Bacon Cheesy Christmas Cob Loaf

The Bacon Cheesy Christmas Cob Loaf brings together rich smoky bacon and a blend of three cheeses baked inside a crusty bread bowl until warm and irresistible. It’s the perfect festive dish that brings people together around the table, with everyone sneaking just one more dip until the loaf disappears. This indulgent and creamy appetizer captures the heart of Aussie holiday gatherings and backyard celebrations.

Ingredients

• Large cob loaf: choose one with a thick crust that holds up to filling
• Bacon rashers: use streaky bacon for the best crispy texture and smoky flavor
• Cream cheese: provides the creamy base, softened for easy mixing
• Sour cream: adds tanginess and lightness
• Whole-egg mayonnaise: smoothens the texture and helps everything bind
• Tasty cheese: a firm, flavorful cheddar-like cheese melts beautifully
• Mozzarella: gives stretch and gooeyness
• Parmesan: adds sharpness and depth
• Garlic powder: brings an aromatic warmth
• Onion powder: enhances savory notes
• Dijon mustard: cuts through richness with a subtle bite
• Fresh chives or spring onion: brightens the dish with a mild oniony freshness
• Salt and cracked black pepper: to adjust seasoning tastefully

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Cob Loaf:

Preheat your oven to 180°C fan-forced or 200°C conventional heat. Carefully slice the top off the cob loaf using a serrated knife. Hollow out the inside, leaving two to three centimeters of bread around the edges and base so it stays sturdy. Set the removed bread aside in bite-sized chunks for dipping later, wrapped loosely in foil.

Cook the Bacon:

Place a frying pan on medium heat. Add the chopped bacon and cook until it turns golden and crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels to catch excess fat. Let it cool slightly before mixing.

Make the Creamy Base:

In a large bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and whole-egg mayonnaise. Work until you have a smooth, lump-free mixture that will be the silky foundation of your filling.

Add Seasonings:

Stir garlic powder, onion powder, Dijon mustard, salt, and cracked pepper into the creamy base. Mix thoroughly, tasting as you go to get the seasoning just right.

Add Cheese, Bacon, and Herbs:

Fold in the grated tasty cheese, mozzarella, parmesan, cooked bacon, and fresh chives or spring onion. Combine gently to keep the cheeses from clumping but ensure everything is blended evenly.

Fill the Cob Loaf:

Spoon the mixture into the hollowed-out cob loaf, packing it down slightly so the filling reaches all the way to the edges. Place the filled cob on a lined baking tray to catch any drips.

Bake:

Cover the cob loosely with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Then remove the foil and continue baking for another 15 to 20 minutes until the cheese melts fully, the filling bubbles around the edges and the top is a gorgeous, light golden color. Toss the bread chunks into the oven during the last 10 minutes to toast them lightly.

Rest and Serve:

Take the cob loaf out of the oven and let it rest for five minutes. Garnish with extra chives or fresh cracked pepper if desired. Serve immediately while warm, creamy, and gooey.

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Storage Tips
If you have leftovers, wrap any unused dip tightly and refrigerate for up to three days. Reheat gently in the oven to restore gooeyness without drying out. Toast leftover bread chunks separately just before serving.

Ingredient Substitutions
Swap out the tasty cheese for sharp cheddar for a tangier bite. Greek yogurt can replace sour cream for a lighter twist. You could use turkey bacon for a leaner option but expect slightly less smokiness.

Serving Suggestions
Serve alongside crunchy vegetable sticks like carrot or celery for a fresh contrast. Pair with simple crackers or toasted ciabatta slices. This also works as a hearty side to salads or grilled meats during festive meals.

Cultural Context
The cob loaf is a classic Australian party staple, particularly loved during summer gatherings and Christmas celebrations. Its combination of simplicity and shareability makes it an Aussie crowd-pleaser passed down through many families.

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Frequently Asked Questions

→ What type of bread is best for this dish?

A large crusty cob loaf is ideal as its sturdy crust holds the creamy filling well and toasts beautifully.

→ Can I prepare the filling in advance?

Yes, the bacon and cheese filling can be made ahead and refrigerated until ready to fill and bake the cob loaf.

→ How do I prevent the bread bowl from getting soggy?

Hollow out the cob loaf leaving about 2–3 cm of bread walls to provide a sturdy shell and bake it wrapped loosely in foil initially for slow heat absorption.

→ What cheeses are used in this dish?

A combination of tasty cheese, mozzarella, and parmesan creates a rich, melty, and flavorful filling.

→ How do I get the bacon crispy without excess grease?

Cook the chopped bacon in a pan over medium heat until golden and crispy, then drain on paper towels to remove extra fat before mixing with the filling.