Description
This cheesy jalapeno popper pull apart bread is a deliciously indulgent appetizer or snack featuring a crusty loaf stuffed with a creamy bacon and cheese mixture, baked to golden perfection. With layers of mozzarella, cheddar, cream cheese, and a spicy kick from jalapenos, this bread is perfect for sharing and bursting with bold flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Filling
- 4 pieces cooked bacon, chopped
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 jalapenos, seeded and diced (plus more for topping if desired)
- 1/2 cup (4 oz) plain cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 1 1/4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 1/4 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder (plus more for garnish)
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 2 tbsp minced chives
- 1/4 tsp ground pepper
- 1/4 tsp kosher salt
Bread and Topping
- 1 loaf French bread or other crusty rustic bread
- 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese (reserved for topping)
- 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (reserved for topping)
- 4 tbsp butter, melted (divided: 2 tbsp for brushing after initial bake, 2 tbsp for final garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Bread: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Using a sharp knife, cut the bread in a 1-inch grid pattern, being careful not to cut all the way through. Place the bread on a large baking sheet. Set aside 1/4 cup shredded cheddar and 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese for topping later.
- Make the Cheese Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine chopped bacon, softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, 1 1/4 cups shredded mozzarella, 1 1/4 cups shredded cheddar, garlic powder, onion powder, ground pepper, minced chives, and kosher salt. Mix thoroughly until evenly combined.
- Stuff the Bread: Use a spoon or small spatula to gently work the cheese and bacon mixture into the crevices of the scored bread. Ensure the filling gets into all the pockets for maximum flavor in every bite.
- Initial Bake: Wrap the entire stuffed loaf tightly in aluminum foil and place it on the baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes to allow the filling to melt and heat through.
- Final Topping and Bake: Remove the foil carefully. Brush the top of the bread with 2 tablespoons of melted butter. Sprinkle the reserved cheddar and mozzarella cheese over the bread along with jalapeno slices if desired and a light dusting of garlic powder. Bake uncovered for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted and the bread turns golden brown.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and optionally garnish with more minced chives. Serve immediately with a knife to help pull apart pieces of the cheesy bread.
Notes
- Be careful not to cut all the way through the loaf to keep it intact for stuffing and pulling apart.
- You can adjust the amount of jalapenos to control the spice level.
- If you want a vegetarian version, omit the bacon.
- Use freshly minced chives or substitute with green onions for garnish.
- Serve warm for best texture and flavor.
Keywords: cheesy jalapeno popper bread, pull apart bread, bacon cheese bread, jalapeno cheese bread, appetizer, party bread