These Bacon Gorgonzola Pull Aparts are a fun way to enjoy tasty bites! They’re packed with crispy bacon and creamy gorgonzola cheese, all wrapped in soft dough.
Who wouldn’t want to tear apart a bread loaded with cheesy goodness? I love serving these warm for a cozy snack or as a tasty party treat. Yum! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Crusty Bread: Sourdough or French bread works best for this recipe. They have a nice crust and soft inside. If you can’t find either, Italian bread is a great alternative as it offers a similar texture.
Bacon: I love using thick-cut bacon for that extra crunch and flavor. If you’re looking for a healthier option, turkey bacon works well too, though it won’t be as crispy.
Gorgonzola Cheese: This cheese adds a creamy and tangy flavor. If Gorgonzola isn’t your favorite, you can substitute it with feta or blue cheese for a similar taste profile.
Herbs: I prefer using fresh thyme for its vibrant flavor, but dried thyme can work in a pinch. Just remember to use less since dried herbs are more potent!
What’s the Best Way to Cut the Bread for Pull Aparts?
Properly cutting the bread is crucial for great pull-apart pieces. Here are the steps:
- Take a sharp knife and slice the bread into 1 to 1.5-inch cubes while keeping the base intact. This ensures that each piece remains connected.
- Make sure the cuts are deep enough to allow for stuffing but not so deep that the bread falls apart.
- Gently pull the cuts apart, creating spaces to fill with cheese and bacon!
Taking your time with this step ensures that your pull-aparts turn out perfect and full of flavor.
How to Make Bacon Gorgonzola Pull Aparts
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 loaf of crusty bread (such as sourdough or French bread)
- 6 slices of bacon
- 4 oz Gorgonzola cheese, crumbled
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme)
- Optional: fresh thyme sprigs for garnish
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and around 30 minutes to bake, making a total of about 40 minutes. It’s a quick and tasty dish that’s sure to impress your friends or family!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This way, it’ll be warm and ready for your delicious pull-aparts!
2. Prepare the Bread:
Carefully take your loaf of bread and cut it into 1 to 1.5-inch cubes, but do not cut all the way through. Make sure to keep the bottom intact to form a grid pattern. This is where all the yummy filling will go!
3. Cook the Bacon:
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until it’s nice and crispy. Once cooked, place the bacon on a plate lined with paper towels to drain the grease. After it cools, crumble the bacon into bite-sized pieces.
4. Make the Garlic Butter Mixture:
In a small bowl, mix the melted butter, minced garlic, and thyme together. This will add fantastic flavor to your bread!
5. Add the Garlic Butter:
Now, gently pull apart the sections of the bread loaf. Brush or drizzle the garlic butter mixture generously in between the cuts and over the top, making sure every piece gets some love!
6. Stuff it Up:
Take your crumbled bacon and Gorgonzola cheese and stuff it deep inside the openings of the bread. Make sure to pack it in well, so you get cheesy, bacon goodness in every bite!
7. Bake the Pull Aparts:
Place the stuffed loaf onto a baking sheet and cover it loosely with aluminum foil. Bake in your preheated oven for 15 minutes. After that, remove the foil and continue to bake for another 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted, and the top is golden and crispy.
8. Garnish and Serve:
Once it’s out of the oven, let it cool for just a minute. Garnish with fresh thyme sprigs if you’d like. Serve warm and allow your guests to pull apart their cheesy, bacon-filled pieces!
Enjoy your Bacon Gorgonzola Pull Aparts as a delightful appetizer, snack, or side! They’re perfect for sharing—if you can bear to share!
Can I Use Different Cheese in This Recipe?
Absolutely! If you’re not a fan of Gorgonzola, you can substitute it with feta, blue cheese, or even mozzarella for a milder flavor. Just keep in mind that the taste will vary with different cheeses!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place the pieces in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to restore that fresh, crispy texture.
Can I Make This Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the bread and stuffing mixture ahead of time. Just assemble everything and cover it tightly. Refrigerate overnight, then bake directly from the fridge when you’re ready to serve! You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
What Can I Serve with Bacon Gorgonzola Pull Aparts?
These pull-aparts are fantastic on their own or with dipping sauces like marinara or ranch. You can also serve them alongside a fresh salad or vegetable platter for a complete meal!
