Description
Gather ’round, friends, because we’re about to embark on a cheesy, bacon-filled adventure with the Bacon Ranch Cheese Pull-Apart Bread Mountain! This mouth-watering creation is the ultimate party centerpiece, guaranteed to leave your guests in awe and their taste buds begging for more. Imagine a soft, fluffy loaf of bread, expertly carved into a towering masterpiece, then stuffed to the brim with melted mozzarella, sharp cheddar, and crispy bacon. Drizzled with tangy ranch dressing and brushed with garlic-infused butter, this pull-apart bread is a flavor explosion that will have everyone reaching for seconds (or thirds!).
Ingredients
- 1 large round loaf of bread
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- ½ cup ranch dressing
- ¼ cup chopped green onions
- 2 tbsp melted butter
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
Instructions
Preheat Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Proper oven temperature is crucial for ensuring the bread bakes evenly and the cheese melts to perfection.
Prepare the Bread
Take your large round loaf of bread and, using a sharp knife, carefully cut a grid pattern into the top, making sure not to cut all the way through the bottom. This will create the “mountain” effect, allowing the cheese and bacon mixture to nestle snugly in the cuts.
Mix the Cheese and Bacon
In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheeses with the crumbled bacon. Gently toss the ingredients together until well-incorporated. This savory cheese and bacon mixture will be the star of the show, melting into the bread’s crevices and creating a mouthwatering pull-apart experience.
Drizzle Ranch and Butter
With the bread prepped and the cheese-bacon mixture ready, it’s time to add the finishing touches. Drizzle the ranch dressing into the cuts and crevices of the bread, ensuring every nook and cranny is generously coated. Then, in a small bowl, mix the melted butter with the garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Brush this fragrant butter mixture over the top of the bread, allowing it to seep into the cuts and infuse the entire loaf with its savory aroma.
Bake to Perfection
Wrap the prepared bread in aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. This initial baking time will allow the cheese to start melting and the flavors to meld. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and irresistible.
Garnish and Serve
Once the Bacon Ranch Cheese Pull-Apart Bread Mountain has reached its cheesy, bacon-studded perfection, sprinkle the top with the chopped green onions. This fresh burst of color and flavor will add a beautiful finishing touch to your masterpiece.
Carefully transfer the piping hot bread to a serving platter and prepare to be the hero of the party. Your guests will be awestruck by the towering, gooey, bacon-filled creation, and the first pull-apart bite will have them hooked. Serve this Bacon Ranch Cheese Pull-Apart Bread Mountain with extra ranch dressing on the side for dipping, and watch as it disappears in a delicious frenzy.
Notes
- Choose the right bread: A large, round, soft loaf, such as a sourdough or Italian bread, works best for this recipe. The bread should have a sturdy yet tender crumb to hold the fillings without falling apart.
- Cheese melting magic: For the ultimate cheese pull, be sure to use a combination of mozzarella and cheddar. The mozzarella will provide that signature stretch, while the cheddar adds a sharp, tangy flavor.
- Storing leftovers: If you’re lucky enough to have any Bacon Ranch Cheese Pull-Apart Bread leftovers, simply wrap the remaining bread tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in the refrigerator. To reheat, pop it back in the oven for a few minutes until warm and melty.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8 of the loaf
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 35mg