Cheese and Bacon Pull-Apart Loaf

Indulge in the comforting flavors of homemade bacon and cheese bread, a delightful recipe that combines the irresistible crunch of bacon, the rich creaminess of cheese, and the warm satisfaction of freshly baked bread. With its golden-brown exterior and gooey cheese-filled interior, this bread is a crowd-pleasing addition to any meal or gathering. Whether enjoyed as a side dish, appetizer, or savory snack, this bacon and cheese bread is bound to become a favorite comfort food.

PREP 20 MINS

COOK 40 MINS

SERVES 8

INGREDIENTS:

• 150g (6 rashers) rindless streaky bacon, chopped
• 450g (3 cups) self-raising flour
• 90g cold Fairy Cooking Margarine, chopped into 1 cm pieces
• 125g (1¼ cups) grated mozzarella
• 150g (1¼ cups) grated vintage cheddar
• 2 eggs
• 180ml (¾ cups) milk
• ½ cup fresh parsley, chopped

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (fan forced). Grease and line the base of a 20cm round tin with baking paper, and grease the sides of the tin.
2. Cook the bacon in a small frying pan over high heat for 2-3 minutes or until golden brown.
3. In a large bowl, combine the flour and chopped Fairy Cooking Margarine. Use your fingers to rub the margarine into the flour until sandy. Add 1 cup of mozzarella, 1 cup of cheddar, and the cooked bacon. Mix with a butter knife until combined.
4. Beat the eggs and milk together, then add to the flour mixture. Use a butter knife to stir until a dough forms. Turn out onto a floured kitchen bench and gently knead. Divide the dough into 8 balls.
5. Combine the remaining mozzarella, remaining cheddar, and parsley in a small bowl. Roll each dough ball in the cheese mixture and place them into the prepared tin.
6. Bake for 35 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and cooked through.

TIPS AND HINTS:

• Use high-quality rindless streaky bacon for the best flavor and texture. The smoky, salty essence of bacon adds a depth of flavor to the bread.
• For a fluffy and tender texture, ensure the Fairy Cooking Margarine is cold and chopped into small pieces before incorporating it into the flour.
• When rubbing the margarine into the flour, work quickly to prevent the margarine from melting. This step helps create a crumbly and sandy texture in the dough.
• The combination of mozzarella and vintage cheddar contributes to the bread’s gooey and savory character. Use freshly grated cheese for optimal meltability and flavor.
• Beating the eggs and milk together before adding them to the flour mixture ensures even distribution of moisture throughout the dough.
• Gently knead the dough just enough to bring it together; over-kneading can lead to a dense texture.
• When rolling the dough into balls, evenly coat them with the cheese and parsley mixture for a flavorful surprise in every bite.
• Greasing and lining the tin with baking paper prevents the bread from sticking and ensures easy removal after baking.
• Allow the bread to cool slightly before slicing to ensure clean and even cuts.

Savor the joy of homemade bread infused with the delectable flavors of bacon and cheese. This Bacon and Cheese Bread is a wonderful testament to the art of comfort food, delivering a warm and inviting experience to your taste buds.