Description
This Cheesy Jalapeno Bacon Stuffed Baguette with Garlic Butter is a flavorful and indulgent appetizer perfect for parties or gatherings. A crusty baguette is hollowed out and filled with a rich mixture of crispy bacon, cream cheese, shredded cheddar and mozzarella, spicy jalapeños, and fresh scallions. Wrapped in foil and baked with garlic butter brushed on top, the result is a warm, melty, and savory treat perfect for slicing into delicious bite-sized pieces.
Ingredients
Scale
Filling
- 1/2 tbsp oil
- 8 oz / 250g bacon, diced (lean bacon recommended)
- 8 oz / 250g Philadelphia cream cheese, softened (full or low fat)
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/4 cup packed jalapeños, finely chopped (deseeded if fresh, or canned and drained)
- 1 cup finely chopped scallions/shallots, green and white parts packed
- Black pepper to taste
Bread
- 1 x 20″ / 50 cm baguette / French stick
Garlic Butter
- 3 tbsp butter
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) to prepare for baking the stuffed baguette.
- Cook Bacon: Heat the oil in a pan over high heat. Add diced bacon and cook until it is lightly browned and crisp. Remove the bacon to a paper-towel-lined plate to drain excess fat and allow to cool.
- Prepare Baguette: Cut the ends off the baguette and then slice it in half or into quarters to make handling easier.
- Hollow Out Bread: Using a bread knife, carefully cut out the inside of the baguette, leaving about a 1/2 inch (1.5 cm) thick wall of bread and crust to create a hollow space for the filling.
- Mix Filling: In a bowl, combine the cooled bacon, softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar and mozzarella, chopped jalapeños, scallions, and pepper. Mix well to fully incorporate all ingredients.
- Stuff the Baguette: Stuff the cheese and bacon mixture inside the hollowed baguette using a knife or a piping bag to fill it evenly and neatly.
- Make Garlic Butter: Melt the butter with minced garlic and a pinch of salt either in the microwave or on the stove until fragrant and combined.
- Brush with Garlic Butter: Generously brush the outside of the stuffed baguette with the garlic butter. You can also choose to brush it after slicing if preferred.
- Slice the Baguette: Slice the filled baguette into 1 1/4 cm (1/2 inch) thick slices, keeping the slices pressed together to hold shape.
- Wrap in Foil: Place the slices close together on a large piece of foil, then wrap the baguette securely in the foil for baking.
- Bake: Bake the wrapped baguette in the preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes until the bread is crispy on the outside and the cheese inside has fully melted.
- Serve Warm: For the best flavor and texture, serve the cheesy jalapeno bacon stuffed baguette warm immediately after baking.
Notes
- You can use either fresh deseeded jalapeños or canned drained jalapeños depending on your preference and spice tolerance.
- Leaving a 1/2 inch thick crust ensures the bread holds its shape while being stuffed and baked.
- Pressing slices together before wrapping helps the baguette maintain structure and keeps fillings from spilling out while baking.
- This appetizer is perfect for parties as you can make it ahead and reheat slightly before serving.
