Description
Try our Chicken Turkey Bacon Ranch Stuffed Bread! A cheesy, savory delight perfect for appetizers or a hearty main dish. Easy to make and irresistibly tasty.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 (16-inch) loaf Italian bread: The foundation of this dish. A fresh, crusty Italian loaf provides the ideal base to hold all the delicious fillings. Look for a bread that is soft yet sturdy.
- 1 (8 oz) package chive and onion cream cheese, softened: This creamy substance adds richness and a tangy flavor that melds beautifully with the other ingredients.
- 1 cup Ranch dressing: The star of the show, Ranch dressing infuses the dish with a zesty flavor that complements the savory components remarkably well.
- 1.5 tsp garlic salt: Enhances the overall flavor profile, providing depth and a savory punch.
- 1 tsp onion powder: It adds a subtle sweetness and enhances the onion notes present in this dish.
- 3 cups cooked chicken, chopped: Chicken is a lean protein source that brings heartiness to the dish. Opt for rotisserie chicken or cooked chicken breast for convenience.
- 6 slices turkey bacon, crumbled: Turkey bacon substitutes traditional bacon for a lighter option that still delivers on crispness and flavor.
- 3 medium green onions, chopped: Brightens up the dish with fresh flavor and adds a pop of color.
- 3 cups shredded Colby-Jack cheese, divided: This cheese acts as a gooey, melty layer that binds the filling and adds irresistible creaminess.
- 1 tbsp melted butter: Brushed on top to create a golden, crisp finish, butter enhances the bread’s texture and flavor.
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with foil to catch any drips during baking.
- Prepare the filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 (8 oz) package of softened chive and onion cream cheese, 1 cup of Ranch dressing, 1.5 tsp of garlic salt, and 1 tsp of onion powder. Stir until everything is well blended. Add in 3 cups of chopped cooked chicken, 6 slices of crumbled turkey bacon, 3 medium green onions (chopped), and 1 cup of shredded Colby-Jack cheese, mixing until fully combined.
- Hollow out the bread: Take your 16-inch loaf of Italian bread and slice it in half lengthwise, creating two equal halves. Gently hollow out some of the interior bread from both halves to create space for the filling, ensuring you leave enough wall thickness to hold the mixture.
- Assemble the stuffed bread: On one half of the hollowed bread, layer 1 cup of shredded Colby-Jack cheese. Spread the prepared filling evenly on top. Then, sprinkle the remaining 2 cups of shredded cheese on top to achieve a cheesy crust.
- Cover and butter: Place the top half of the bread back in place. Brush the top of the loaf with 1 tbsp of melted butter to enhance flavor and achieve a golden-brown crust.
- Bake: Wrap the entire loaf in the prepared foil and place it on the baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 30-40 minutes, or until the filling is heated through and the cheese is bubbly and melted.
- Serve: After removing the stuffed bread from the oven, let it rest for about 5 minutes. Then, slice it into portions, serve it warm, and enjoy the ooey-gooey cheese and flavorful filling!