Chicken Bacon Ranch Stuffed Bread
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
Instructions :
Preheat Oven:
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Prepare a baking sheet nearby.
Mix Filling:
In a medium mixing bowl, beat together the cream cheese, Ranch dressing, garlic salt, and onion powder until smooth.
Stir in the chopped chicken, bacon, green onions, and 1 cup of the cheese by hand until well combined.
Prepare Bread:
Slice the bread loaf in half lengthwise and hollow out some of the bread from the center of each piece to make room for the filling.
Assemble:
Sprinkle 1 cup of cheese on the bottom half of the bread. Spread the filling mixture evenly over the cheese. Top with the remaining 1 cup of cheese.
Place the top half of the bread over the filling and press gently to seal.
Final Touches:
Brush the bread on all sides with melted butter and wrap it in foil.
Bake:
Place the foil-wrapped loaf on the baking sheet and bake for 30-40 minutes until the bread is heated through and the cheese has melted.
Open the foil for the last 5 minutes to allow the bread to crisp up.
Serve:
Let the bread rest for 5 minutes after baking, then slice and serve warm.
here are 15 tips and secrets to achieve the perfect Chicken Bacon Ranch Stuffed Bread:
- Choose the Right Bread: Opt for a fresh, sturdy Italian loaf that will hold up well to the filling without becoming soggy.
- Quality Ingredients: Select high-quality ingredients, especially the rotisserie chicken and bacon, as they will contribute significantly to the flavor of the dish.
- Cream Cheese Consistency: Ensure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature for easier mixing and a smoother filling.
- Balance Ranch Dressing: Adjust the amount of Ranch dressing to your taste preference, balancing the creamy richness with the other flavors in the filling.
- Seasoning Balance: Taste the filling mixture before assembling and adjust the garlic salt and onion powder accordingly for the perfect flavor balance.
- Uniform Chopping: Chop the rotisserie chicken and bacon into uniform pieces to ensure even distribution throughout the filling.
- Green Onion Garnish: Reserve some finely chopped green onions to sprinkle on top of the assembled bread before baking for a pop of color and freshness.
- Even Cheese Distribution: Spread the shredded cheese evenly throughout the filling layers to ensure every bite is cheesy and delicious.
- Proper Hollowing: Hollow out the bread halves carefully, leaving a sturdy border to contain the filling without breaking through the crust.
- Sealing the Bread: Press the top half of the bread firmly onto the filling to seal the loaf and prevent any filling from leaking out during baking.
- Butter for Crispy Exterior: Brushing the bread with melted butter before wrapping it in foil helps create a crispy exterior while keeping the interior moist.
- Foil Wrapping Technique: Wrap the stuffed bread securely in foil to prevent it from drying out during baking and to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Baking Time Adjustment: Keep an eye on the bread while baking and adjust the baking time if needed to ensure it is heated through and the cheese is melted to perfection.
- Crisping the Top: Uncover the bread for the last few minutes of baking to allow the top to crisp up and develop a golden-brown crust.
- Resting Period: Allow the stuffed bread to rest for a few minutes after baking before slicing and serving. This allows the filling to set slightly, making it easier to slice into neat portions.
With these tips and secrets in mind, you’ll be able to create a mouthwatering Chicken Bacon Ranch Stuffed Bread that will impress your family and friends!
Here are some popular questions and their answers related to Chicken Bacon Ranch Stuffed Bread:
- Can I use homemade ranch dressing instead of bottled? Absolutely! Homemade ranch dressing can add a fresher flavor to the stuffed bread. Just make sure it’s well-balanced and not too runny to prevent the bread from becoming soggy.
- Can I substitute the chive and onion cream cheese with plain cream cheese? Yes, you can substitute plain cream cheese if you prefer. However, you may want to add extra chopped chives or onions to the filling mixture to maintain the flavor profile.
- Can I use leftover cooked chicken instead of rotisserie chicken? Yes, leftover cooked chicken works well in this recipe. Just make sure it’s chopped into small pieces for easy mixing and even distribution in the filling.
- How do I prevent the bread from becoming soggy? To prevent the bread from becoming soggy, hollow out the bread halves carefully, leaving a sturdy border to contain the filling. Additionally, make sure the filling is not too runny and that the bread is wrapped tightly in foil before baking.
- Can I prepare Chicken Bacon Ranch Stuffed Bread in advance? Yes, you can prepare the stuffed bread in advance up to the point of baking. Once assembled, wrap the bread tightly in foil and refrigerate until ready to bake. Allow it to come to room temperature before baking as directed.
- What can I serve with Chicken Bacon Ranch Stuffed Bread? Chicken Bacon Ranch Stuffed Bread pairs well with a variety of side dishes such as a crisp green salad, roasted vegetables, or even some potato wedges. It’s a versatile dish that complements many flavors.
- How long does leftover Chicken Bacon Ranch Stuffed Bread last? Leftover stuffed bread can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat slices in the oven or toaster oven until warmed through before serving.
- Can I freeze Chicken Bacon Ranch Stuffed Bread? Yes, you can freeze stuffed bread for longer storage. Wrap individual slices or the entire loaf tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating in the oven.