Bacon Gorgonzola Pull Aparts are warm, cheesy bites filled with crispy bacon and rich Gorgonzola cheese. These tasty treats are perfect for sharing at parties or enjoying during a cozy night in!
I can’t resist the delicious smell of bacon while these are baking. They’re so easy to pull apart that even my friends fight over the last piece! Who wouldn’t want more cheesy goodness? 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bread: A rustic loaf like sourdough works best for that crispy crust and soft inside. You can swap it with Italian or French bread if that’s easier to find. Just make sure it can hold its shape when baked.
Bacon: Crispy bacon adds a lot of flavor! If you want a healthier alternative, turkey bacon works well too. For a vegetarian option, try using smoked paprika for a similar smoky taste.
Gorgonzola Cheese: This cheese gives a bold flavor. If Gorgonzola is too strong for you, feel free to use blue cheese or even feta cheese for a milder taste!
Herbs: Fresh thyme adds great flavor, but you can use dried thyme if that’s what you have. Alternatively, rosemary or oregano can also work if you want something different.
How Do I Make Sure My Pull Aparts Stay Soft and Delicious?
The key to keeping the pull aparts soft is to coat the bread with the butter and garlic mixture evenly. Here’s how:
- Mix the butter, garlic, and thyme well before drizzling it on the bread.
- Gently toss the bread cubes to make sure every piece gets coated. This avoids dryness.
- When baking, keep an eye on them. Remove them from the oven once the top is bubbly and golden brown.
Letting them rest for a few minutes after baking helps the cheese set a bit, making it easier to pull apart without it being too gooey!
Bacon Gorgonzola Pull Aparts
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pull Aparts:
- 1 large loaf of bread (such as a crusty round sourdough or pull-apart bread)
- 6 slices of bacon, cooked crisp and crumbled
- 1 cup crumbled Gorgonzola cheese
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped (optional for garnish)
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This yummy dish will take about 10 minutes to prep and around 20 minutes to bake, giving you a total of about 30 minutes from start to finish. Quick enough to whip up for a gathering or just because you’re craving something cheesy and savory!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s nice and hot when your pull-aparts are ready to bake.
2. Prepare the Bread:
Cut the bread into 1.5 to 2-inch cubes. You want them big enough to be flavorful but small enough to pull apart easily later on. Set them aside in a big bowl for now!
3. Make the Flavorful Butter Mixture:
In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, and thyme. Mix it well so that all the flavors combine.
4. Toss the Bread:
Pour the butter mixture over the bread cubes in your large mixing bowl. Gently toss everything together until all the cubes are evenly coated. This is where all that lovely flavor gets into the bread!
5. Arrange the Bread in the Pan:
Take a greased or parchment-lined round baking pan. Start arranging the bread cubes upright and close together. Fill the pan nicely.
6. Add the Bacon and Cheese:
Sprinkle the crispy crumbled bacon and Gorgonzola cheese over the bread cubes. Press them down lightly to help them stick between the pieces. More layers mean more flavors!
7. Bake to Perfection:
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the cheese has melted, the bread is golden and crispy at the edges, and you can see some lovely bubbling.
8. Let Cool and Garnish:
Once they’re out of the oven, let them cool for about 5 minutes. If you want to make them extra pretty, sprinkle some fresh parsley and a bit of black pepper on top.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Now for the best part! Serve them warm and let your guests pull apart the pieces. These bites are melty, cheesy, and packed with flavor! Perfect for sharing with family and friends.
Enjoy your delicious Bacon Gorgonzola Pull Aparts!
Can I Use a Different Type of Cheese?
Absolutely! If Gorgonzola is too strong for your taste, feel free to substitute it with a milder cheese like mozzarella or fontina, which will still melt beautifully.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until warmed through.
Can I Prepare This Dish in Advance?
Yes, you can prepare the bread and bacon mixture a few hours ahead. Just cover the arranged bread in the pan with plastic wrap and refrigerate. When ready to bake, just remove the wrap and add the cheese before popping it in the oven.
What Can I Serve with Bacon Gorgonzola Pull Aparts?
These pull aparts are great on their own but also pair well with a fresh green salad or a side of roasted vegetables to balance out the richness!