Indulge in the ultimate appetizer: a garlic-buttery cracked sourdough bread, generously packed with crispy bacon and a luxurious blend of three cheeses, baked to golden perfection. The secret ingredient that elevates this creation to legendary status? Dorothy Lynch Homestyle Dressing & Condiment. Prepare yourself for an EPIC culinary experience!

Presenting Dorothy’s Cheesy Bacon Pull-Apart Bread! Just the name and a glance at that irresistible photograph are enough to make you want to dive right in. But as your trusted foodie friend, I couldn’t possibly leave you with just that. While the star secret ingredient, Dorothy Lynch, has already been revealed, there’s a fascinating story behind how this glorious, cheese-stuffed bread came into existence. It’s more than just a recipe; it’s a celebration of flavor, comfort, and the joy of sharing delicious food.

This recipe is proudly sponsored by Dorothy Lynch Dressing & Condiment. All opinions and my deep love for their Nebraska-made Homestyle dressing are entirely my own.

Contents

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Heard the buzz? A truly momentous football game is on the horizon! While the thrill of the game itself is undeniably exciting, I must confess, my heart often beats faster for the mouth-watering food and the always-entertaining commercials. So, when the wonderful folks at Dorothy Lynch reached out, challenging me to create some unforgettable football-themed bites, you can bet I was all in! Crafting the perfect game-day spread is an art, and I knew this was an opportunity to create something truly special, an appetizer that would be the MVP of any party.

This isn’t my first rodeo creating sensational football fare with Dorothy Lynch. Last fall, I unveiled my recipe for Sloppy Dorothy Sandwiches, a dish that absolutely exploded on the internet, going viral with its incredible flavor and ease of preparation. You see, Dorothy Lynch Home Style Dressing & Condiment holds a special place in my heart as a proud sponsor of my beloved football team, the Nebraska Cornhuskers. With such a legacy to uphold, I couldn’t possibly whip up just any ordinary, run-of-the-mill football snack. I was compelled to craft something truly iconic, a dish worthy of these two Nebraska classics. And the Sloppy Dorothy sandwiches certainly delivered, quickly ascending to become one of my all-time most popular recipes. Yes, dear friends, it’s THAT good, a testament to the magic Dorothy Lynch brings to the table.

SLOPPY DOROTHY SANDWICHES: Move over, Joe! There’s a new and improved version of your classic, made with Dorothy Lynch Dressing. These sandwiches will have you licking your fingers in pure satisfaction!

With such a high standard set, and even though my favorite team isn’t making an appearance in this particular upcoming football championship, the challenge remained: I needed to conceptualize and create some truly epic game-day grub. Something that would command attention and disappear from the appetizer table in record time, embodying the spirit of celebration and hearty eating. This required a dish that was both exciting and deeply satisfying, a true crowd-pleaser for any gathering.

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The concept for this incredible dish began to take shape, and then came the crucial decision: what to name it? “Pull-Apart Bread” was an obvious choice, accurately describing its interactive and shareable nature. Another popular moniker for breads of this style is “Crack Bread.” This playful name typically arises for a couple of distinct reasons. The first and most literal explanation stems from the preparation method: the bread is carefully scored or cut into segments, almost all the way through, then cross-hatched to form deep “cracks.” These fissures are then generously filled with delectable ingredients like fragrant garlic butter, savory bacon, and a trio of cheeses. The bread is then baked until it’s wonderfully warm, gooey, and melted. This brings us to the second, more colloquial reason for the name “Crack Bread”: in slang terms, “crack” is often used to describe food that is so incredibly delicious and addictive that you simply cannot stop eating it. And believe me, this cheesy loaf of pure goodness right here perfectly fits that description. It’s truly irresistible!

However, for some reason, attaching the moniker “Crack” to a recipe created for Dorothy Lynch felt a little misaligned with her wholesome brand. Dorothy herself was an inspiring woman who originally crafted this iconic dressing in the 1940s. She served it with pride at a restaurant she and her husband operated within the local Legion Club in St. Paul, Nebraska. The dressing’s popularity soared, becoming so beloved that patrons would even bring their own bottles to have Dorothy personally refill them, eager to enjoy its unique flavor at home. This legacy of homestyle quality and genuine goodness inspired me to give this ultimate cheesy bread a name that truly honors its origins and its namesake. Hence, “Dorothy’s Cheesy Bacon Pull-Apart Bread” was born – a name that perfectly encapsulates its deliciousness and connection to a beloved brand.

Dorothy Lynch Homestyle Dressing was an absolutely perfect and inspired addition to this cheesy bacon pull-apart bread. Let me share with you exactly why it works such wonders in this recipe, transforming a simple appetizer into something truly extraordinary.

A common misconception about Dorothy Lynch, largely due to its distinct reddish-orange hue, is that it’s merely “just another French dressing.” However, nothing could be further from the truth. In fact, Dorothy Lynch is fundamentally different. While most French dressings are oil-based, Dorothy Lynch proudly stands apart as a tomato-based dressing. It boasts a rich, creamy texture that delivers a unique flavor profile: subtly sweet with a delightful, ever-so-slight spicy kick. Of course, it’s absolutely fantastic drizzled over a fresh salad, but its incredible versatility means it shines in countless other culinary applications, from marinades to glazes, and as a secret ingredient in savory dishes like this bread.

When I conjure up images of my most cherished comfort foods, one timeless classic that consistently comes to mind is a perfectly grilled cheese sandwich, crafted with crusty, artisan bread, served alongside a steaming hot bowl of rich tomato soup. This familiar and deeply satisfying pairing highlights the magical synergy between cheese and a comforting tomato flavor. Given that Dorothy Lynch Homestyle Dressing carries those delightful, slightly spicy tomato notes, it naturally pairs flawlessly with cheese and the tangy zest of sourdough bread. It’s a flavor combination truly made in heaven – or, more accurately, a delicious match born and perfected right here in Nebraska.

Essential Ingredients for Dorothy’s Cheesy Bacon Pull-Apart Bread:

Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to creating this unforgettable appetizer. Each component plays a vital role in building the layers of flavor and texture that make this pull-apart bread so extraordinary. Here’s what you’ll need:

Sourdough Bread Loaf: A crusty, oblong sourdough loaf is ideal, offering a delightful tang and sturdy structure to hold all the delicious fillings.
Dorothy Lynch Homestyle Dressing & Condiment: The star secret ingredient, adding its unique sweet, savory, and slightly spicy tomato-based flavor that ties everything together.
Gouda Cheese: Known for its mild, nutty flavor and excellent melting properties, contributing to that irresistible cheese pull.
Cheddar Cheese: A classic choice for its sharp, familiar taste and creamy melt, enhancing the overall cheesiness.
Cream Cheese: Adds a wonderful creaminess and helps bind the cheese mixture, ensuring a rich and luxurious filling.
Butter: Essential for that classic garlic-buttery flavor and for ensuring the bread stays moist and rich.
Garlic and Garlic Salt: Infuse the bread with aromatic, savory notes that perfectly complement the cheese and bacon.
Bacon Bits: Crispy, salty bacon pieces provide a crucial textural contrast and a burst of savory flavor in every bite.
Fresh Chives: A touch of fresh green onion flavor, adding a subtle oniony freshness and a pop of color.

To begin this culinary adventure, I selected a beautiful, crusty loaf of oblong sourdough bread, weighing approximately one pound. It’s important to note that if your chosen loaf is significantly larger, you may need to adjust the quantities of the filling ingredients proportionally to ensure every crack is generously stuffed. With a sharp serrated bread knife, carefully make diagonal cuts across the top of the bread, going almost all the way through to the bottom crust but taking care not to fully separate the loaf into individual pieces. Then, rotate the bread 90 degrees and repeat the diagonal cutting pattern in the opposite direction. This cross-hatching technique creates a grid of approximately 1-inch to 1.5-inch squares, forming the perfect pockets and crevices to hold all the flavorful fillings.

Next, prepare your exquisite cheese blend. Measure out the softened cream cheese, and then take the time to shred your gouda and mild cheddar cheese yourself. While pre-shredded cheese offers convenience, freshly shredded cheese is always a superior choice for its texture and flavor, and it melts so much more beautifully and smoothly, creating that perfect gooey consistency we’re after. This small extra step makes a significant difference in the final product’s quality and indulgence.

Now it’s time to bring all those delicious components together. In one bowl, combine your melted butter with garlic, garlic salt, and a touch of Dorothy Lynch Dressing for that extra layer of flavor. In a separate bowl, meticulously mix your softened cream cheese with the freshly minced garlic, the shredded gouda, and cheddar cheeses, along with the remaining Dorothy Lynch dressing. Ensure it’s thoroughly combined, forming a rich and creamy cheese mixture. With all your fillings ready, you’re now perfectly set to begin assembling your show-stopping pull-apart bread!

Don’t forget to incorporate the bacon! It’s a well-known fact that almost everything tastes better with bacon, and this bread is certainly no exception. While you absolutely could take the time to cook your own bacon and crumble it, for the sake of convenience and to save a bit of precious time without sacrificing flavor, I opted for a bag of high-quality real bacon pieces from the store. This allows you to quickly add that irresistible smoky, salty crunch that perfectly complements the rich cheeses and tangy sourdough. A true game-changer for a quick prep!

With the bread expertly scored, it’s time for the first layer of flavor infusion. Using a turkey baster – a surprisingly effective tool for this task – gently drizzle the aromatic melted butter mixture down into all the intricate cracks of the sourdough loaf. Ensure you generously coat the top surface as well, allowing that rich, garlicky butter to seep deep into every crevice. This step is crucial for ensuring that every single pull-apart segment is saturated with buttery goodness, creating an even more flavorful and moist bread, right down to the very bottom.

Now for the most satisfying part of the preparation: stuffing! Gently separate the pre-cut cracks in the bread, using a butter knife or your fingers to create small openings. Then, carefully and thoroughly get all of that luscious cheesy bacon spread down into each and every one of these openings. Don’t be shy – the more filling, the better! I found that a simple butter knife works exceptionally well for this step, allowing for precise and efficient stuffing, ensuring no pocket of deliciousness is left untouched. This diligent effort guarantees that every bite of your pull-apart bread will be bursting with savory, cheesy flavor and delightful bacon bits.

Once fully stuffed, carefully place the entire loaf onto a large piece of aluminum foil. Wrap it loosely but securely, creating a cozy package that will allow the flavors to meld and the cheese to melt perfectly without browning too quickly. Transfer this foil-wrapped parcel onto a sturdy baking sheet, then bake it according to the recipe’s specified temperature and time. When the initial baking phase is complete, carefully remove the foil to expose the top of the bread. This allows the crust to crisp up and the cheese to become beautifully golden and bubbly. Continue baking until it reaches that irresistible golden-brown hue and the cheese is gloriously melty and bubbling. Once done, gently plate it while it’s still piping hot, ready for immediate enjoyment. The aroma alone will be enough to draw everyone to the kitchen!

Just look at that magnificent cross-section! You can truly see how that rich, buttery deliciousness, along with the generous cheese and bacon filling, permeates all the way down into the base of the bread. There’s absolutely no skimping on flavor here; every single bite promises a sensational explosion of savory, cheesy goodness. For an extra layer of deliciousness and an authentic touch, be sure to serve this incredible pull-apart bread with a side of Dorothy Lynch Homestyle Dressing for dipping. Its unique sweet and tangy profile provides the perfect complement to the savory bread, making each dip an unforgettable experience!

WHERE TO FIND YOUR OWN BOTTLE OF DOROTHY LYNCH DRESSING?

Securing your own bottle of Dorothy Lynch Dressing & Condiment is easier than you might think! This beloved homestyle dressing is readily available at most grocery stores throughout Nebraska, a true staple in its home state. Beyond Nebraska, you can find it at select grocery stores nationwide, including many Walmart and HyVee locations. If, by chance, you’re unable to locate it on your local supermarket shelves, there’s no need to fret! You can easily keep your pantry stocked with this versatile dressing by shopping online. Head over to Buy Nebraska or simply order it from Amazon for convenient delivery right to your door. Don’t miss out on adding this incredible flavor enhancer to your culinary arsenal!

Stay connected and inspired by following Dorothy Lynch on their official website, their engaging Facebook page, and their vibrant Twitter accounts. They consistently share delicious, innovative recipes all year long, providing endless ideas for incorporating their unique dressing into your everyday meals and special occasions.

EXPLORE ALL MY TAILGATING RECIPES HERE

Are you ready for some football? Well, I, for one, am mostly just ready to devour some of Dorothy’s Cheesy Bacon Pull-Apart Bread! This dish isn’t just an appetizer; it’s a centerpiece, a conversation starter, and a true crowd-pleaser that will make any gathering unforgettable. Whether it’s game day, a family get-together, or just a cozy night in, this recipe promises pure culinary delight. So, let’s get cooking and bring this amazing flavor combination to life in your kitchen!

Let’s make some!

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Close up of Dorothy's Cheesy Bacon Pull-Apart Bread

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Print Recipe

Dorothy’s Cheesy Bacon Pull-Apart Bread

Garlic-buttery sourdough bread, packed with bacon and three kinds of cheese, baked to perfection. That extra-special ingredient? Dorothy Lynch Homestyle Dressing! This is one EPIC appetizer.

Prep Time
20 mins

Cook Time
35 mins

Total Time
55 mins

Cuisine: American |
Keyword: Dorothy’s Cheesy Bacon Pull-Apart Bread

Servings: 1 loaf |
Calories: 268kcal |
Author: Michaela Kenkel

Ingredients

1 pound oblong loaf of Sourdough Bread
6 Tablespoons butter, melted
2 Tablespoons Dorothy Lynch Dressing
½ teaspoon garlic salt
1 heaping teaspoon chives
½ cup softened cream cheese
1 cup shredded gouda cheese
1 cup mild cheddar cheese
1 heaping teaspoon fresh minced garlic
3 Tablespoons Dorothy Lynch Dressing
1 (2.8 ounce) package real bacon bits
Chopped fresh parsley for garnishing

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
Make diagonal cuts in the bread approximately one inch apart. Do the same going the opposite direction so the bread is cross-hatched in one-inch squares. Be careful not to cut all the way through the bottom crust.
Combine melted butter, 2 tablespoons Dorothy Lynch Dressing, chives, and garlic salt. Using a turkey baster, drizzle the melted butter mixture evenly over the loaf of bread, making sure to squeeze it down into all the cracks.
In another bowl, using your mixer, beat together softened cream cheese, minced garlic, 3 tablespoons Dorothy Lynch Dressing, shredded gouda, and cheddar cheese until well combined. Gently fold in the real bacon bits.
Use a butter knife to carefully stuff the cheese mixture down into all the cracks of the bread, ensuring an even distribution throughout the loaf.
Place the bread on a large piece of aluminum foil and wrap it loosely but completely. Place the wrapped loaf on a baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes.
Carefully unwrap the foil from the top of the bread to expose it. Continue to bake for about 15-20 minutes more, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is beautifully melted and bubbly.
Garnish generously with chopped fresh parsley before serving. Serve hot and enjoy!

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