Description
A cheesy, flavorful stuffed bread loaded with tender chicken, crispy bacon, and creamy ranch dressing—perfect as a quick meal, snack, or party appetizer. This warm, melty, and crispy stuffed bread is sure to be a crowd-pleaser!
Ingredients
- 1 large French bread loaf (or Italian bread)
- 2 cups cooked and shredded chicken
- 1 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup ranch dressing
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
1️⃣ Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2️⃣ Prepare the bread: Cut the top off the French bread loaf and hollow out the center, leaving about ½-inch of bread on the sides and bottom. (Save the removed bread for homemade croutons or breadcrumbs!)
3️⃣ Make the filling: In a bowl, mix together shredded chicken, crumbled bacon, mozzarella cheese, cheddar cheese, ranch dressing, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper until well combined.
4️⃣ Stuff the bread: Spoon the chicken-bacon-ranch mixture into the hollowed-out loaf, pressing it down evenly so it’s packed with cheesy goodness.
5️⃣ Bake: Brush the top of the bread with melted butter, then place it on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
6️⃣ Broil for crispiness (optional): For a crunchier top, broil for 2-3 minutes after baking until golden brown.
7️⃣ Garnish & serve: Sprinkle with fresh parsley, slice into portions, and serve warm. Enjoy the cheesy, savory perfection!
Notes
- Extra crispy? After baking, broil the bread for 2-3 minutes for a golden, crunchy top.
- Want more flavor? Add chopped green onions or red pepper flakes for a kick.
- Make it ahead: Assemble the stuffed bread a few hours in advance, wrap in foil, and bake when ready to serve.
- Storage: Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes to keep it crispy.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes