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Creamy Buffalo Chicken Dip in a Bread Bowl: Easy Party Appetizer

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This creamy buffalo chicken dip is baked inside a hollowed-out bread bowl, creating an all-in-one party appetizer that’s both delicious and impressive. The bread soaks up the spicy, cheesy filling, making every bite perfect.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup buffalo sauce
  • 1/2 cup ranch dressing
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese (optional)
  • 2 green onions, sliced
  • 1 large round loaf of bread
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter
  • 1 clove garlic, minced (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Prepare the bread bowl: Using a serrated knife, cut a circle about 2 inches from the edge of the top of the bread loaf. Remove the top and set it aside. Carefully hollow out the inside of the bread, leaving a 1-inch thick wall all around. Tear the removed bread into bite-sized pieces and set them on a baking sheet.
  3. Brush the inside of the bread bowl with melted butter: In a small bowl, mix the melted butter and minced garlic if using. Use a pastry brush to coat the inside of the bread bowl and the cut side of the top piece. Place the bread bowl on a baking sheet.
  4. Make the dip filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, buffalo sauce, and ranch dressing. Stir until smooth and well combined.
  5. Add the chicken and cheese: Fold in the shredded chicken and 3/4 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese. Reserve the remaining 1/4 cup for topping. Stir until everything is evenly coated. If using blue cheese crumbles, fold those in now.
  6. Fill the bread bowl: Spoon the dip mixture into the hollowed-out bread bowl, mounding it slightly in the center.
  7. Top with remaining cheese: Sprinkle the reserved 1/4 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the dip.
  8. Bake the dip: Place the filled bread bowl on the baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the dip is hot and bubbly and the cheese on top is melted and lightly golden. If the bread edges start browning too quickly, tent the bowl loosely with aluminum foil for the last 5-10 minutes.
  9. Add the bread pieces: About 5 minutes before the dip is done, place the reserved bread pieces on the baking sheet around the bread bowl. Toast them in the oven until they’re warm and slightly crispy.
  10. Garnish and serve: Remove the bread bowl from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes. Sprinkle the sliced green onions over the top. Place the bread bowl on a serving platter with the toasted bread pieces and any additional dippers like celery sticks, carrot sticks, or tortilla chips around it. Serve warm.

Notes

Don’t skip brushing the bread with butter to prevent sogginess. Use room temperature cream cheese for smooth mixing. Choose a sturdy bread like sourdough. If the bread browns too quickly, tent with foil. The dip can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 24 hours before baking.

Nutrition

Keywords: buffalo chicken dip, bread bowl, party appetizer, game day, creamy dip, buffalo sauce, easy appetizer

Find it online: https://lunafeast.com/creamy-buffalo-chicken-dip-in-a-bread-bowl-easy-party-appetizer/