Description
This Ranch Bacon Cheddar Pull Apart Bread is the ultimate game day snack—gooey, cheesy, smoky, and packed with ranch flavor. It’s quick to make, perfect for sharing, and guaranteed to disappear fast at any party or family gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 large unsliced sourdough boule or Italian round loaf (about 1 lb)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted (or use salted and reduce added salt)
- 1 packet (1 oz) dry ranch seasoning mix
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup cooked bacon, chopped (about 8 strips)
- 1/4 cup sliced green onions or chives
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional but recommended)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons extra shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for topping)
- 2 tablespoons cooked bacon bits (optional, for topping)
- Extra green onions or chives, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Place the unsliced bread loaf on a cutting board. Using a sharp serrated knife, cut a grid pattern across the top, about 1 inch apart, without cutting all the way through. Leave the bottom crust intact.
- In a mixing bowl, combine melted butter, ranch seasoning, garlic powder, and black pepper. Stir until smooth.
- Using a pastry brush or spoon, work the ranch butter into all the cuts and crevices of the bread.
- Stuff shredded cheddar cheese evenly between the cuts. Add chopped bacon and green onions/chives, making sure to distribute evenly. Reserve a spoonful of each for topping.
- Sprinkle reserved cheese and bacon bits over the top. Wrap the loaf loosely in aluminum foil (shiny side in) and place on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 20 minutes. Then, open the foil to expose the top and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, until cheese is bubbling and edges are golden and crispy.
- Remove from oven and let cool for 5 minutes. Garnish with extra green onions or chives.
- Serve warm, allowing guests to pull apart chunks with their hands or slice with a bread knife if desired.
Notes
For best results, use fresh bread and shred your own cheese for optimal meltiness. You can assemble the loaf up to a day ahead and bake just before serving. For a vegetarian version, use plant-based bacon or omit bacon. For gluten-free, use a certified gluten-free loaf and ranch mix. If cheese leaks out during baking, scoop it up and pile it back on top. Leftovers can be reheated in the oven or microwave.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/10th loaf (about 1
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 2
- Sodium: 650
- Fat: 18
- Saturated Fat: 9
- Carbohydrates: 22
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 10
Keywords: pull apart bread, ranch, bacon, cheddar, Super Bowl, appetizer, party snack, game day, cheesy bread