🥖 Cheesy Chicken and Bacon–Stuffed Bread Loaf 

A warm, gooey, flavor-packed pull-apart loaf that’s perfect as a party appetizer, game-day snack, or comforting dinner side.

⭐ Ingredients

For the Filling

• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie works great)

• 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled

• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded

• ½ cup cheddar cheese, shredded

• 4 oz (½ block) cream cheese, softened

• ¼ cup ranch dressing or 3 tbsp mayonnaise

• 2 green onions, chopped

• 1 clove garlic, minced

• Salt & pepper to taste

For the Bread

• 1 large French bread loaf OR Italian loaf

• 2 tbsp butter, melted

• ½ tsp garlic powder

• ½ tsp dried parsley (optional)

🔪 Instructions

1. Prepare the Bread

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Slice the loaf lengthwise like a “boat,” leaving the bottom crust intact.

3. Hollow out the center (save the bread chunks for dipping later or croutons).

2. Make the Filling

1. In a bowl, mix:

   • shredded chicken

   • bacon

   • mozzarella

   • cheddar

   • cream cheese

   • ranch/mayo

   • green onions

   • garlic

2. Season with salt & pepper.

3. Mix until creamy and fully combined.

3. Stuff the Loaf

1. Spoon the filling into the hollowed-out loaf.

2. Spread evenly and pack tightly.

3. Brush melted butter over the exposed bread edges.

4. Sprinkle garlic powder & parsley on top.

4. Bake

• Bake 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the loaf is golden.

5. Serve

• Slice into thick pieces

• Serve warm with ranch, garlic sauce, or marinara for dipping.

🍽 Serving Suggestions

• Pair with soup (tomato, chicken noodle)

• Serve as a party appetizer on a board

• Add jalapeños for heat

• Add spinach for a veggie twist

❓ Q&A Section

Q1: Can I make this ahead of time?

A: Yes! Prepare the stuffed loaf, wrap tightly in foil, and refrigerate up to 24 hours. Bake when ready.

Q2: Can I freeze the stuffed bread?

A: Absolutely. Wrap in foil + plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen at 350°F for 35–40 minutes.

Q3: What kind of chicken works best?

A: Rotisserie chicken is ideal because it’s tender and flavorful. Leftover grilled or baked chicken works too.

Q4: Can I use turkey bacon or no bacon?

A: Yes! Turkey bacon works well. You may also omit bacon entirely and add sautéed mushrooms for hearty flavor.

Q5: What cheeses can I substitute?

A: Try:

• Monterey Jack (melts beautifully)

• Pepper Jack (spicy)

• Provolone

• Colby

Q6: Can I make it spicy?

A: Add any of the following:

• 1–2 tbsp sriracha

• chopped jalapeños

• crushed red pepper

• pepper jack cheese

Q7: My loaf gets soggy—how do I prevent that?

A: Scoop out enough bread to create space, avoid overloading with sauce, and bake uncovered so steam escapes.

Q8: Is there a gluten-free option?

A: Yes! Use a gluten-free baguette or bake the filling separately and serve with GF crackers or veggie sticks.