These Bacon Gorgonzola Pull Aparts are a tasty treat that combines fluffy bread with crispy bacon and rich gorgonzola cheese. Perfect for sharing with friends at gatherings!
Honestly, who can resist pulling apart soft pieces of bread filled with cheesy goodness? It’s like a party for your taste buds! I love serving these warm, right out of the oven. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Biscuit Dough: Refrigerated biscuit dough is super convenient, but you can also make your own from scratch if you have the time! For a healthier twist, consider whole wheat or gluten-free dough options.
Bacon: I recommend using thick-cut bacon for a meaty bite. If you’re looking for a lighter option, turkey bacon works well too, although it might be less crispy.
Gorgonzola Cheese: This cheese adds a unique tangy flavor. If you don’t have gorgonzola, blue cheese or feta are tasty substitutes that will still give you that wonderful creaminess.
Thyme: Fresh thyme gives a lovely earthy taste, but dried thyme will also work. Reduce the amount to about 1 teaspoon if you go dried.
How Do I Get the Perfect Cheese Pull?
The secret to a beautiful cheese pull lies in how you layer the filling. Make sure to sprinkle enough cheese between the biscuit layers, but avoid overpacking them. A little space will help the biscuits puff up nicely when baked.
- Cook the bacon until it’s crispy—this adds wonderful texture.
- Don’t skip on tossing the biscuit pieces in the butter mixture; it enhances flavor and helps melt the filling beautifully.
- Press down slightly on the layered ingredients in the pan to keep them intact while baking.
How to Make Bacon Gorgonzola Pull Aparts
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dough:
- 2 cans refrigerated biscuit dough (or equivalent homemade biscuit dough)
For the Filling:
- 6 slices bacon
- 4 oz gorgonzola cheese, crumbled
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves (optional)
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 tsp honey (optional, for a touch of sweetness)
For the Coating:
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- Fresh thyme sprigs for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
Get ready to spend about 10 minutes prepping and 30-35 minutes baking. After that, a brief cool-off of about 5 minutes, and you’re ready to dig in! Total time is around 50-55 minutes for these delicious pull-aparts.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare Your Pan:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s heating up, lightly grease a bundt pan or a cast iron skillet so nothing sticks!
2. Cook the Bacon:
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until it’s nice and crispy. Once done, take it out and let it drain on some paper towels. Once cooled slightly, chop the bacon into small, delicious pieces.
3. Make the Butter Mixture:
In a small bowl, mix together the melted butter, minced garlic, and honey (if you’re using it). Stir until well combined and aromatic!
4. Prepare the Biscuit Dough:
Take each biscuit and cut it into quarters. Toss these biscuit pieces into the butter mixture until they’re all nicely covered. This adds flavor and helps them bake beautifully!
5. Layer Everything in Your Pan:
Now it’s time to layer. Place the biscuit pieces in the prepared pan, and sprinkle the chopped bacon, crumbled gorgonzola, and fresh thyme leaves between layers. Make sure to spread them out evenly!
6. Pack the Layers:**
Once all the biscuit pieces are in the pan, gently press down so the ingredients stick together yet remain loosely packed. This will ensure they pull apart easily later on.
7. Bake Your Pull Aparts:
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 30-35 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the biscuits are cooked through. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
8. Cool and Serve:
Allow the pull apart bread to cool for about 5 minutes before gently removing it from the pan. Use a large plate to flip it over if necessary.
9. Enjoy!
Serve these warm and let everyone pull apart their cheesy, bacon-filled pieces! Perfect for sharing or enjoying all by yourself!
Enjoy your flavorful, cheesy, and savory Bacon Gorgonzola Pull Aparts!
Can I Use Different Types of Cheese?
Absolutely! While gorgonzola adds a unique flavor, you can substitute with blue cheese, feta, or even sharp cheddar for a different twist. Each cheese will bring its own character to the dish!
What Can I Do With Leftover Pull Aparts?
Leftovers can be covered and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until warmed through. They’re great for breakfast or a quick snack!
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the pull apart bread the night before and store it in the refrigerator before baking. Just let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before popping it in the oven to ensure even cooking.
How Can I Make This Dish Spicier?
If you’re looking for some heat, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the butter mixture, or mix in some diced jalapeños with the bacon and cheese layers for a spicy kick!