These Bacon Gorgonzola Pull Aparts are a fun and delicious snack! Soft bread is loaded with crispy bacon and rich gorgonzola cheese. Pull apart pieces are perfect for sharing!
I can’t resist these tasty bites. They’re like little flavor explosions! Plus, they’re super easy to make—perfect for when friends come over and you want to impress them without the fuss!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bread: A round loaf of pull-apart bread works best for easy sharing and tearing. If you can’t find this, dinner rolls or even a rustic bread like focaccia can be used as a great alternative.
Bacon: Crispy bacon adds a delicious savory flavor. If you’re looking for a healthier option, turkey bacon or diced ham works well too, though the flavor will be a bit different.
Gorgonzola Cheese: This cheese gives a unique tang. If you prefer something milder, use feta or blue cheese as they provide a similar texture and flavor without being as strong.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic adds depth to the flavor. You can substitute with garlic powder if you’re in a pinch, using about 1/4 teaspoon for each clove.
How Do I Layer the Bread Properly for the Best Flavor?
Layering is essential for the flavor to mingle and create that gooey goodness in every bite. Here’s how to do it right:
- After tossing the bread pieces in the garlic butter mixture, start layering them in the pan in a random pattern.
- Sprinkle half of the mozzarella, then half of the Gorgonzola, and half the bacon between the layers of bread. Repeat this process for a second layer.
- This method ensures every pull-apart piece has cheese and bacon in it, maximizing flavor in each bite!
Take your time while layering, and make sure to cover every piece so they soak up the buttery, garlicky goodness.
Bacon Gorgonzola Pull Aparts
Ingredients:
- 1 large round loaf of pull-apart bread or dinner rolls (about 12 rolls)
- 8 slices bacon
- 1 cup crumbled Gorgonzola cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
- Fresh thyme sprigs for garnish (optional)
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
You’ll need about 10-15 minutes to prepare the ingredients and get everything ready, plus 25 minutes of baking time. In total, plan for about 40 minutes to serve these delightful pull-aparts warm and gooey!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a bundt pan or a round baking dish, making sure it’s nice and ready for the pull-apart bread.
2. Cook the Bacon:
Next, take those lovely bacon slices and cook them in a skillet over medium heat until they are crispy. Once they’re done, place them on paper towels to drain some grease. After they cool, crumble the bacon into small pieces—this will make it easy to sprinkle throughout the bread.
3. Make the Garlic Butter Mixture:
In a small bowl, mix together the melted butter, minced garlic, and thyme leaves until well combined. This mixture will add a ton of flavor!
4. Prepare the Bread:
Now, cut the bread loaf or dinner rolls into cubes or pull-apart sections. Try to make sure they’re about the same size for even cooking. You want them to be bite-sized and easy to grab.
5. Toss the Bread:
In a large bowl, toss the bread pieces with the melted garlic butter mixture until they’re coated evenly. This is where the flavor starts to build!
6. Layer the Ingredients:
In your prepared pan, start layering the bread pieces. Sprinkle in half of the mozzarella cheese, half of the Gorgonzola cheese, and half of the crumbled bacon between the layers of bread. Don’t be afraid to get a little messy—this is the fun part! Repeat the layering with the remaining cheese and bacon until everything is used up.
7. Season It Up:
Before baking, add a sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper on top for some added flavor.
8. Bake:
Cover the pan loosely with aluminum foil and pop it into the oven for about 15 minutes. This helps to steam and meld the flavors together. After 15 minutes, take off the foil and bake for another 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and the bread is toasty.
9. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, let the pull-aparts cool for just a few minutes. Then, carefully remove them from the pan. If you’d like, garnish with fresh thyme sprigs for a pretty touch.
Pull apart the pieces and enjoy the scrumptious combination of smoky bacon and tangy Gorgonzola melting together in every bite. Perfect for sharing with friends and family!
Can I Use a Different Type of Cheese?
Absolutely! If Gorgonzola isn’t your favorite, you can substitute it with feta or blue cheese. Both will still provide a great flavor and texture that complements the bacon.
How Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, simply omit the bacon and consider adding sautéed mushrooms or spinach for added flavor. You can also enhance the dish with additional herbs like rosemary or oregano.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
Can I Prepare This Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can assemble the pull-aparts in the pan, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours. Just remember to remove them from the fridge and let them sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before baking.
