Imagine walking into your kitchen, where the rich scent of sizzling bacon mingles with the creamy allure of cheese. That’s the magic I experienced when I first made this Glazed Bacon Cheese-Mas Cob Loaf. It all started as a spontaneous Saturday afternoon craving — I wanted something warm, comforting, and irresistibly flavorful, and this recipe delivered in every way.
As I sliced into the perfectly baked loaf, the golden bacon-wrapped crust gave way to a luscious filling of cream cheese, savory garlic, and fresh herbs. Each generous bite is a warm hug on a plate, perfect for family gatherings or an indulgent night in. It’s a dish that celebrates cozy moments, transforming everyday ingredients into something truly extraordinary without a fuss.
Whether you’re a culinary novice or an experienced home cook, this cob loaf is not only impressively simple but also brings a crowd-pleasing flair to your table. Get ready to savor rich flavors that will have everyone coming back for more!
Why will you love this glazed bacon cheese-mas cob loaf?
Extraordinary Flavor: The delightful combination of bacon, cream cheese, and garlic creates a symphony of tastes that’ll make your taste buds sing.
Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Perfect for parties or cozy nights in, this dish always dazzles and leaves everyone wanting seconds.
Simple Preparation: With straightforward steps and minimal ingredients, even novice cooks can whip up this stunning treat.
Festive Presentation: The bacon-wrapped crust adds an irresistible visual appeal to your holiday table.
Versatile Serving: Pair with fresh veggies like baby carrots and Lebanese cucumber for a delightful balance that friends and family will love.
This meal is indeed a masterpiece, and if you’re looking for more comforting recipes, consider exploring our collection of cozy comfort dishes that are sure to warm your heart!
Glazed Bacon Cheese-Mas Cob Loaf Ingredients
Get ready to create a holiday masterpiece with these essential ingredients!
For the Base
- 1 tbsp olive oil – A splash of oil helps to sauté the bacon and onion for delicious flavor!
- 150 g short cut bacon rashers – Finely chopped for that tasty base.
- 1 small brown onion – Finely chopped to add sweetness and depth to the filling.
- 2 garlic cloves – Crushed to enhance the savory profile.
For the Filling
- 250 g cream cheese – At room temperature for easy mixing and a rich, creamy texture.
- 125 g sour cream – Adds tanginess that complements the other flavors beautifully.
- 1/3 cup chopped fresh continental parsley leaves – Provides a burst of freshness; feel free to omit if you’re short on herbs!
For the Loaf
- 1 cob loaf – This is the star vehicle for our delicious filling—aim for about 20 cm!
- 18 streaky bacon rashers – These will wrap your cob and create that irresistible glazed effect.
- 80 ml maple syrup – This sweet drizzle is what makes the bacon extra special!
To Serve
- Peeled baby carrots – Perfect crunchy companions to balance the richness of the loaf.
- Lebanese cucumber wedges – Freshness that adds a vibrant touch to your plate.
Each bite of this glazed bacon cheese-mas cob loaf will envelop you in comfort, making it a true celebration of flavors and joy!
How to Make Glazed Bacon Cheese-Mas Cob Loaf
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Preheat your oven to 220°C (200°C fan forced) and line a baking tray with baking paper. This ensures an even bake and easy cleanup later on.
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Sauté the oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the short cut bacon and onion, cooking for 4-5 minutes until the bacon starts to brown. Then, add the crushed garlic and stir for another 30 seconds until aromatic. Transfer this mixture to a heatproof bowl and set aside to cool slightly.
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Combine cream cheese, sour cream, and chopped parsley into the bacon mixture. Season well and stir until everything is nicely blended—a delicious filling awaits!
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Prepare your cob loaf by cutting the top off about 4 cm from the top and reserving it. Scoop out the inner bread, leaving a 2 cm thick shell. Use the scooped out bread for delicious dipping or to create wedges with the reserved top.
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Wrap the cob loaf in bacon! Place the cob on the prepared tray and wrap one rasher of bacon over the side, tucking the end under to secure it. Repeat the process with the remaining rashers, overlapping slightly. Brush the bacon with maple syrup, then bake for 20 minutes.
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Stuff the bacon-filled loaf with the savory mixture. Brush the bacon again with syrup, then place the chopped bread from the inside on the tray, spraying with oil and brushing with the leftover syrup.
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Bake the entire masterpiece again by reducing the oven temperature to 180°C (160°C fan forced) and cooking for another 20 minutes or until golden brown. Finish by brushing the bacon with the remaining syrup and topping with extra parsley before serving with fresh carrot and cucumber.
Optional: Serve with a sprinkle of extra parsley for a pop of color!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Glazed Bacon Cheese-Mas Cob Loaf?
Elevate your meal with delightful sides that complement the rich, creamy flavors of this festive treat.
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Creamy Mashed Potatoes: The velvety texture and buttery flavor balance perfectly with the savory loaf. They create a satisfying duo that feels like a warm hug.
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Garlic Butter Green Beans: Crisp, tender green beans sautéed in garlic butter provide a fresh contrast, adding brightness to each bite. Their crunchiness beautifully offsets the rich filling.
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Tangy Coleslaw: A zesty coleslaw offers a crunchy and refreshing counterpart, enhancing the meal’s flavor profile while effortlessly cutting through the creaminess of the cob loaf.
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Honey-Glazed Carrots: These sweet, tender carrots not only bring color to your plate but also provide a charming sweetness that complements the salty bacon.
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Classic Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine, crunchy croutons, and a creamy dressing create a refreshing bite that pairs exquisitely with the cob loaf’s flavors, enhancing the overall meal experience.
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Sparkling Apple Cider: For a delightful drink, serve chilled sparkling apple cider. Its fruity sparkle makes every sip a festive treat, refreshing your palate.
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Chocolate Dipped Strawberries: Finish your meal with these indulgent delights. Their sweetness and tangy burst serve as a perfect contrast to the richness of the casserole, ensuring a memorable end.
Indulging in these pairings will make your meal a festive feast that your family and friends will cherish!
Make Ahead Options
Preparing the glazed bacon cheese-mas cob loaf in advance is a fantastic way to save time on busy days! You can make the delicious bacon and cheese filling up to 3 days in advance—simply prepare the mixture, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and it will stay fresh. Additionally, you can hollow out the cob loaf and wrap it in plastic wrap, also up to 24 hours ahead to prevent it from drying out. When you’re ready to enjoy your cob loaf, just assemble the bacon around the cob, fill it with the prepared mixture, and bake following the original instructions. This makes for a quick and delightful meal that’s just as delicious as if made fresh!
How to Store and Freeze Glazed Bacon Cheese-Mas Cob Loaf
Room Temperature: Enjoy your cob loaf fresh, ideally within a few hours of baking. If left out, consume within 2 hours to maintain freshness.
Fridge: Store leftover cob loaf wrapped in aluminum foil or in an airtight container for up to 3 days. This keeps the flavors intact and prevents drying out.
Freezer: For long-term storage, wrap the cooled cob loaf tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 180°C (160°C fan forced) for 10-15 minutes or until warmed through to enjoy again. The delicious taste of the glazed bacon cheese-mas cob loaf will shine once more!
Glazed Bacon Cheese-Mas Cob Loaf Variations
Feel free to get creative and put your own spin on this delicious loaf!
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Spicy Kick: Mix in some diced jalapeños or cayenne pepper for a fiery bite that elevates the savory flavors.
The heat balances the creaminess, giving each bite an exciting twist. -
Herbaceous Boost: Swap in fresh chives or dill instead of parsley for a refreshing herbal contrast.
These herbs lend a unique flavor profile, enhancing the loaf’s overall taste experience. -
Nut-Free: Replace cream cheese with a blend of silken tofu and nutritional yeast for a creamy, nut-free alternative.
This ensures everyone can enjoy the dish without compromise, maintaining all its savoriness. -
Vegetarian Delight: Use sautéed mushrooms and spinach in place of bacon for a hearty, meat-free option.
The umami from mushrooms creates a savory depth, perfect for those seeking plant-based joy! -
Cheese Lover’s Dream: Add shredded cheddar or successful Gruyère to the filling for more cheese goodness.
This twist brings an additional layer of creaminess that will delight cheese enthusiasts everywhere. -
Caramelized Onions: Replace fresh onions with caramelized onions for a sweeter, richer flavor throughout.
Each mouthful becomes a dance of sweetness that compliments the creamy cheese perfectly. -
Crunchy Topping: Sprinkle Panko breadcrumbs on top before baking for an extra crispy texture contrast.
This simple addition elevates the loaf to new texture heights, bringing satisfying crunch to every bite. -
Sweet & Savory: Drizzle balsamic glaze over the finished loaf for a sweet twist that complements the salty bacon.
This tangy addition adds depth and elegance to your dish—an unforgettable experience for your palate!
Expert Tips for Glazed Bacon Cheese-Mas Cob Loaf
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Bacon Selection: Use high-quality bacon for the best flavor and texture. Short cut bacon gives a good balance, but you can experiment with different types.
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Cream Cheese Consistency: Make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature. This ensures a smooth filling that combines easily with the other ingredients, preventing lumps.
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Avoid Soggy Bread: Scoop out the inside of the cob loaf but leave a 2 cm-thick shell. This prevents the loaf from becoming soggy while holding the delicious glazed bacon cheese-mas mixture.
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Wrap Technique: When wrapping the bacon, slightly overlap each rasher for even coverage. This creates a crispy, cohesive layer during baking that enhances flavor and presentation.
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Maple Syrup Gleam: Don’t skip brushing the bacon with maple syrup! This not only enhances the sweetness but also gives the loaf a beautifully glazed finish that’s irresistible.
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Flavor Boosting: Consider adding black pepper or chili flakes to the filling for a bit of heat. It complements the rich flavors while avoiding common mistakes of blandness.
Glazed Bacon Cheese-Mas Cob Loaf Recipe FAQs
What type of bacon should I use for the cob loaf?
Absolutely! For the best flavor and texture, I recommend using high-quality streaky bacon. Short cut bacon is excellent for balancing flavor, but feel free to experiment with your favorite type. Remember, the right bacon can enhance your dish significantly!
How should I store leftovers of the cob loaf?
To keep your delicious cob loaf fresh, wrap any leftovers in aluminum foil or place them in an airtight container. Storing it in the fridge will allow you to enjoy it for up to 3 days. Just make sure it’s sealed well to retain those lovely flavors!
Can I freeze the glazed bacon cheese-mas cob loaf?
Absolutely! After baking and cooling the cob loaf, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. This will preserve it for up to 2 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy, just thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating, and it’ll taste like new!
What should I do if the bacon is not crispy after baking?
If your bacon isn’t as crispy as you hoped, consider giving it a few extra minutes in the oven. Just keep an eye on it to avoid burning, or you can place it under the broiler for a couple of minutes, which can help achieve that perfect golden crispiness.
Are there any dietary considerations I should be aware of with this cob loaf?
Yes, it’s important to note that this recipes contains bacon and cream cheese, which may not suit everyone’s diets, especially for those with dietary restrictions or lactose intolerance. Consider using vegan cream cheese and a plant-based bacon alternative if you need a dairy-free or vegetarian option. Always check labels for allergens!
How can I tell if my cream cheese is at room temperature?
To ensure your cream cheese is ready for mixing, you want it to be soft to the touch and easy to spread. If it’s still cold from the fridge, set it out for about 30 minutes before you start cooking. You can even warm it slightly in the microwave for a few seconds, just be careful not to melt it.
Glazed Bacon Cheese-Mas Cob Loaf: The Ultimate Holiday Treat
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 220°C (200°C fan forced) and line a baking tray with baking paper.
- Sauté the oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the short cut bacon and onion, cooking for 4-5 minutes until the bacon starts to brown. Then, add the crushed garlic and stir for another 30 seconds until aromatic. Transfer this mixture to a heatproof bowl and set aside to cool slightly.
- Combine cream cheese, sour cream, and chopped parsley into the bacon mixture. Season well and stir until everything is nicely blended.
- Prepare your cob loaf by cutting the top off about 4 cm from the top and reserving it. Scoop out the inner bread, leaving a 2 cm thick shell.
- Wrap the cob loaf in bacon! Place the cob on the prepared tray and wrap one rasher of bacon over the side, tucking the end under to secure it. Repeat the process with the remaining rashers, overlapping slightly. Brush the bacon with maple syrup, then bake for 20 minutes.
- Stuff the bacon-filled loaf with the savory mixture. Brush the bacon again with syrup, then place the chopped bread from the inside on the tray.
- Bake the entire masterpiece again by reducing the oven temperature to 180°C (160°C fan forced) and cooking for another 20 minutes or until golden brown.