I absolutely love making Buffalo Chicken Garbage Bread! It’s a delicious twist on the classic buffalo chicken flavors, all wrapped up in a warm, gooey bread. I start by mixing shredded chicken with spicy buffalo sauce and creamy ranch dressing, then spreading it over a sheet of pizza dough. Next, I sprinkle on some shredded cheese and roll everything up into a log.
After baking to golden perfection, I slice it into rounds and serve with extra buffalo sauce for dipping. It’s the perfect appetizer for game day or any casual gathering with friends and family. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll be hooked!
Ingredients Needed for This Recipe
- 1 cup Cooked chicken, shredded
- 8 oz Cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups Shredded cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup Blue cheese
- 1 Loaf French bread
- ¼ cup Ranch dressing
- ¼ cup Buffalo sauce
Preparing the Buffalo Chicken Garbage Bread
- Preheat Oven: Heat the oven to 350 degrees.
- Prepare Filling: In a mixing bowl, blend together the blue cheese, buffalo sauce, cream cheese, and ranch dressing until well combined.
- Add Chicken and Cheese: Fold the chicken and 1 ½ cups of cheddar cheese into the mixture.
- Prepare Bread: Slice the bread in half and scoop out the inside flesh to make room for the filling.
- Fill Bread: Spread the mixture into the bread.
- Add More Cheese: Cover with the rest of the cheddar cheese and close the bread.
- Bake: Bake for 18-22 minutes.
Tips for Perfecting the Recipe
Choose the Right Bread: The foundation of any good garbage bread is, of course, the bread itself. Opt for a fresh loaf of French bread that’s sturdy enough to hold the filling without getting soggy. A crisp crust and soft interior are what you’re aiming for, as this texture contrast will enhance the overall eating experience.
Shred the Chicken Finely: To ensure that every bite is infused with flavor, shred your cooked chicken as finely as possible. This allows it to better absorb the buffalo sauce and ranch dressing, distributing the spicy, tangy flavors more evenly throughout the bread.
Balance the Flavors: The key to a delicious Buffalo Chicken Garbage Bread lies in the balance of flavors. The spicy buffalo sauce, tangy blue cheese, creamy ranch dressing, and rich cream cheese should all complement each other without any single ingredient overpowering the others. Taste the filling before stuffing the bread and adjust the seasonings as needed.
Don’t Overstuff: While it might be tempting to pack as much filling into your bread as possible, overstuffing can lead to a messy eating experience and make the bread difficult to close and bake evenly. Aim for a generous, but manageable, amount of filling that allows the bread to close neatly.
Achieve a Golden Crust: Brushing the top of your bread with a little bit of melted butter or olive oil before baking can help achieve a beautifully golden and crispy crust. This step adds an extra layer of flavor and texture to the finished dish.
Let It Rest: After baking, let the bread rest for a few minutes before slicing. This resting period allows the cheese to set slightly, which helps in cutting cleaner slices without all the filling oozing out.
Serving Suggestions
Dress It Up: Serve slices of Buffalo Chicken Garbage Bread with extra ranch or blue cheese dressing on the side for dipping. The cool, creamy dressing complements the spicy chicken filling perfectly.
Add Some Crunch: Accompany your garbage bread with a side of celery sticks or carrot sticks. Their crisp texture and mild flavor make them the perfect palate cleanser between spicy bites.
Make It a Meal: Turn your Buffalo Chicken Garbage Bread into a full meal by serving it alongside a simple green salad dressed with a vinaigrette or a Caesar salad. The freshness of the salad balances the hearty, spicy flavors of the bread.
Pair with Beverages: Pair your dish with a cold beer or a glass of iced tea. The bitterness of the beer or the sweetness of the tea can help cut through the richness of the cheese and the heat of the buffalo sauce.
Storage Tips
Cool Completely Before Storing: If you have leftovers, allow the bread to cool completely before wrapping it in aluminum foil or plastic wrap. This prevents condensation from making the bread soggy.
Refrigerate Properly: Store the wrapped bread in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The cold temperature will help keep the filling fresh and prevent the bread from drying out.
Reheating: To reheat, unwrap the bread and place it in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10-15 minutes or until heated through. This method helps to crisp up the crust again and warm the filling evenly.
Freezing: For longer storage, you can freeze the bread. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating in the oven.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of bread? Yes, while French bread is traditional, you can use other types of sturdy bread like ciabatta or a large baguette. The key is to choose a bread that can hold the filling without falling apart.
Can I make this recipe with other meats? Absolutely! While chicken is classic for buffalo-style dishes, you can easily substitute shredded pork, beef, or even a meatless alternative for a vegetarian version. Just ensure the meat is cooked and shredded before adding it to the mix.
How spicy is this recipe? The spiciness of the dish can be adjusted according to your preference. Use more or less buffalo sauce to control the heat level. Remember, you can also balance the spice with the ranch and blue cheese dressings.
Can I prepare this in advance? Yes, you can assemble the Buffalo Chicken Garbage Bread ahead of time and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. However, it’s best baked fresh to enjoy the crispy crust and gooey cheese at their best.
Is there a gluten-free version? To make a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free loaf of bread. Many stores offer gluten-free French bread or baguettes that would work well with this recipe. Also, ensure that all other ingredients, like the buffalo sauce and dressings, are gluten-free.
Buffalo Chicken Garbage Bread
INGREDIENTS
- 1 cup Cooked chicken shredded
- 8 oz Cream cheese softened
- 2 cups Shredded cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup Blue cheese
- 1 Loaf French bread
- ¼ cup Ranch dressing
- ¼ cup Buffalo sauce
INSTRUCTIONS
- Preheat Oven: Heat the oven to 350 degrees.
- Prepare Filling: In a mixing bowl, blend together the blue cheese, buffalo sauce, cream cheese, and ranch dressing until well combined.
- Add Chicken and Cheese: Fold the chicken and 1 ½ cups of cheddar cheese into the mixture.
- Prepare Bread: Slice the bread in half and scoop out the inside flesh to make room for the filling.
- Fill Bread: Spread the mixture into the bread.
- Add More Cheese: Cover with the rest of the cheddar cheese and close the bread.
- Bake: Bake for 18-22 minutes.
