surface of the stuffed bread, covering the filling completely for a melted, golden-brown finish.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese becomes bubbly and golden, and the bread edges turn crispy and light brown.
- Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes to allow the filling to set and cool slightly.
- Slice into thick sections, serving hot and showcasing the gooey cheese and savory filling within the crisp bread exterior.
Notes
- Prep Ahead: Shred chicken and crisp bacon in advance to streamline the stuffing process and reduce overall cooking time.
- Bread Selection: Choose a sturdy French or Italian loaf with thick walls to prevent filling leakage and maintain structural integrity during baking.
- Customizable Filling: Swap ranch for alternatives like hot sauce, BBQ seasoning, or herb blends to create unique flavor profiles matching personal preferences.
- Dietary Modifications: Use low-fat cream cheese, turkey bacon, and gluten-free bread for lighter, healthier versions without compromising taste and texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 910mg
- Fat: 36g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 47g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 33g
- Cholesterol: 85mg