Chicken Bacon Ranch Stuffed Bread Recipe
Introduction
Chicken Bacon Ranch Stuffed Bread is a flavorful, hearty dish perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or game days. Combining juicy chicken, crispy bacon, creamy ranch dressing, and gooey melted cheese, all stuffed into crusty bread, it’s a crowd-pleasing comfort food. This recipe is a wonderful blend of savory flavors wrapped in a golden, crunchy crust, making it a favorite for lovers of bold and rich dishes.
Ingredients
For the Filling:
• 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works great)
• 1 cup crispy cooked bacon, chopped
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup ranch dressing
• ¼ cup chopped green onions (optional)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
For the Bread:
• 1 large loaf of French or Italian bread (or a large baguette)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley (optional for garnish)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Filling:
• In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, bacon, mozzarella, cheddar, ranch dressing, garlic powder, black pepper, and green onions (if using). Mix until all the ingredients are evenly coated and combined.
2. Prepare the Bread:
• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Slice the top of the bread horizontally to create a “lid” and hollow out the inside, leaving about ½ inch of bread on the sides to hold the filling. Reserve the bread you remove for breadcrumbs or another use.
3. Stuff the Bread:
• Fill the hollowed-out bread generously with the chicken-bacon-ranch mixture. Press the filling down slightly to ensure it’s packed well.
4. Bake the Bread:
• Brush the outside of the bread and the top “lid” with melted butter. Sprinkle dried parsley for added flavor and color.
• Place the stuffed bread on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the bread is golden brown.
5. Cool and Slice:
• Remove from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes. Slice into thick pieces and serve warm.
Methods
• Customizing the Filling: Add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or jalapeños for extra flavor.
• Making Mini Versions: Use small bread rolls for individual portions, perfect for parties.
• Freezing: Prepare the stuffed bread, wrap tightly in foil, and freeze. Bake directly from frozen, adding 10-15 extra minutes to the cooking time.
History
Stuffed bread has roots in various cuisines worldwide, with each culture adding unique fillings. This particular recipe draws inspiration from American comfort food, combining the popular flavors of chicken, bacon, ranch, and cheese. The trend of stuffing bread took off as a way to create easy, shareable meals that can feed a crowd.
Benefits
• Protein-Packed: Chicken and bacon provide a great source of protein.
• Customizable: Adjust the ingredients to suit dietary preferences.
• Time-Saving: Use pre-cooked chicken or leftovers for a quick meal.
Formation
1. Base: Hollowed-out bread acts as the perfect vessel for the filling.
2. Filling: A mix of creamy, cheesy, and savory flavors creates a satisfying bite.
3. Baking: Melting the cheese and crisping the bread brings the dish together beautifully.
Lovers
• Foodies: Fans of indulgent comfort food.
• Families: A hit for busy weeknights or weekend treats.
• Party Hosts: Perfect for sharing at events or game nights.
Nutrition (Approximate Per Serving)
• Calories: 420
• Protein: 25g
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Fat: 22g
• Fiber: 2g
Note: Nutritional values vary based on portion size and exact ingredients used.
Conclusion
Chicken Bacon Ranch Stuffed Bread is a versatile and delicious recipe that guarantees smiles at the dinner table. With its rich flavors, simple preparation, and crowd-pleasing appeal, it’s bound to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Whether it’s for a quick meal or an impressive party dish, this stuffed bread is sure to be a hit. Enjoy it warm, cheesy, and filled with love!