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cob loaf filled with dip surrounded by bread chunks
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Cob Loaf w/ Cheese and Bacon PLUS Spinach Dip

Cob Loaf w/ Cheese and Bacon PLUS Spinach Dip - turns the classic party bread bowl dip into double the fun! Spinach on one side and cheese and bacon on the other!
Course Side Dish/Appetizer
Cuisine Modern Australian
Total Time 1 hour 35 minutes
Servings 10
Calories 282kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 cob loaf
  • 250 g cream cheese room temperature
  • 250 g sour cream I used light
  • 100 g grated mozzarella cheese (approx 1 cup)
  • 2 bacon rashers roughly chopped
  • 2 shallots/spring onions thinly sliced
  • 50 g grated cheddar cheese (approx ½ cup) I used mature/aged
  • 50 g baby spinach (approx 1 cup firmly packed) chopped
  • 50 g danish feta (approx ⅓ cup) crumbled
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ¼ teaspoon onion powder
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • toasted pine nuts and chopped chives to garnish optional

Instructions

  • Pre heat oven to 180c/350f.
  • In a small fry pan, fry chopped bacon (2 rashers) and finely sliced shallots/spring onions (2) then set aside.
  • Make two cuts down the centre of the cob loaf, then slice across from each side to the centre cuts. Remove the two half-moon "lids" and set aside, then remove the rest of the soft bread centre in dipping-sized chunks (leaving the centre section intact) and set aside.
  • Mix together cream cheese (250 g - room temperature) and sour cream (250 g) then add in grated mozzarella (100 g/approx 1 cup) and mix well. Divide this mixture in half bewteen 2 bowls.
  • To one bowl add chopped baby spinach (50 g/approx 1 cup firmly packed), crumbled danish feta (50 g/approx ⅓ cup), garlic powder (½ tsp) and onion powder (⅓ tsp) then mix to combine.
  • To the other bowl add cooked bacon and shallot mixture along with grated cheddar cheese (50 g/approx ½ cup) and mix to combine. Check each dip for seasoning, adding salt and pepper as needed.
  • Spoon each dip into separate sides of the cob loaf, and cover each side with its half-moon "lid". Wrap the cob in foil, place on a sided baking tray and bake for 50 minutes.
  • Remove the cob from the oven and carefully unwrap the foil. Replace cob back onto the baking tray, scatter the soft bread centre pieces around the cob as well as the "lids" and bake for a further 10 - 15 minutes or until lightly browned.

Notes

  • When I place the cob back into the oven for the final cook, I cut away the top crust of the centre slice of the loaf and include it in the bread scattered around the loaf. Being so much higher than the rest of the loaf it can get darker quicker than the rest.
  • You could place the cob under the grill to get a little more colour if you like. Watch it carefully so the bread doesn't burn - especially the centre section.
  • I have garnished the spinach side of the cob with toasted pine nuts, and the cheese and bacon side with chopped chives - both are optional. 
*Please note that the amount of calories per serve is provided as a guide only, as ingredients and cooking methods can vary greatly*

Nutrition

Calories: 282kcal