Bacon Cheese Bread Recipe

Irresistible Bacon Cheese Bread Recipe That Everyone Loves

Crispy bacon dancing through homemade cheese bread creates an irresistible comfort food adventure.

Warm kitchen aromas promise delectable moments ahead.

Salt and smoke blend perfectly within soft, pillowy dough.

Golden edges hint at delightful textures waiting to surprise you.

Melted cheese streams between layers of savory goodness.

Hunger calls for this simple yet magnificent culinary experience.

Such a delectable treat might just become your new weekend favorite.

Why Bacon Cheese Bread Is Always a Win

  • Boost Flavor Complexity: Bacon and two types of cheese create a mouthwatering combination that elevates traditional bread into a gourmet experience.
  • Master Bread Making Skills: This recipe teaches fundamental bread-baking techniques like yeast activation, kneading, and proper rising, helping home cooks build culinary confidence.
  • Perfect for Comfort Food Lovers: Loaded with rich, savory ingredients, this bread delivers a satisfying meal companion that works for breakfast, lunch, or dinner gatherings.
  • Versatile Serving Options: Slice and enjoy as a standalone treat, pair with soups, use for sandwiches, or serve alongside hearty main courses for maximum deliciousness.

What Goes Into Bacon Cheese Bread

For the Bread Base:
  • Flour: The foundational ingredient that provides structure and volume to the bread.
  • Yeast: A crucial leavening agent that helps the bread rise and develop a light, airy texture.
  • Salt: Enhances the overall flavor and helps control yeast growth.
  • Sugar: Feeds the yeast and contributes to the bread's golden-brown color.
For the Flavor Enhancers:
  • Bacon, Cheddar Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Add rich, savory depth and create a delicious combination of smoky and cheesy flavors.
For the Binding and Finishing:
  • Olive Oil: Helps develop a soft texture and adds a subtle richness to the bread.
  • Warm Water: Activates the yeast and helps create the perfect dough consistency.
  • Egg: Provides a glossy, golden-brown finish to the bread's surface.
  • Bacon Fat: Adds an extra layer of flavor and helps grease the loaf pan.

How to Bake Bacon Cheese Bread

Step 1: Awaken The Yeast

Blend yeast with warm water and watch it transform into a bubbly, fragrant mixture. Let it sit and develop character for 5-7 minutes until wonderfully foamy.

Step 2: Create Dry Foundation

In a spacious mixing bowl, combine:
  • Flour
  • Salt
  • Sugar

Whisk these ingredients together, creating a pristine base for your bread adventure.

Step 3: Merge Wet And Dry Elements

Pour the activated yeast into the dry mixture. Stir until a unified dough emerges, gradually pulling away from the bowl’s edges.

Step 4: Knead With Passion

Transfer dough to a flour-dusted surface. Massage and stretch the dough for 8-10 minutes, developing a silky, stretchy texture that feels smooth and responsive.

Step 5: First Rise

Drizzle olive oil over the dough, ensuring complete coverage. Place in a cozy, warm spot and let it expand majestically for about 1 hour until dramatically doubled.

Step 6: Prepare Bacon

Sizzle bacon in a skillet until crispy and golden. Crumble into delectable small pieces.

Step 7: Incorporate Flavor Boosters

Deflate the risen dough and gently fold in:
  • Crumbled bacon
  • Cheddar cheese
  • Parmesan cheese

Distribute these flavor bombs evenly throughout the dough.

Step 8: Prepare For Baking

Grease a loaf pan with bacon fat for extra richness. Nestle the dough inside.

Step 9: Second Rise

Allow dough to puff up again for 30-45 minutes, becoming gloriously voluminous.

Step 10: Prepare Oven

Preheat oven to 375°F. Brush loaf’s surface with beaten egg for a stunning, glossy finish.

Step 11: Bake To Perfection

Bake for 35-40 minutes until bread reaches a deep amber color. Test doneness by tapping – it should sound hollow.

Step 12: Cool And Slice

Rest bread on a wire rack for 15 minutes. This helps maintain its beautiful structure before slicing into heavenly pieces.

Tips For Nailing Bacon Cheese Bread Every Time

  • Boost Yeast Activation: Use water between 100-110°F to ensure perfect yeast performance without killing the microorganisms.
  • Master Dough Consistency: Knead until the dough becomes smooth and springs back when gently pressed, indicating proper gluten development.
  • Enhance Bacon Distribution: Ensure bacon pieces are completely cooled before mixing into dough to prevent moisture interference with rising.
  • Control Rising Environment: Place dough in a draft-free, warm spot like inside an unheated oven with a pan of hot water for optimal proofing.
  • Prevent Cheese Sinking: Toss cheese and bacon with a little flour before folding into dough to help them distribute evenly and stay suspended.

Fun Flavor Twists For Bacon Cheese Bread

  • Vegetarian Bacon Bread: Replace bacon with sun-dried tomatoes and smoked paprika for a vegetarian-friendly version that maintains rich, savory flavors.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Swap traditional flour with a gluten-free blend and add xanthan gum to ensure proper texture and binding for those with wheat sensitivities.
  • Herbal Cheese Variation: Substitute cheddar and parmesan with fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, and chives, creating an aromatic and lighter bread profile.
  • Low-Carb Alternative: Use almond flour or cauliflower flour as a base, incorporating low-fat cheese and turkey bacon for a protein-packed, reduced-carbohydrate bread.

What Goes Well With Bacon Cheese Bread

  • Savor Bacon Cheese Bread with Perfect Pairings
  • Craft Bold Salad Companion: Toss crisp mixed greens with tangy vinaigrette and toasted walnuts to balance the bread's rich, salty profile.
  • Select Robust Wine Match: Pour bold Cabernet Sauvignon or hearty Zinfandel, whose strong tannins complement the bread's intense bacon and cheese flavors.
  • Create Creamy Dipping Sauce: Whip together herb-infused sour cream with roasted garlic and fresh chives for a cool, zesty accompaniment that cuts through the bread's heaviness.
  • Brew Complementary Beer: Choose amber ale or smoked porter, whose malty undertones enhance the bacon's smoky character and bread's complex texture.

Storing Bacon Cheese Bread The Smart Way

  • Store wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil for up to 4 days in the refrigerator. Keep at a consistent temperature to maintain freshness.
  • Slice bread, place parchment paper between slices, and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Prevent freezer burn by removing excess air.
  • Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days. Ensure the container is clean and dry to prevent moisture buildup.
  • Warm individual slices in a toaster or oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes. Wrap in foil to preserve moisture and prevent drying out. Avoid microwave reheating to maintain bread's crispy texture.

Common Questions About Bacon Cheese Bread

  • What are the key ingredients that define this bread's unique flavor?

Bacon, cheddar, and parmesan cheeses create a savory, rich taste profile that elevates this bread beyond traditional recipes.

  • Can I use different types of cheese in this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute cheeses like gouda or monterey jack, but cheddar and parmesan provide the most robust flavor combination.

  • How do I know if I've kneaded the dough correctly?

The dough should become smooth, elastic, and pull away cleanly from the bowl’s edges, typically after 8-10 minutes of consistent kneading.

  • Why is letting the dough rise important in this recipe?

Rising allows yeast to develop flavor, creates a lighter texture, and helps ingredients like bacon and cheese distribute evenly throughout the bread.

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Bacon Cheese Bread Recipe

Bacon Cheese Bread Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 33 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes – 2 hours 5 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Hearty bacon cheese bread brings rustic comfort to your kitchen, delivering savory warmth with each slice. Homemade goodness mingles crispy bacon bits and melted cheese, inviting you to savor a delightful culinary experience.


Ingredients

Scale

Bread Base:

  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 packet active dry yeast
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 2 tbsp sugar
  • 1/4 cup warm water

Cheese Components:

  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese

Bacon and Fat Elements:

  • 8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
  • 1/4 cup bacon fat
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 large egg (for egg wash)

Instructions

  1. Activate the yeast by dissolving it in warm water, allowing it to become frothy and aromatic for about 5-7 minutes.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, salt, and sugar, creating a foundational dry mixture for the bread.
  3. Incorporate the activated yeast into the dry ingredients, forming a cohesive dough that begins to pull away from the bowl’s edges.
  4. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic, developing its robust texture.
  5. Drizzle olive oil over the dough, ensuring complete coverage, and let it rise in a warm environment for approximately 1 hour or until doubled in size.
  6. While the dough rises, crisp bacon in a skillet until golden and thoroughly cooked, then crumble into small, textured pieces.
  7. Punch down the risen dough and gradually fold in crumbled bacon, cheddar, and parmesan cheeses, distributing them evenly throughout.
  8. Transfer the enriched dough into a greased loaf pan, using bacon fat for an extra layer of flavor.
  9. Allow the dough to undergo a second rise for 30-45 minutes, becoming puffy and voluminous.
  10. Preheat the oven to 375°F and brush the loaf’s surface with beaten egg for a glossy, golden finish.
  11. Bake for 35-40 minutes until the bread achieves a deep amber color and sounds hollow when tapped.
  12. Cool the bread on a wire rack for at least 15 minutes before slicing to maintain its structural integrity.

Notes

  • Use room temperature ingredients to ensure smooth mixing and consistent dough development.
  • Toast bacon before adding to bread for deeper, more concentrated flavor and less moisture in the final loaf.
  • Experiment with different cheese combinations like gruyère or gouda for unique taste profiles and texture variations.
  • For gluten-free adaptation, replace wheat flour with a high-quality gluten-free blend and add xanthan gum for better binding.
  • Prep Time: 20-25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Snacks, Appetizer
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 360
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 550 mg
  • Fat: 24 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 14 g
  • Cholesterol: 45 mg
Olivia Brooks

Olivia Brooks

Contributing Writer

Expertise

  • Healthy recipe development
  • Plant-based cooking
  • Nutritional analysis
  • Food writing and content creation

Education

Culinary Institute of America
Accelerated Culinary Arts Certificate Program
Focus: Culinary fundamentals, nutrition, and healthy cooking technique


Olivia believes good food should feed both the body and the soul. She earned her Accelerated Culinary Arts Certificate from the Culinary Institute of America, where she focused on nutrition and practical cooking techniques that make healthy eating easy.
At 10 Below Ice Cream, Olivia shares single-serving recipes that are fresh, plant-forward, and full of heart. She loves helping people eat better, without stress, strict rules, or sacrificing flavor.
Beyond the kitchen, Olivia spends her time tending her backyard garden, practicing yoga, and discovering hidden gems in Portland’s food scene.

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