Description
This easy, crowd-pleasing pull-apart bread is loaded with melty cheddar and mozzarella, crispy bacon, and tangy ranch seasoning. Perfect as a party appetizer, it’s irresistibly gooey and packed with flavor in every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 large sourdough boule or round Italian loaf (about 1 lb)
- 8 oz shredded cheddar cheese
- 4 oz shredded mozzarella cheese
- 6 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked until crispy and chopped
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tbsp ranch seasoning mix
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Extra cheese for sprinkling on top (optional)
- Chopped green onions (optional)
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place loaf on a cutting board.
- Using a sharp serrated knife, slice the bread in a crosshatch pattern, making cuts about 1 inch apart but not all the way through; leave about 1/2 inch at the base.
- Cook bacon slices in a skillet over medium heat until crispy (about 8-10 minutes), drain on paper towels, and chop into small pieces.
- In a small bowl, mix melted butter, ranch seasoning, garlic powder, black pepper, and parsley if using.
- Gently pry open the bread cuts and drizzle the ranch butter mixture deep into each crevice using a pastry brush or spoon.
- Stuff shredded cheddar and mozzarella into the cuts, followed by chopped bacon. Sprinkle extra cheese on top if desired.
- Place the stuffed loaf on a foil-lined baking sheet. Cover loosely with foil and bake for 15 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake uncovered for another 10-15 minutes, until cheese is melted and bread is golden and crisp on the edges.
- Garnish with green onions, more parsley, or red pepper flakes if desired. Let cool for 5 minutes, then serve warm.
Notes
For gluten-free, use a certified GF loaf. Vegetarian option: skip bacon or use meatless bacon bits. Dairy-free cheese and vegan butter work for allergy-friendly adaptations. Don’t slice bread all the way through to keep loaf intact. Assemble on baking sheet for less mess. Add extra cheese for more gooeyness. Bread can be prepped ahead and baked just before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8 loaf
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2
- Sodium: 680
- Fat: 17
- Saturated Fat: 9
- Carbohydrates: 30
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 12
Keywords: pull-apart bread, cheesy bread, bacon ranch bread, party appetizer, easy bread recipe, game day snack, comfort food