Buffalo Chicken Dip Bread Bowl

The first time I brought this bread bowl dip to a tailgate, my friend Jake literally stood guard over it so no one would double-dip. That's when I knew this wasn't just appetizer material—it was the kind of dish that makes people linger around the food table instead of heading to their seats.

Last autumn, I made this for my cousin's birthday watch party. By halftime, the bread bowl was completely demolished, and people were actually scraping the inside with chips. My aunt asked for the recipe three separate times throughout the game.

Ingredients

• Large round sourdough bread loaf: The sturdy crust holds everything together while the interior gets perfectly crispy, about 1 pound works best
• Cooked chicken breast, shredded: Rotisserie chicken saves time but poaching your own gives you control over the seasoning
• Cream cheese, softened: Room temperature cream cheese blends seamlessly into the dip without any lumps
• Hot buffalo wing sauce: This is the flavor backbone—Frank's is my go-to, but use whatever brand you keep stocked
• Ranch or blue cheese dressing: Ranch mellows the heat while blue cheese leans into the classic wing flavor profile
• Shredded mozzarella cheese: Provides that gorgeous melted cheese pull everyone loves
• Crumbled blue cheese: Optional, but adds those authentic wing flavor pockets throughout
• Shredded cheddar cheese: Sharp cheddar cuts through the richness and adds depth
• Chopped green onions: Fresh brightness that balances all the heavy, creamy elements

Instructions

Preheat your oven:

Get it to 350°F so it's ready when you are

Prepare the bread bowl:

Cut off the top like a pumpkin and hollow out the inside, leaving about an inch thick shell—save those bread chunks for dipping

Mix everything together:

Combine chicken, cream cheese, buffalo sauce, dressing, all three cheeses, and most of the green onions in a large bowl until blended

Fill and bake:

Spoon the mixture into your bread bowl, set it on a baking sheet, and bake for 25 to 30 minutes until bubbling and golden

Finish and serve:

Sprinkle with remaining green onions and bring it out hot with celery, carrots, chips, and those reserved bread cubes

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My roommate initially scoffed at the idea of serving dip in bread, calling it unnecessary carbs. After one bite, she changed her tune and now requests this for every single gathering we host.

Make It Your Own

I've played around with adding bacon bits, swapping in pepper jack for some extra kick, or using a mix of ranch and blue cheese dressing. The bread bowl concept works with practically any dip base—spinach artichoke, jalapeno popper, even crab dip.

Transporting Like A Pro

For tailgating, I bake it at home, wrap the whole thing in foil, and reheat it on a portable grill. The bread actually gets better during the transport, developing that perfect contrast between soft, dip-soaked interior and still-crusty exterior.

Scaling For Big Crowds

When I'm feeding more than eight people, I make mini bread bowls using smaller sourdough rolls. This lets guests have their own personal serving and prevents the awkward moment when someone accidentally scoops out the entire bottom of the shared bowl.

• Set out extra bread cubes halfway through so latecomers get some too
• Keep the dip warm in a 200°F oven if people are grazing over several hours
• The bread bowl will get soggy if it sits too long—plan to serve within 30 minutes of baking

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There's something genuinely satisfying about tearing off a piece of cheese-soaked bread while cheering for your team. This dip has become more than food—it's part of the whole game day experience.

Recipe Q&A

→ What type of bread works best for the bread bowl?

A large round sourdough loaf is ideal for holding the dip and providing a sturdy crust for baking.

→ Can I prepare this in advance?

Yes, mix the filling ahead, then assemble and bake shortly before serving to enjoy it hot and bubbly.

→ What cheeses are included in the dip?

Mozzarella, cheddar, and optionally crumbled blue cheese, which add creamy texture and flavor depth.

→ How can I adjust the spiciness?

Increase the amount of buffalo wing sauce or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to your preferred heat level.

→ What are good dipping accompaniments?

Celery sticks, carrot sticks, tortilla chips, and reserved bread cubes complement the creamy and spicy dip well.

→ Can I substitute the chicken?

Rotisserie chicken works well as a convenient shortcut without compromising flavor.