The Ultimate Cheesy Crack Bread: A Pull-Apart Garlic Bacon Delight
Prepare to amaze your guests and delight your family with this incredible Cheesy Crack Bread recipe! Imagine a beautifully crusty loaf of bread, artfully sliced to create pockets of flavor, then generously filled with aromatic garlic butter, a medley of fresh herbs, crispy bacon, and an abundance of melted cheese. This delectable pull-apart bread is more than just an appetizer; it’s an experience that will vanish from your table faster than you can say “more, please!”
Also affectionately known as “pull-apart bread” or “blooming bread,” this creative method of serving seasoned bread transforms a simple loaf into a communal masterpiece. The clever diagonal cuts, extending deep but not all the way through, create numerous crevices. These not only provide ample space to infuse every inch of the bread with rich flavors but also make it incredibly convenient for guests to pull off individual, perfectly seasoned portions. While this particular recipe focuses on a cheesy garlic bread loaded with savory bacon bits, the beauty of this dish lies in its versatility. Feel free to unleash your culinary imagination with different herbs, spices, and a variety of other fillings to customize it to your heart’s desire.
The name “Crack Bread” is quite fitting, and I believe there are a couple of key reasons why. Firstly, the preparation involves “cracking” or slicing the crusty bread loaf in a crisscross or “X” pattern, then stuffing these delightful fissures with an abundance of gooey, melted cheese and other savory fillings. The visual effect is as inviting as the taste.
Secondly, and perhaps more importantly, once you take that first irresistible bite, this bread truly becomes “addictive.” While it’s certainly not akin to anything harmful, the sheer deliciousness makes it incredibly hard to stop eating. Each cheesy, garlicky, bacon-infused piece is a burst of flavor that will have everyone reaching for another. It’s truly a crowd-pleasing appetizer that disappears remarkably quickly!
I first embarked on creating my ideal crack bread recipe back in 2013, seeking inspiration from various sources. Pinterest was a treasure trove of ideas, showcasing countless versions of cheesy crack bread recipes. Instead of settling on just one, I meticulously combined my favorite elements from several appealing recipes – the textures, the flavors, the visual appeal – and from that creative fusion, this magnificent Crack Bread Appetizer was born. The goal was simple: to craft an irresistible, easy-to-make dish that delivers maximum flavor and enjoyment.
Why Is This Delectable Dish Called “Crack Bread”?
You might also recognize this sensational dish as a “Pull-Apart Bread recipe,” and indeed, that name is perfectly accurate too. This particular garlic bread variation is expertly designed for effortless enjoyment; its pre-sliced nature allows for easy tearing off of individual portions. Each delightful piece is packed with a harmonious blend of flavors – rich cheese, pungent garlic, fragrant herbs, and savory bacon – ensuring a robust taste sensation in every single bite. However, let’s be honest: “Crack Bread” simply has a more captivating and memorable ring to it than “pull-apart bread.” A dish’s name can often be just as appetizing and intriguing as the enticing aroma wafting from the oven or the explosion of flavors on your taste buds. It adds an element of playful intrigue that makes it even more appealing.
So, when weighing which name is more enticing to the ears and the palate – “Crack Bread” or “pull-apart bread” – I wholeheartedly lean towards “Crack Bread.” It evokes a sense of excitement and irresistible deliciousness. The word “crack” can signify a moment of impactful perfection, like the satisfying sound of a baseball bat hitting a home run out of the park – a perfect metaphor for this winning recipe! Conversely, “pull apart”, while descriptive, tends to sound a bit more generic, lacking the vibrant energy that truly captures the spirit of this unforgettable appetizer. This dish isn’t just pulled apart; it’s enthusiastically devoured!
Essential Ingredients for a Mouthwatering Pull-Apart Crack Cheese Bread
To create this irresistible appetizer, you’ll need a selection of fresh, high-quality ingredients that come together to form a symphony of flavors. Here’s what goes into our perfect Cheesy Crack Bread:
- **1 loaf of French bread:** Crucially, choose a loaf with a beautifully crusty exterior. This sturdy crust will hold up well to the slicing and baking, providing a satisfying contrast to the soft, cheesy interior.
- **Salted butter, melted:** The base of our rich garlic butter, essential for flavor and moisture.
- **Olive Oil:** Adds a lovely depth of flavor and helps create that golden-brown crust.
- **Green onions:** Provide a mild, fresh oniony bite that complements the savory ingredients.
- **Minced garlic:** The star of any garlic bread! Freshly minced garlic is key for the most potent and delicious flavor.
- **Fresh parsley:** Adds a vibrant green color and a fresh, herbaceous note.
- **Dried mustard:** A secret ingredient that subtly enhances the savory and cheesy flavors without being overpowering.
- **Monterrey Jack and White Cheddar Cheese, sliced:** This combination offers a perfect balance of meltiness and sharp, savory cheese flavor. Slicing it ensures even distribution in the bread’s crevices.
- **Bacon bits:** Adds a crispy, salty, and smoky element that elevates this dish from great to extraordinary.
Unleash Your Creativity: Variations on Garlic Cheese Crack Bread
Consider this recipe a fantastic roadmap for mastering the art of making garlic pull-apart bread. However, don’t be afraid to veer off the beaten path and explore exciting variations! Customizing this dish is part of the fun. For instance, if you’re not a fan of bacon or simply want to try something different, you can easily swap out the bacon bits for diced ham or even crispy pepperoni. Experiment with an array of “funkier” cheeses like nutty Gouda, creamy Muenster, or sharp Provolone to introduce new flavor dimensions. You could also incorporate different dried herbs like oregano or Italian seasoning, or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick. Trust me, no one will be complaining when that piping hot, golden-brown loaf, overflowing with fragrant garlic butter and gloriously melted cheese, emerges from your oven. The possibilities are truly endless, and each variation promises a delightful culinary adventure!
The Irresistible Allure of Bacon in Cheesy Crack Bread
One of the key elements that truly sets this particular recipe apart and elevates it to another level of deliciousness is the generous inclusion of crispy bacon bits! While convenient pre-cooked, packaged bacon bits certainly come in handy and work perfectly fine, if you have the luxury of time, I highly recommend going the extra mile to cook and crumble your own fresh bacon. The difference in flavor and texture is profound and truly worth the effort. Freshly cooked bacon bits offer a deeper, richer smoky flavor and a superior crispness that transforms the overall experience. If you opt to make your own bacon, try undercooking it just slightly. Remember, those bacon bits will continue to crisp up beautifully as they bake nestled within the crack cheese bread, ensuring a perfect texture upon serving. This subtle detail ensures every pull-apart piece is bursting with savory goodness.
Time to Create Your Own Cheesy Garlic Crack Bread!
**Step 1: Prepare the Bread.** Begin by taking your crusty loaf of French bread and, using a sharp bread knife, score it with diagonal slices. Make these cuts deep enough to create ample pockets, but be absolutely sure not to slice all the way through the loaf. You want the bread to remain intact at the bottom, creating a “pull-apart” effect rather than individual slices. Repeat this process in the opposite diagonal direction, forming a beautiful crisscross or “X” pattern across the entire loaf. This innovative slicing technique is what makes this bread so special, allowing the delicious fillings to penetrate deep into every portion.
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Explore More Irresistible Pull-Apart Bread Ideas
If you’ve fallen in love with the concept of easy, shareable, and delicious pull-apart bread, you’re in luck! There’s a whole world of variations to explore, from savory to sweet. Here are some other fantastic pull-apart bread recipes that are sure to become new favorites:
- Dorothy’s Cheese and Bacon Pull-Apart Bread (Another savory sensation, perfect for cheese and bacon lovers!)
- Cinnamon Pull-Apart Bread (A sweet, comforting treat ideal for breakfast or dessert.)
- Apple Monkey Bread (Bursting with apple flavor and warm spices, a delightful autumn indulgence.)
- Homemade Monkey Bread (The classic sweet pull-apart, sticky and utterly delicious.)
- Apple Pecan Streusel Bread (A sophisticated twist, combining fruit, nuts, and a delightful streusel topping.)
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Print Recipe
Crack Bread
Equipment
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12-Piece Black Sharp Knife Set with Covers, Cutting Board and Sharpener
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13×18 Half Sheet Pan
Ingredients
- 1 loaf of crusty french bread
- 1 stick of salted butter melted
- 2 Tablespoons of Olive Oil
- 1/4 cup tops of green onions sliced
- 3 cloves of minced garlic
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 teaspoon dried mustard
- 8 ounce block of each: Monterrey Jack and White Cheddar Cheese sliced
- 1 package of real bacon bits
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
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With a sharp bread knife, diagonally cut the bread, NOT ALL THE WAY THROUGH, leaving about 1-2 inch spaces, then do the same going the other way to gt an “X” pattern.
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Place bread on a large sheet of foil.
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Slide the slices of cheese in between the crack
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Sprinkle with bacon pieces and using your fingers make sure that some of them get pushed down in the cracks.
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In a glass bowl or measuring cup, melt butter.
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Add to it the oil, spices, onion and parsley.
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Give it a good stir and drizzle it over the bread, taking care to get it down inside the cracks.
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ere it is ready for the oven!
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Wrap the foil around the bread and bake it for 10 minutes.
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Unwrap the top and bake for another 10 minutes for cheese to get bubbly.
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Serve warm.
Nutrition
This sensational recipe was originally shared on September 30, 2013. It underwent a comprehensive update to enhance user experience, refine instructions, and add valuable insights, and was proudly reshared on September 5, 2021.