1. Preheat Your Oven

To start, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure it’s the perfect temperature to bake the stuffed bread until golden and bubbly.

2. Prepare the Bread

Now it’s time to prep the bread. Begin by slicing the top off the loaf of Italian bread, creating a “lid” that you can set aside. Then, carefully hollow out the center of the loaf, leaving about a 1-inch border along the bottom and sides to form a sturdy “boat” for the filling. Be sure not to cut all the way through the bottom or sides.

3. Make the Filling

In a large bowl, combine the cooked chicken, ranch dressing, shredded cheddar cheese, and half of the crumbled bacon. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Stir everything together until the ingredients are evenly coated, creating a creamy, savory mixture.

4. Stuff the Bread

Take the prepared bread and gently spoon the chicken mixture into the hollowed-out loaf. Press the mixture down gently as you go, making sure the bread is completely filled and well-packed.

5. Bake the Bread

Place your stuffed bread onto a baking sheet. Slide it into the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden. This is when the delicious aromas will start filling your kitchen!

6. Add Toppings and Serve

Once the bread is out of the oven, sprinkle the remaining crumbled bacon over the top. If you’re using parsley, scatter it over the stuffed bread for a fresh, vibrant touch. Slice the stuffed bread into individual portions and serve while it’s warm and gooey.