A few weeks ago, I was at Panera bread making a purchase. It was pretty late and as they were putting things away I was offered a loaf of bread for free. Of course I said yes without even asking what kind it was! It sort of has a sourdough bread feel and taste but it is a long loaf. I brought it home, double wrapped it and threw it in the freezer. Tonight, I got it out and looked up a bread dish on The Country Cook – where you can find the original recipe. I changed it up because I thought the hubs would like it better AND I had more of one thing than another. Here’s what you need:
1 loaf of sturdy bread
2 cups Mozzarella cheese, shredded (I know, pix shows Mexican Blend, but I changed my mind)
1 package Oscar Meyer real bacon bits
½ fresh jalapeno de-seeded and deveined chopped finely (optional)
1 stick butter melted
1 Tablespoon Original Ranch Dressing Mix (powdered stuff)
Pre heat oven to 350 F
I sliced up the loaf like this:
Stuffed all the ingredients inside – this is pretty difficult but really get in there and get that cheese down in those cracks and crevices.
Cheesy Gooey Goodness in a loaf / Kelli’s Retro Kitchen Arts
Melt the butter in the microwave and mix in the Tablespoon of the Ranch Dressing.
Wrap up the entire loaf in foil – love that non-stick Reynolds – put it in a pre-heated 350 F for 20 minutes.
Unwrap, admire, serve, devour!!!
If you don’t eat pork, try steak or chicken fajita meat chopped finely. If you are vegetarian, use some sauteed mushrooms – that sounds great too!
P.S. – Mr. Picky Eater was not thrilled when he came into the kitchen expecting another dish but when he ate it, he said to forget making supper because he wanted to eat this. Then, when he walked through the living room a few minutes ago, he suggested either marinara dipping sauce or some Ro-Tell dip. Yep, even he liked it and he hardly likes anything!!
Oh my…this looks awesome! =)
Great recipe!
Thank you, it was!!
What do you do with the butter ranc mixture? Drizzle it inside? Or paste the outside then wrap it?
I drizzled it inside – it spilled out to the outside but I wrapped it tight……..it was wonderful!
I’ve pinned a couple of these “party” bread recipes but I’m scared to death to make one. Unless we have a whole lot of guests, I know for a fact that Brian and I will eat the whole thing in one sitting!
Yes Anita, yes you would eat the whole darn thing. it was amazing. My daughter doesn’t eat much meat so she’s going to put mushrooms in hers. I didn’t think Mr. Picky Eater would like it so I promised her 1/2 the loaf today if she would come get it —-no need to come over. It’s gone!
Of course you didn’t ask what kind! Never turn down free is a good policy. Years ago my sister was dating a guy who, when asked if he’d like to stay for dinner, always asked what we were having before he answered. I was not impressed. You have made a beautiful, delicious thing out of that loaf! Yum!
Thanks Stacy! I need to figure out what it is now though because Mr. Picky Eater and I want some more to make another loaf! We are going to use Steak Fajita meat in it next time!
Yum much! I saw this on Facebook and went to heaven 🙂
Cheers
Choc Chip Uru
Thanks CCU – and just for you: saute’ some mushrooms then chop and add instead of the bacon! 🙂 Well, if you eat cheese. xoxoxo
That looks so amazing, and I wish I had it right now! It would make a great appetizer for Super Bowl Sunday 😉
Yes! I’m making it again just for that reason!
I’m probably going to make it, too 😉
That looks like something my family would like as an appetizer or after school snack… everyday.
Delish!
I love Panera and to get a free loaf of bread – great! This sounds so good.
Lillian
lillianscupboard.wordpress.com
I literally gasped when this picture came up on my Reader. YUMMMMMM!! You always make me hungry!
Thank you – it’s really good!
Oh my lordy lordy…..that looks divine! I just might have to try that myself 😉
I’m glad you like it!
Stuffing bread like this is one of my kids’ favorite things! We’ve done all kinds of fillings, but this one looks delish! Visiting from Hungry Little Girl!
Thank you – I’ve never stuff bread before however, this is not be my last time. Thank you for dropping by and please come back anytime!
Mmmm. Carbs and cheese, that looks awesome! If you don’t mind I wanted to invite you to come link up at Recipe Sharing Monday and share your favorite recipes. Have a super week. 🙂
Thank you for the compliment and the invitation! I will come check it out and link up!
Oh wow, this looks AMAZING! Pinning and sharing on Facebook! 🙂
Great! And thank you – I really do appreciate it, I am also thrilled that you came to visit. Drop by anytime!
That looks so good!
Thank you – they certainly are!
Good Lord, this looks fantastic! So comforting and delicious!
Thank you so much for sharing this at Wednesday Extravaganza – see you there next week with more deliciousness 🙂
Thanks Jutta! I plan on being there!
Oh Girl – Gooey Goodness Grabs me every time! This looks amazing. How wonderful to get a FREE loaf from Panera??? You did GREAT! Thanks for sharing at our Weekend Potluck table. =)
Kelli – I need to ask you something…would you email me please? thebetterbaker@gmail.com. Thanks much –
Yep, doing it right now!
I am not sure what sounds better, gooey or bacon! This looks so good. I know this would make a great weekend food! I can see myself making this for a Family Night!
There were just two of us and boy were we pigs!