Chicken Bacon Ranch Bread (Print)

Italian bread filled with chicken, bacon and cheese, brought together with creamy ranch dressing for the ultimate savory treat.

# Ingredients:

01 - 1 loaf (41 cm) Italian bread
02 - 1 package (227 g) chive and onion cream cheese, softened
03 - 240 ml bottled Ranch salad dressing
04 - 1.5 teaspoons garlic salt
05 - 1 teaspoon onion powder
06 - 3 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
07 - 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
08 - 3 medium green onions, finely chopped
09 - 3 cups shredded Colby-Jack cheese, divided
10 - 1 tablespoon melted butter

# Directions:

01 - Preheat the oven to 175°C (350°F). Have a baking sheet ready.
02 - In a medium mixing bowl, beat together the cream cheese, Ranch dressing, garlic salt, and onion powder until smooth. Fold in the chopped chicken, bacon, green onions, and 1 cup of the cheese until well combined.
03 - Slice the bread loaf in half lengthwise. Hollow out some of the center from each piece to create a cavity for the filling.
04 - 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.
05 - Brush all sides of the bread with melted butter and wrap it completely in foil.
06 - Place the foil-wrapped loaf on the baking sheet and bake for 30-40 minutes until heated through and cheese has melted. Uncover during the final 5 minutes to allow the bread to crisp.
07 - Allow the stuffed bread to rest for 5 minutes before slicing into portions. Serve warm.

# Notes:

01 - This hearty stuffed bread can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated until ready to bake.
02 - For best results, use day-old bread which will hold the filling better.