Ingredients
- 1 (16-ounce) container sour cream – Provides a tangy, creamy base.
- 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened – Adds richness and structure to the dip.
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese – A sharp and melty cheese that enhances the flavor.
- ½ cup cooked and chopped chicken or beef – Replaces the traditional ham for a delicious, savory twist. Grilled or roasted chicken works well, and ground or shredded beef adds depth.
- 1 green onion, chopped – Brings a mild onion flavor and a pop of color.
- ¼ teaspoon hot sauce – Adds a hint of spice; you can adjust the amount to taste.
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce – Enhances the umami flavor and gives the dip more depth.
- Salt and pepper to taste – Essential for balancing flavors.
- 1 (16-ounce) French bread loaf – Serves as the edible bowl and pairs perfectly with the creamy dip.
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the dip bakes evenly and develops a warm, melty texture.
Step 2: Mix the Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the sour cream, softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, cooked chicken or beef, green onion, hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until well blended.
Beginner Tip: To soften cream cheese quickly, leave it at room temperature for 30 minutes or microwave it for about 15 seconds.
Step 3: Prepare the Bread Bowl
Take the French bread loaf and cut a thin slice off the top. Set this slice aside. Using a gentle sawing motion, cut around the inside edge of the bread, leaving about ½ inch of crust intact. Carefully remove the center of the bread to create a hollowed-out bowl.
Alternative Option: If you prefer, you can bake the dip in a casserole dish instead of a bread bowl. Simply grease a small baking dish and pour the dip mixture inside.
Step 4: Fill the Bread Bowl
Spoon the dip mixture into the hollowed-out bread. Place the reserved top slice back onto the bread loaf. Wrap the entire loaf in aluminum foil to help it bake evenly and prevent the bread from burning.
Step 5: Bake the Dip
Place the foil-wrapped bread bowl on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour. This allows the flavors to meld together while creating a gooey, creamy texture.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Remove the dip from the oven and carefully unwrap the foil. Serve immediately with bread cubes, crackers, or tortilla chips for dipping.
Notes
- Make-Ahead Option: You can assemble the dip a day in advance and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. This is perfect for busy hosts.
- How to Tell When It’s Ready: The dip should be hot and bubbly, with the cheese fully melted and a golden top layer.
- Avoid Overbaking: If the dip becomes too thick or dry, stir in a little extra sour cream after baking to restore its creamy consistency.
- What to Do if the Dip is Too Spicy: If the hot sauce adds more heat than desired, balance it out with a bit of extra sour cream or cream cheese.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour