Description
Cheesy Bacon Garbage Bread is a loaded, flavorful comfort food featuring crispy bacon, melty cheese, and a savory mixture baked into a crispy French bread loaf. Perfect for game days, parties, or casual snacks, this recipe delivers a perfect balance of smoky, creamy, and crunchy textures with quick preparation and endless customization options.
Ingredients
Scale
Bread Base
- 1 French bread loaf (preferably day-old for better texture)
Bacon and Cheese Filling
- 6 to 8 slices bacon
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 3 green onions, diced
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional Veggies
- 1/2 cup diced bell peppers
- 1/2 cup diced mushrooms
- Optional: diced tomatoes, olives, or spinach as desired
Optional Spicy Additions
- Chopped jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes (to taste)
Instructions
- Prep the Bread: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Slice the French bread loaf horizontally in half and place flat on a parchment-lined baking sheet to prepare the base that will hold all toppings without becoming soggy.
- Cook the Bacon: In a skillet over medium heat, cook bacon strips until crispy. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease, then chop into bite-sized pieces.
- Mix the Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine chopped bacon, shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheeses, diced green onions, mayonnaise, softened cream cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well until creamy and evenly mixed.
- Assemble the Bread: Generously spread the bacon and cheese mixture over the bottom halves of the bread, covering every inch. Sprinkle any optional diced veggies or spices on top if desired.
- Bake Until Golden: Place the assembled bread halves in the preheated oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden brown. Remove carefully and let cool for a few minutes before slicing.
Notes
- Use day-old bread: Slightly stale bread crisps better and holds toppings well.
- Don’t skimp on bacon: High-quality smoky bacon is key for flavor.
- Mix cheeses: Blend sharp cheddar with mozzarella for ideal melt and taste.
- Use mayo sparingly: Just enough to bind without sogginess.
- Monitor oven: Keep an eye near the end to avoid burning and achieve perfect browning.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approx. 1/8 of loaf)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Keywords: Cheesy Bacon Garbage Bread, bacon appetizer, cheesy bread, party snack, comfort food, baked cheese bread, easy snack, game day food