Stuffed Cheeseburger Pull-Apart Bread
This cheesy, savory Stuffed Cheeseburger Pull-Apart Bread is the ultimate comfort food and party pleaser. Loaded with seasoned ground beef, melted cheddar, crispy bacon, and buttery sesame-topped bread, every pull is a bite of burger heaven. It’s perfect for game day, potlucks, or indulgent dinners.
Time
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
Total Time: 45–50 minutes
Servings: 6–8
Ingredients
For the Filling:
1 lb (450g) ground beef
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
1–1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella or Monterey Jack cheese
Optional: diced pickles or jalapeños for added zing
For the Bread:
1 large French bread loaf or sourdough boule
2–3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
½ teaspoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon sesame seeds
6–8 cooked bacon strips, chopped
Fresh parsley or chives (for garnish)
Optional Sauce (for dipping or drizzling):
½ cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons ketchup
1 tablespoon mustard or sriracha
1 teaspoon vinegar or pickle juice
Instructions
Prepare the Beef Filling:
In a skillet, cook the ground beef and onions over medium heat until browned.
Drain excess fat. Add Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
Remove from heat and let cool slightly. Mix in half of the shredded cheese.
Prep the Bread:
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Using a serrated knife, cut the bread into a crosshatch pattern (3/4 of the way down, not all the way through), creating pull-apart squares.
Stuff the Bread:
Carefully stuff the beef and cheese mixture into the cracks of the bread.
Follow with the remaining cheese. Use your fingers or a spoon to pack it in tightly.
Top and Bake:
Drizzle or brush melted butter over the top. Sprinkle with garlic powder, sesame seeds, and chopped bacon.
Wrap loosely in foil and bake for 15 minutes. Uncover and bake an additional 10–15 minutes until golden and bubbly.
Garnish and Serve:
Garnish with chopped parsley or chives. Serve hot with dipping sauce.
Tips
Use Day-Old Bread: Slightly stale or crusty bread holds its shape better and doesn’t get soggy when stuffed.
Don’t Cut All the Way Through: Make sure your crosshatch slices go only about ¾ of the way down to keep the loaf intact for pulling apart.
Cool the Beef: Let the beef mixture cool slightly before stuffing so the cheese doesn’t melt prematurely and spill out.
Pack It Well: Use a small spoon or your fingers to really press the filling deep into the bread crevices.
Wrap for Control: Baking in foil first helps melt everything evenly; removing foil at the end gives it that golden, crispy top.
Serve Immediately: This is best served hot and fresh while the cheese is melty and gooey.
Variations
Tex-Mex Style: Add taco seasoning to the beef and mix in black beans, jalapeños, and pepper jack cheese.
Pizza-Inspired: Swap ground beef for sausage or pepperoni, use marinara, and mozzarella.
Philly Cheesesteak Style: Use thinly sliced steak, sautéed peppers, onions, and provolone cheese.
Vegetarian Version: Replace meat with sautéed mushrooms, spinach, and sun-dried tomatoes.
Spicy Kick: Add sriracha, chopped pickled jalapeños, or hot sauce to the meat mixture or drizzle over the top.
Breakfast Style: Use scrambled eggs, sausage, and cheddar for a pull-apart breakfast loaf.
Q&A
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can prepare and stuff the bread a few hours ahead, cover it with foil, and refrigerate until ready to bake. Add 5–10 minutes to the baking time if chilled.
Q: What kind of bread works best?
A: A sturdy French loaf, sourdough boule, or Italian bread works best. Avoid soft sandwich loaves—they may fall apart when filled.
Q: How do I keep leftovers?
A: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to maintain crispiness.
Q: Can I make it spicy?
A: Absolutely! Add hot sauce, jalapeños, or use spicy cheese like pepper jack in the filling.
Q: Is it freezer-friendly?
A: It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze leftovers tightly wrapped. Reheat in the oven from frozen at 350°F (175°C) for 15–20 minutes.
Nutrition Information (Estimated per serving, based on 8 servings)
Calories: ~420
Protein: ~22g
Carbohydrates: ~28g
Fat: ~25g
Saturated Fat: ~11g
Cholesterol: ~85mg
Sodium: ~600mg
Fiber: ~2g
Sugar: ~4g
Note: Nutrition varies depending on exact ingredients and cheese used.
Conclusion
Stuffed Cheeseburger Pull-Apart Bread is where comfort food meets shareable fun. With gooey cheese, savory beef, crispy bacon, and a buttery, golden crust, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether for game day, dinner parties, or a cozy night in, it’s fast, flavorful, and easy to customize. Once you try it, you’ll be pulling it apart again and again.