I still remember stumbling upon this savory gem when looking for something that brought the richness of a cheeseburger and the heartiness of French bread together. The combination was a match made in culinary heaven; anyone who tried it was instantly hooked. My family loves it, especially the way the French bread crisped up just right—a delightful contrast to the gooey, cheesy, bacon-infused filling inside. It’s a dish that sparks joy and gets gobbled up without a single complaint from even the pickiest eaters at home.
What I love most about this Bacon Cheeseburger Stuffed French Bread is how it’s both an exciting meal idea and fully adaptable to whatever ingredients you have on hand. Plus, it’s perfect for those times when you want to whip up something impressive without the fuss of complex recipes. In about 35 minutes, you’ll have a stomach-filling, taste bud-tantalizing dish ready for your crew.
So let’s dive into this simple and flavorful recipe, and maybe it will become a hit in your household, just as it has in mine. Whether you’re preparing it for a weeknight meal or a cozy weekend gathering, this Bacon Cheeseburger Stuffed French Bread is sure to become a delectable favorite.
How to Make Bacon Cheeseburger Stuffed French Bread
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Ingredients:
- 1.5 pounds ground beef
- 1/4 cup chopped onion
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 14.5 ounces petite diced tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons dill pickle relish
- 1/2 cup cooked and chopped bacon
- 10.5 ounces cream of mushroom soup
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
- 1 loaf of French bread
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a sauté pan over medium heat, cook the ground beef and chopped onion until the beef is browned and the onion is soft. Make sure to drain any excess fat.
- Add the minced garlic to the beef, cooking briefly until you can smell the garlic’s aroma.
- Mix in the diced tomatoes, dill pickle relish, and bacon, stirring until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- In a separate mixing bowl, stir together the cream of mushroom soup, milk, and Worcestershire sauce. Pour this mixture into the beef, stirring through, then add half of the cheese to melt in.
- Prepare the French bread by slicing off the top third and hollowing out the inside, leaving about a half-inch lining of bread. Keep the removed crumbs for a later use like breadcrumbs.
- Fill the hollowed-out bread with the cheeseburger mixture, topping it off with the remaining shredded cheese.
- Bake the stuffed French bread in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, until the top is bubbly and golden.
- Once done, slice and serve immediately for best taste and texture. Relish every bite!
Flexible Ingredient Options for Every Cook
Consider using turkey or chicken instead of beef for a different flavor. If you’re not a fan of cream of mushroom, cream of celery or cream of chicken soup can work as substitutes. For a kick of heat, you can swap in pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar.
Keeping Your Stuffed Bread Fresh
If you have leftovers, wrap them in aluminum foil or store in an airtight container and refrigerate. This way, you’ll get about two days to enjoy them. To reheat, put your slices in the oven at 325°F until warmed through to keep the bread crisp.
Turn Stuffed French Bread Into a Complete Meal
To make this dish even more delightful, pair your stuffed bread with a fresh garden salad or a bowl of soup for a heartier meal. Refreshing drinks like lemonade or iced tea complement the flavors beautifully.
Mastering the Art of Stuffed French Bread
Add a variety of veggies like bell peppers or jalapeños for an extra flavor kick. Be gentle when hollowing out your bread to avoid tearing the crust; a bread knife works wonders here. Ensure your filling stays piping hot as you stuff to aid in even baking.
Seasonal Twists for Bacon Cheeseburger French Bread
Switch things up with seasonal produce like fresh tomatoes and summer squashes in the warmer months. During fall, add roasted vegetables such as pumpkin or butternut squash for an autumnal twist. Experiment to keep your dish fresh and exciting all year.
FAQs:
Can I use any other type of bread for stuffing?
Absolutely! While French bread is classic, you can experiment with sourdough or ciabatta for different textures. Just be sure it’s sturdy enough to hold the filling.
What’s a good vegetarian alternative for this recipe?
For a meatless version, substitute the beef with mashed chickpeas or lentils. You can enhance flavor with spices like smoked paprika or grilled mushrooms for umami depth.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make a gluten-free variation, opt for gluten-free bread that’s robust enough to hold the stuffing. Ensure any canned ingredients, like soup, are certified gluten-free as well.
What cheese can I use if I don’t have cheddar?
If cheddar isn’t available, mozzarella, gouda, or Swiss can be great replacements. Each brings its own delicious twist to the dish, offering unique flavors that blend well with the filling.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the filling a day ahead and keep it refrigerated. Stuff and bake the bread when ready to eat. This can save you time and make meal prep easier.
What can I do with the bread I scooped out?
The scooped-out bread is perfect for making homemade breadcrumbs. Just let it dry, then pulse in a food processor. Alternatively, use it to thicken stews or soups.
Bacon Cheeseburger Stuffed French Bread
Equipment
- large skillet
- oven
Ingredients
Bacon Cheeseburger Filling:
- 1.5 pounds ground beef
- 1/4 cup chopped onion
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 14.5 ounces petite diced tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons dill pickle relish
- 1/2 cup cooked and chopped bacon
- 10.5 ounces cream of mushroom soup
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese divided
French Bread:
- 1 loaf French bread
Instructions
- Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C).
For the Filling:
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef with the chopped onion, stirring until the meat is browned and fully cooked, and the onion is soft. Drain off any extra grease.
- Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté it for about 30 seconds, or until it becomes fragrant.
- Incorporate the petite diced tomatoes, dill pickle relish, and cooked bacon into the skillet. Mix well to combine.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, milk, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir in one cup of shredded cheddar cheese and add this mixture to the beef mixture, mixing until everything is coated and the cheese has melted.
For Assembling:
- Take the loaf of French bread and cut off the top third. Carefully scoop out the soft interior, leaving about a half-inch crust around the edges. Save the scooped-out bread for future use.
- Fill the hollowed bread with the prepared cheeseburger filling and sprinkle the remaining half cup of shredded cheese on top.
- Bake the stuffed bread in the preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbling.
- Slice the stuffed French bread and serve immediately while warm. Enjoy!
