Warm Savory Cheese Spread

Name: Warm Savory Cheese Spread
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 60 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Yield: 4 cups.
Ingredients: 2 cups mayonnaise; 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese; 1 large onion, finely chopped; 8 bacon strips, cooked and crumbled; 1/2 cup finely chopped sweet red pepper; 1/2 cup finely chopped green pepper; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 round loaf (1 pound) sourdough bread; Assorted crackers

Served in a bread bowl, this colorful cheese dip gets added flavor from bacon and veggies. “It’s perfect for parties anytime of the year,” notes field editor Marilu Hynes of McLeod Hill, New Brunswick.

Ingredients

2 cups mayonnaise
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 large onion, finely chopped
8 bacon strips, cooked and crumbled
1/2 cup finely chopped sweet red pepper
1/2 cup finely chopped green pepper
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1 round loaf (1 pound) sourdough bread
Assorted crackers

Directions

In a large bowl, combine the first eight ingredients. Cut the top fourth off the loaf of bread; carefully hollow out bottom, leaving a 1-in. shell (save removed bread for another use).
Spoon cheese mixture into bread shell. Wrap in a piece of heavy-duty foil (about 24x18 in.). Bake at 350° for 1 hour or until heated through. Serve with crackers.

Editor's Note

Reduced-fat or fat-free mayonnaise is not recommended for this recipe.

Nutrition Facts

2 tablespoons: 119 calories, 10g fat (2g saturated fat), 10mg cholesterol, 155mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.

Originally published as Melted Cheese Loaf in Taste of Home October/November 2005

Reviews

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Average Rating:

s_pants

Mar 5, 2017

This was very tasty. I did alter the recipe by adding 3/4 block of cream cheese as another reviewer suggested and left out the peppers because I did not have them on hand. I baked it in the oven in a pie plate.
parksville

Oct 11, 2014

Very tasty recipe. Had a problem w/ the dip not being quite hot enough in the bread after 1 hour in the oven, so to save time I poured it into a 9" glass pie plate and microwaved it until it was okay to eat. Next time I would not bother w/ the bread, just bake it in a pie plate. Served four people w/ Ritz and Breton crackers. Easy to make, our guests loved it.
katlaydee3

Jan 2, 2014

Excellent ! I served several different appetizers on Christmas Eve while wrapping gifts.
wintermom9597

Oct 20, 2013

Very tasty! I used an oval shaped loaf of bread for our Wisconsin Badger football party. Everyone enjoyed the dip.
BBartlett87

Sep 6, 2013

Every chance I get...
minnie

Dec 12, 2012

My family loves this recipe, its so yummy, don't try using lite mayo, it doesn't turn out.
glendaruth

Dec 1, 2011

I now know this recipe by heart! I add extra bacon and adapt to 3/4 cup red pepper with 1/4 cup green. I also use a red onion to zip it up. Definitely a crowd pleaser!
engramish

Jun 29, 2011

This bread bowl is excellent! I modify it slightly. I use 1/4 cup of onion, and omit the green pepper. I also like to crumble extra bacon on the top. It has become a favorite family treat! If I take it to a friends house or a party, I always take extra copies of the recipe. Without a doubt I am always asked for one!
kristenr

Dec 20, 2010

I have made this many times for a holiday appetizer. The red and green peppers make it perfect for Christmas! It's so yummy that I rarely have leftovers, but when I do, they heat up well (removed from bread bowl).
wendyschall

Oct 30, 2010

Has become a family tradition