These Bacon Gorgonzola Pull Aparts are a fun and tasty snack. Soft bread pieces topped with crispy bacon and creamy Gorgonzola cheese make each bite pop with flavor!
I love pulling apart these cheesy bites while watching a movie. They disappear fast, and I’m always left wishing I made more. Who can resist bacon and cheese? 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Crusty Bread: A round loaf like sourdough or boule works great for pull aparts. You can also try whole wheat or gluten-free bread for a lighter option.
Bacon: I love using thick-cut bacon for a meaty bite, but turkey bacon or a meat alternative like tempeh can give a tasty twist if you want a lighter or vegetarian version.
Gorgonzola Cheese: This cheese brings a bold flavor. If you prefer something milder, try blue cheese or even feta. For a non-dairy option, look for plant-based cheeses that melt well.
Mozzarella Cheese: The gooey factor! Feel free to swap it for fontina or Monterey Jack if you want a different taste.
How Do You Cut the Bread for Pull Aparts?
A common struggle is cutting the bread just right. To create those perfect pull-apart pieces, use a serrated knife and cut the bread in a crosshatch pattern. Here’s how:
- Start by placing the loaf on a cutting board. Make vertical cuts about an inch apart.
- Then, make horizontal cuts, also about an inch apart, being careful not to slice all the way through. This keeps the loaf intact.
- Wiggle the knife gently as you cut to ensure you get through the crust without fully slicing the base.
This method ensures each piece pulls apart easily while still holding everything together!
Bacon Gorgonzola Pull Aparts
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 round loaf of crusty bread (such as sourdough or boule)
- 6 slices bacon
- 4 oz Gorgonzola cheese, crumbled
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
- Optional: 1 tbsp honey (to drizzle for a touch of sweetness)
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time and 20 minutes of baking time, totaling around 30 minutes from start to finish. You’ll have warm, cheesy pull-aparts ready in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prep Your Oven and Ingredients:
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s warming up, cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until it’s crispy. When it’s done, drain the bacon on paper towels and let it cool down before crumbling it into pieces.
2. Cut the Bread:
Take your round loaf and use a sharp bread knife to cut it in a crosshatch pattern. Be sure to slice about an inch apart both vertically and horizontally, but don’t cut all the way through to the bottom. This creates those yummy pull-apart cubes we love!
3. Make the Garlic Butter:
In a small bowl, mix the melted butter with the minced garlic. This will add a wonderful flavor to the bread!
4. Prepare the Bread:
Now, carefully loosen the bread cubes a little bit. Use a brush or a drizzle method to spread the garlic butter evenly throughout the cuts of the bread.
5. Stuff the Bread:
Time to get cheesy! Stuff the bread cubes with the crumbled bacon, Gorgonzola cheese, and shredded mozzarella cheese. Make sure to distribute them evenly to ensure every pull-apart has a delicious filling!
6. Bake to Perfection:
Place the stuffed bread on a baking sheet or in a cast iron pan. Bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is nicely melted and the bread is toasty.
7. Finishing Touches:
Once it’s out of the oven, sprinkle the pulled-apart goodness with fresh parsley for a pop of color and flavor. If you want to add a sweet contrast, drizzle honey over the bread before serving.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve these warm right away, and get ready to enjoy pulling apart those cheesy bites with friends and family. They’re bound to be a hit!
This delightful appetizer wonderfully combines crispy bacon, the tangy sharpness of Gorgonzola, and gooey mozzarella all wrapped in buttery bread. Perfect for parties or game days!
Can I Use Different Types of Cheese?
Absolutely! If Gorgonzola isn’t your favorite, you can substitute it with blue cheese or even feta for a different flavor. For a milder option, try using cheddar or a good melting cheese like fontina.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, pop it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes to get it warm and crispy again.
Can I Prepare This in Advance?
Yes! You can assemble the pull-aparts up to a day in advance. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before popping it in the oven.
What Bread Works Best for This Recipe?
A crusty round loaf like sourdough or boule is ideal because it holds up well during baking and has a nice crust for pulling apart. You can also use ciabatta or focaccia for a different texture if you prefer!