Creamy Cheesy Bacon Cob Loaf Dip

Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). While the oven heats, slice the top off the cob loaf and hollow out the inside, being careful to leave a 1.5cm bread wall. Tear the inside of the bread and lid into bite-sized pieces, and set them aside to serve alongside the dip later.

In a large frying pan, cook the diced bacon over medium heat until crisp. I find using a non-stick pan reduces the amount of oil needed and gets the bacon perfectly crispy. Once the bacon is crispy, remove it with a slotted spoon and set it aside keeping about 2 tablespoons of the bacon grease in the pan.

In the same pan, add the diced onions and minced garlic, sauté until the onions become translucent. Sauteing in bacon grease adds a depth of flavor that truly elevates this dip.

Lower the heat, add in cream cheese, cheddar cheese, and sour cream. Stir consistently to blend it all together. Sprinkle a pinch of salt, pepper, and mixed herbs or Italian seasoning over the cheese mixture, stir until well mixed.

Now add the crispy bacon back into the cheese mixture, stir to combine well.

Pour this creamy, delicious mixture into the hollow cob loaf. Remember, don't discard the bread lid.

Place the filled cob on a baking tray, together with the torn bread pieces around it. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the dip is heated through and the bread is toasted.

Garnish with chopped spring onions before serving. This gives the dip a bit more color and a fresh taste that nicely counterbalances the creamy, rich flavors of the dip.

Enjoy your cob loaf dip with friends or family, and you'll find it disappears faster than you think! It's the perfect appetizer for any events, from Christmas parties to an evening get-together.