Chicken Bacon Ranch Stuffed Bread

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Ingredients:

  • 1 (16-inch) loaf Italian Bread
  • 1 (8 oz) package chive and onion cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup bottled Ranch salad dressing
  • 1 1/2 tsp garlic salt
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 3 cups rotisserie chicken, roughly chopped
  • 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
  • 3 medium green onions, finely chopped
  • 3 cups shredded Colby-Jack cheese, divided
  • 1 Tbsp melted butter

Directions:

Preheat Oven:

  • Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a baking sheet nearby for the stuffed bread.

Mix Filling:

  • In a medium mixing bowl, beat together the softened chive and onion cream cheese, Ranch dressing, garlic salt, and onion powder until smooth and well combined.
  • Stir in the chopped rotisserie chicken, crumbled bacon, finely chopped green onions, and 1 cup of shredded Colby-Jack cheese by hand until thoroughly incorporated.

Prepare Bread:

  • Slice the Italian bread loaf in half lengthwise and hollow out some of the bread from the center of each piece to create space for the filling.

Assemble:

  • Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded Colby-Jack cheese on the bottom half of the hollowed-out bread.
  • Spread the prepared filling mixture evenly over the cheese layer.
  • Top the filling with the remaining 1 cup of shredded Colby-Jack cheese.
  • Place the top half of the bread over the filling and press gently to seal the loaf.

Final Touches:

  • Brush the entire surface of the stuffed bread with melted butter, ensuring an even coating.
  • Wrap the assembled loaf in foil, sealing it securely.

Bake:

  • Place the foil-wrapped loaf on the prepared baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes, or until the bread is heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Serve:

  • Allow the stuffed bread to rest for 5 minutes after baking to set.
  • Carefully unwrap the foil and transfer the loaf to a cutting board.
  • Slice the Chicken Bacon Ranch Stuffed Bread into 1-inch slices and serve warm.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 40 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes Calories: 399 kcal per serving | Servings: 16 (1-inch slices)

Serving and Storage Tips:

Serving:

  • Serve your Chicken Bacon Ranch Stuffed Bread warm, straight from the oven, to enjoy it at its best.
  • Slice the stuffed bread into individual portions and arrange them on a platter for easy serving at parties or gatherings.
  • Pair with a side of marinara sauce or additional Ranch dressing for dipping, if desired, to enhance the flavors even further.

Storage:

  • Store any leftover stuffed bread in an airtight container or tightly wrapped in foil in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • To reheat, place the stuffed bread slices on a baking sheet and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
  • Alternatively, you can reheat individual slices in the microwave for 1-2 minutes until warm and gooey.

Variations:

1. Veggie Lover’s Stuffed Bread:

  • Add a variety of diced vegetables such as bell peppers, mushrooms, and spinach to the filling mixture for a delicious vegetarian option. Sauté the vegetables until tender before mixing them with the other ingredients.

2. Spicy Chicken Bacon Ranch Stuffed Bread:

  • Amp up the heat by incorporating diced jalapeños or green chilies into the filling mixture. You can also drizzle hot sauce over the filling before assembling the bread for an extra kick of flavor.

3. BBQ Chicken Bacon Ranch Stuffed Bread:

  • Substitute Ranch dressing with your favorite barbecue sauce for a tangy twist. Mix shredded rotisserie chicken with barbecue sauce before adding it to the filling mixture. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro before serving.

4. Mediterranean Stuffed Bread:

  • Replace the Ranch dressing with tzatziki sauce and add ingredients like diced cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and crumbled feta cheese to the filling mixture. Sprinkle with chopped fresh dill for a Mediterranean-inspired flavor profile.

5. Buffalo Chicken Bacon Ranch Stuffed Bread:

  • Use buffalo sauce instead of Ranch dressing for a spicy kick. Mix shredded rotisserie chicken with buffalo sauce and blue cheese crumbles before stuffing the bread. Serve with extra buffalo sauce on the side for dipping.

6. Hawaiian Chicken Bacon Ranch Stuffed Bread:

  • Incorporate diced pineapple and ham into the filling mixture for a sweet and savory Hawaiian twist. Top with shredded mozzarella cheese and a drizzle of teriyaki sauce before baking.

Experiment with these variations to customize your Chicken Bacon Ranch Stuffed Bread and discover new flavor combinations that suit your taste preferences. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or get creative with different fillings and sauces, this stuffed bread is sure to be a hit at any gathering or family meal.

FAQs:

1. Can I use homemade Ranch dressing instead of bottled?

  • Absolutely! Homemade Ranch dressing can be used for a fresher flavor. You can find various Ranch dressing recipes online to suit your taste preferences.

2. Can I prepare the filling ahead of time and assemble the bread later?

  • Yes, you can prepare the filling mixture in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When ready to assemble, simply spread the filling onto the bread and bake as directed.

3. Can I use different types of cheese in the filling?

  • Yes, feel free to experiment with different cheeses such as mozzarella, cheddar, or pepper jack to customize the flavor of the stuffed bread to your liking.

4. Can I make this recipe without bacon for a vegetarian version?

  • Absolutely! You can omit the bacon or replace it with vegetarian bacon alternatives or additional vegetables for a meat-free option.

5. Can I use a different type of bread for this recipe?

  • While Italian bread works best for its sturdy texture, you can experiment with other types of bread such as French bread, sourdough, or even a round bread loaf for a unique twist.

6. How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

  • To make this recipe gluten-free, use gluten-free bread or a gluten-free bread loaf. Ensure that all other ingredients, including the Ranch dressing, are certified gluten-free.

7. Can I freeze the stuffed bread for later use?

  • Yes, you can freeze the assembled stuffed bread before baking. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 1 month. When ready to bake, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking as directed.

8. Can I add additional seasonings or herbs to the filling mixture?

  • Absolutely! Feel free to customize the filling with your favorite herbs and spices such as dried parsley, thyme, or smoked paprika for added flavor.

9. Can I make mini stuffed breads instead of one large loaf?

  • Yes, you can make individual-sized stuffed breads by using smaller bread loaves or cutting the larger loaf into smaller portions before filling and baking.

10. Can I serve this stuffed bread as a main dish?

  • While it’s commonly served as an appetizer or snack, you can certainly enjoy this stuffed bread as a main dish alongside a salad or soup for a complete meal. Adjust the portion size accordingly to serve as a main course.

With its savory filling nestled within a crusty Italian bread shell, our Chicken Bacon Ranch Stuffed Bread is sure to impress your guests and satisfy your cravings. Whether served as an appetizer for gatherings or enjoyed as a hearty snack, this flavorful creation is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Prepare a batch today and indulge in the irresistible combination of chicken, bacon, ranch, and cheese, all wrapped up in a delicious bread loaf.

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