Cheese Bacon Cob Loaf Dip

This cheese and bacon cob loaf dip is true party magic and never fails to disappear within minutes of placing it on the table. It is the kind of warm, gooey comfort food that brings people together with everyone crowding around to scoop up the creamy filling with crispy bread.

The first time I made this, I watched my friends abandon the rest of the snacks and hover by the cob loaf until it was scraped clean. It has been requested at every get-together since and always leaves people asking for the recipe.

Ingredients

• Cob loaf: the crunchy crust holds the dip and the inside pieces are perfect for dunking look for one with a good sturdy shell
• Cream cheese: for creaminess and body use full fat for best texture
• Sour cream: keeps things smooth and tangy grab a fresh tub for optimum flavor
• Bacon: brings saltiness and smokiness choose streaky bacon for best flavor or try double smoked for an extra kick
• Pizza cheese blend: of mozzarella cheddar and parmesan melts beautifully and stretches for that classic cheese pull reserve a little for topping
• Onion: for sweetness and depth chop finely for even cooking
• French onion soup mix: enhances umami and adds a boost of flavor try spring vegetable mix if you prefer
• Brie cheese (optional): but makes everything extra rich and creamy soft and ripe brie or camembert work best

• Pick the best creamy cheeses you can find and check the useby date on your sour cream for peak freshness

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Cob Loaf:

Cut about an inch off the top of the cob loaf in a neat round then scoop out all the soft inside bread in chunks keeping the crust whole place pieces on a lined tray

Toast the Bread:

Set the oven to low heat and pop in the bread chunks the cob shell and the lid toast for up to ten minutes just until golden and slightly crisp so they hold their shape when dipped

Cook the Bacon and Onion:

Dice the bacon and onion and add to a saucepan on mediumhigh stir and cook until bacon starts to brown and onion becomes soft about three to five minutes

Make the Dip Base:

Reduce the heat to low then add cream cheese and sour cream stir patiently with a wooden spoon until it melds into a smooth creamy sauce do not rush this step to avoid grainy texture

Add Flavors and Cheese:

Tip in the French onion soup mix brie if using and most of the pizza cheese stir to melt the cheese completely let everything become glossy and thick usually takes two minutes

Fill and Bake:

Turn the oven up to high transfer the toasted bread to a bowl pour the hot cheese mixture into the hollowed cob loaf sprinkle the rest of the cheese on top return to oven for ten minutes or until surface is bubbly and golden

Serve:

Present the cob loaf on a platter surrounded by bread chunks and any extras enjoy it while warm scooping out from the sides as you go

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Storage Tips

• If you have leftovers refrigerate the cob loaf covered in foil for up to two days
• To reheat pop it back in a moderate oven until the cheese is hot and bubbling again
• Avoid microwaving as it can make the bread soggy

Ingredient Substitutions

• Switch out bacon for shredded rotisserie chicken or leftover ham for a different twist
• Substitute cream cheese with ricotta for a lighter version though it will be less rich
• For a vegetarian take use sauteed mushrooms or baby spinach instead of bacon

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with crisp vegetable sticks such as carrot and celery for a fresh contrast
• Serve next to chips for extra crunch
• Scatter a little chopped parsley or chives on top for color and a hint of freshness

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Cultural Context

The cob loaf dip has a strong place in Australian entertaining and you will find it at Christmas BBQs footy finals and birthdays It became popular for making the most of bakery cob loaves and Aussie love of hearty shareable food

Recipe FAQs

→ What can I substitute for French onion soup mix?

You can try spring vegetable soup mix or add your own blend of dried onion flakes, garlic powder, and a touch of beef or vegetable stock powder.

→ Is it possible to prepare this ahead of time?

Absolutely. Assemble the filling and crisp the bread in advance. When ready to serve, fill the cob and bake until heated through and bubbly.

→ Can I add other ingredients to the dip?

Yes, feel free to include extras such as cooked chicken, crab, corn, spinach, or a dash of curry powder or paprika for a flavor twist.

→ What are good alternatives for bread to dip?

Besides the cob loaf pieces, serve with corn chips, vegetable sticks, or any dippable bread you prefer.

→ How do I prevent the cheese dip from curdling?

Keep the heat low when melting the cheeses and cream together. Stir frequently and avoid boiling to maintain a smooth, creamy texture.