Cheese and Bacon Cob Loaf Recipe
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Cheese and bacon cob loaf. Doesn’t the name alone make your mouth water? And yes, it’s as delicious as it sounds! This show-stopper is loaded with melty cheese, crispy bacon, sour cream, and green onions, then baked to perfection inside a hollowed out crusty cob loaf. If you’re looking for a one-of-a-kind party appetizer, or a cozy, comforting snack, this is definitely it!
Cheese is truly the life of the party when it comes to quick eats. It’s also the ultimate comfort food, that’s why I’m not surprised that every single one of my cheese-based appetizers are always a hit at all the parties I host or attend, whether it’s the cheesy pull-apart bread, cranberry brie bites, or pineapple cheese ball.
Like I expected, everyone enjoyed this cheese and bacon cob loaf the first time I served it to my friends. Nobody could resist the warm, golden brown bread bowl filled with bubbling cheese and bacon!
It’s now one of my go-tos for quick appetizers, or whenever I need a picker upper on a busy day. You can serve it as a centerpiece for a grazing table, alongside other small bites, or enjoy it for game day or movie night. I assure you – there will rarely be a crumb left by the end.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
It’s also outrageously easy to make, uses just a handful of simple ingredients, and feeds a crowd. This cheesy goodness literally changed my life. So thank you, cheese and bacon cob loaf, I owe you big time.
- Quick and easy: Just 10 minutes of hands-on time and your oven will take over the rest.
- Familiar, easy ingredients: Made with simple, easy-to-find ingredients that you most likely already have in your pantry.
- Party-perfect: It’s a pull-apart appetizer, so everyone can dig in together, making it a fun, interactive dish.
- Easy cleanup: Since it’s served right in the bread, guests can pull off chunks of bread and scoop up all that gooey, cheesy goodness without needing plates or cutlery. No need for extra serving dishes, either, making cleanup a breeze.
- Customizable: You can swap in your favorite cheeses, add fresh herbs, or even throw in a few extra ingredients like garlic or green onions for added flavor.
How to Make Cheese And Bacon Cob Loaf
With all the deliciousness of cheese and bacon cob loaf, It’s hard to believe how easy it is to make. Simply hollow out a cob loaf, mix up the creamy filling, bake, and you’re done. With every bite, you’ll get that ideal mix of warm, crunchy, buttery bread and creamy, cheesy, gooey filling that’s heart-warming as it is comforting.
Scroll to the bottom of this post for a printable recipe card with a full list of ingredients, measurements, and step-by-step instructions.
Ingredients You Need
- Cob bread loaf: Serves as an edible bowl, adding a crispy, rustic exterior and soft interior perfect for scooping up the cheesy filling. It also makes a beautiful, centerpiece-worthy presentation. I use a classic round cob loaf, but you can use other shapes or varieties, as long as it has the thickness and height to hold the filling.
- Cream cheese: The creamy, tangy base that binds everything together. I use Philadelphia cream cheese, but feel free to use your favorite brand.
- Sour cream: Helps balance the richness of the cheese and bacon, giving the filling a smooth and creamy texture.
- Mozzarella cheese: For that delightful stretch which adds to that gooey, pull-apart texture that we all love! I recommend shredding the cheese yourself, as it melts better than the pre-shredded kind.
- Garlic powder
- Cheddar cheese: For added cheesy goodness. Freshly-grated is the best!
- Bacon: Adds a salty, smoky flavor and a crispy texture that perfectly complements the creamy cheeses.
- Green onions: Brings a fresh, slightly spicy bite that cuts through the richness and also adds a bit of brightness to the dish.
Step-By-Step Instructions
If you’re a cheese lover, this recipe was definitely made for you. It combines 3 cheeses and makes the most delicious appetizer ever! The best part? It takes 25 minutes or less to make. Follow the 3 simple steps below and I guarantee you will find your new family favorite!
Step 1: Prep
Preheat the oven to 400 F.
Use a serrated bread knife to cut off the top 1 inch or so of the bread loaf. Scoop out the soft bread inside. Cut the top and inside into bite-sized pieces. Set these all aside to serve later.
Step 2: Mix
Next, combine the cream cheese, sour cream, shredded mozzarella cheese, and garlic powder in a heat-safe bowl. Fold in bacon and green onion, reserving some for garnish. Microwave this on high for 3 minutes, or heat slowly while stirring frequently in a small saucepan over medium heat until warm.
Step 3: Bake
Place the bread bowl on a baking sheet and pour the dip into it. Top with the cheddar cheese and bacon and onion garnish. Bake for 10 minutes until the cheese is melted. Serve warm.
Substitutions
Cheese and bacon cob loaf comes together in no time using easy, familiar ingredients. Here are my recommended ingredient substitutions for any last-minute adjustments.
- Cream cheese: For a lighter option, try Greek yogurt. Ricotta cheese can also work but will be slightly less tangy. If you prefer more flavor, substitute the cream cheese with French onion or spring onion dip
- Sour cream: If you’re out of sour cream, substitute with Greek yogurt, light sour cream, or regular cream. Try coconut yogurt for a dairy-free option.
- Mozzarella cheese: No mozzarella? Use Monterey Jack or Provolone cheese for a similar melt factor.
- Cheddar cheese: Prefer to use another cheese? Gruyère and Colby cheese can bring a similar richness. Try smoked cheddar or aged sharp cheddar for more flavor.
- Bacon: Diced ham, prosciutto, chorizo, crumbled Italian sausage, salami, or even crab meat are ideal substitutions for bacon in this recipe.
- Green onions: Use chives or finely chopped leeks to replace green onions.
Variations
This delicious dip is very adaptable! Switch up the ingredients, add your favorite mix-ins, or experiment with different herbs and cheeses to suit your mood or the occasion. To get you inspired, try these equally delicious variations of cheese and bacon cob loaf dip:
- Spinach and artichoke is a classic pairing for dips. Incorporate this delicious combo by adding chopped spinach, artichoke hearts, garlic and Parmesan cheese to the filling!
- Enjoy this dip, jalapeño popper style! Mix in diced jalapeños and a sprinkle of crushed red pepper for a spicy kick, plus extra cream cheese for smoothness.
- Replace cheddar with feta and add chopped olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and a handful of fresh herbs like oregano or rosemary for a mediterranean-style dip.
- Try smoked Gouda and small diced ham for a rich, smoky twist on the original.
- Stir in steamed, chopped broccoli and extra-sharp cheddar to create a comforting and veggie-packed version.
- Add brie cheese and a few drops of truffle oil for an indulgent, ultra-creamy variation with a hint of truffle flavor.
Expert Tips
- Maximize the bread: Cut the soft bread inside and bread top into 2-inch cubes or sticks; serve for dipping. You can also arrange these pieces around the bread while it bakes so they dry out a little and get crunchy. If the bread pieces are all crunchy and the dip is still warming, remove the bread pieces from the tray and set aside while the dip continues to cook.
- Top with crackers: This is optional, but I like to add Ritz cracker pieces, panko breadcrumbs, or grated parmesan on top of the dip before baking to stop the surface from drying out. The added crunch is a bonus!
- Make it presentable: For an impressive presentation, serve the cob loaf on a wooden board surrounded by fresh veggies, crackers, or additional bread pieces for dipping. It adds a beautiful touch to your gathering! For added fun, use little round loaves for individual mini cob loaf dips.
- Let it rest: After baking, allow the cob loaf to cool for a few minutes before slicing. This resting period helps the filling settle and makes it easier to serve.
How to Store This Recipe
Leftovers are unlikely, but if you do have some, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat in a moderate oven. I don’t recommend freezing this dish.
You can also make the dip up to two days in advance and store in the fridge. When ready to use, reheat in the microwave or on the stove until heated through. Pour the warmed dip into a prepared cob loaf and bake until the bread is crunchy.
What to Serve with Cheese And Bacon Cob Loaf
Cheese and bacon cob loaf is a delicious, stand-alone appetizer, but you can serve it with an array of crackers, fresh vegetables, corn chips, breadsticks, or any bread of your choice. Complement it with your favorite dipping sauces, or enjoy with a serving of fresh green salad.
More Appetizer Recipes To Try
If you make this cheese and bacon cob loaf, please leave a review. I really appreciate each and every 5-star rating and review comment!
Cheese and Bacon Cob Loaf Dip Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 loaf cob bread
- 8 ounces cream cheese softened
- 8 ounces sour cream
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese divided
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 8 ounces bacon cooked and chopped
- ½ cup green onions finely chopped
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400 °F.
- Use a serrated bread knife to cut off the top 1 inch or so of the bread loaf. Scoop out the soft bread inside. Cut the top and inside into bite-sized pieces. Set these all aside to serve later.
- Combine the cream cheese, sour cream, shredded mozzarella cheese, and garlic powder in a heat-safe bowl. Fold in bacon and green onion, reserving some for garnish.
- Microwave this on high for 3 minutes, or heat slowly while stirring frequently in a small saucepan over medium heat until warm.
- Place the bread bowl on a baking sheet and pour the dip into it. Top with the cheddar cheese and bacon and onion garnish. Bake for 10 minutes until the cheese is melted. Serve warm.
Notes
- Cut the soft bread inside and bread top into 2-inch cubes or sticks; serve for dipping. You can also arrange these pieces around the bread while it bakes so they dry out a little and get crunchy.
- This is optional, but you can add Ritz cracker pieces, panko breadcrumbs, or grated parmesan on top of the dip before baking to stop the surface from drying out. The added crunch is a bonus!
- Serve the cob loaf on a wooden board surrounded by fresh veggies, crackers, or additional bread pieces for dipping. For added fun, use little round loaves for individual mini cob loaf dips.
- After baking, allow the cob loaf to cool for a few minutes before slicing. This resting period helps the filling settle and makes it easier to serve.
