This savory dish combines chicken, bacon, ranch dressing, and cheese stuffed inside a loaf of Italian bread. It’s a perfect balance of creamy, cheesy, and savory flavors with a crispy, golden crust. Whether you’re looking for a family dinner, a crowd-pleasing party snack, or a tasty comfort food dish, this is sure to be a favorite!
Ingredients:
For the Bread:
- 1 (16-inch) loaf of Italian bread 🍞
Look for a thick, sturdy loaf like a baguette-style bread. It holds the filling well and bakes to a crispy finish.
For the Filling:
- 1 (8 oz) package chive and onion cream cheese, softened 🧀
The chive and onion cream cheese adds a burst of flavor to the filling and pairs perfectly with the other ingredients. - 1 cup bottled Ranch salad dressing 🥗
Choose your favorite ranch dressing! It adds a creamy, tangy base to the filling. - 1 1/2 tsp garlic salt 🧂
A perfect seasoning for the filling and to complement the ranch dressing. - 1 tsp onion powder 🧅
A mild onion flavor to enhance the cream cheese and ranch dressing. - 3 cups rotisserie chicken, roughly chopped 🍗
Rotisserie chicken is quick and flavorful—grab a store-bought rotisserie chicken for ease, or cook your own if you prefer. - 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled 🥓
Bacon adds crunch and smoky flavor to the bread. - 3 medium green onions, finely chopped 🌿
Green onions lend a bit of freshness and a mild onion flavor. - 3 cups shredded Colby-Jack cheese, divided 🧀
This cheese melts beautifully and gives the stuffed bread a delicious, gooey center. - 1 Tbsp melted butter 🧈
This will be brushed onto the outside of the bread for a golden, crispy finish.
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven 🔥
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper to catch any drips and for easier cleanup.
2. Mix the Filling 🥄
In a medium bowl, beat together chive and onion cream cheese, Ranch dressing, garlic salt, and onion powder. Stir until smooth and creamy.
Add the rotisserie chicken, crumbled bacon, chopped green onions, and 1 cup shredded Colby-Jack cheese. Stir well until everything is evenly mixed.
3. Prepare the Bread 🍞
Slice the Italian bread in half lengthwise, being careful not to cut all the way through the bottom. You want to leave a sturdy base to hold the filling.
Using a spoon or your hands, hollow out the center of both halves of the bread to make room for the filling. Leave about an inch of bread on each side to ensure the bread holds up while baking.
4. Assemble the Stuffed Bread 🧩
- Sprinkle 1 cup shredded Colby-Jack cheese evenly on the bottom half of the hollowed bread.
- Spoon the chicken-bacon ranch filling onto the cheese, spreading it evenly.
- Top the filling with the remaining 1 cup of shredded Colby-Jack cheese.
- Place the top half of the bread over the filling, gently pressing down to seal.
5. Final Touches 🖌️
Brush the outside of the bread with melted butter. This gives the bread a golden, crisp exterior.
Wrap the stuffed loaf in aluminum foil to help trap the heat and melt the cheese.
6. Bake the Stuffed Bread 🔥
Place the foil-wrapped bread on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 30-40 minutes. The bread should be heated through, and the cheese should be melted and gooey.
In the last 5 minutes, open the foil to allow the bread’s exterior to crisp up.
7. Serve 🍽️
Let the bread rest for about 5 minutes after baking, then slice into 1-inch thick pieces. Serve warm for the best flavor and texture!
Benefits of This Recipe:
- High in Protein 🍗
The chicken and bacon provide a good source of protein to keep you full and satisfied. - Cheesy Goodness 🧀
The combination of cream cheese and Colby-Jack cheese gives this bread a creamy, indulgent texture while keeping it savory. - Quick & Easy ⏰
Using a store-bought rotisserie chicken makes prep quick, and you can assemble the bread in just 15 minutes! - Crowd-Pleaser 🎉
This dish is great for parties, gatherings, or family dinners, as it serves multiple people and is easy to share. - Customizable 🛠️
Feel free to swap the ranch for another dressing or use different cheeses. The recipe is versatile, so you can adjust it to your family’s taste preferences.
Frequently Asked Questions (Q&A):
Q1: Can I use a different type of bread?
A1: Yes! If you prefer a different type of bread, you can use French bread, baguettes, or even a softer bread like sandwich bread. Just make sure it’s sturdy enough to hold the filling.
Q2: Can I use cooked chicken instead of rotisserie chicken?
A2: Absolutely! If you have leftover cooked chicken, you can shred it and use it in place of rotisserie chicken. Just be sure to chop it into small, bite-sized pieces.
Q3: Can I make this in advance?
A3: Yes! You can assemble the bread ahead of time, wrap it in foil, and store it in the fridge for up to 1 day before baking. When ready to bake, just pop it in the oven.
Q4: Is this dish spicy?
A4: No, this recipe isn’t spicy. However, you can add a bit of hot sauce or jalapeños to the filling if you’d like to add some heat.
Q5: Can I use a different kind of cheese?
A5: Yes! If you prefer a different type of cheese, feel free to swap the Colby-Jack for mozzarella, cheddar, or even pepper jack for a little extra flavor.
Quick Summary:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Servings: 16 (1-inch slices)
- Calories per Serving: 399 kcal
This Chicken Bacon Ranch Stuffed Bread is a comforting, cheesy, and savory treat that’s simple to make yet feels indulgent. Enjoy it as a snack, meal, or appetizer for your next gathering!
Let me know if you’d like any additional changes! Enjoy! 😊