Description
Cheese and Bacon Bread Boats are a delicious and easy-to-make breakfast or brunch treat. Hollowed-out baguettes are filled with a savory mixture of whisked eggs, crispy bacon, shallots, and melted cheddar cheese, then baked until golden and fluffy. This recipe combines crunchy bread with a creamy, cheesy egg filling, making it perfect for a weekend meal or a hearty snack.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 oz (60g) bacon, diced
- 2 large or 3 small eggs
- 2 tbsp cream or milk
- Salt and pepper, a pinch of each
- 2 baguettes, about 20cm (8″) long and 6cm (2.5″) in diameter
- 1 tbsp melted butter, for brushing (optional)
- 2 tbsp finely chopped/sliced shallots, scallions, or jalapeños (optional) or 1 tbsp fresh herb of choice
- 1/4 cup grated cheddar or tasty cheese (or any other flavored cheese that melts)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) to prepare for baking the bread boats.
- Cook Bacon: Heat a non-stick pan over high heat and cook the diced bacon until lightly browned and crispy. Drain on paper towels and set aside.
- Whisk Eggs: In a jug, whisk together the eggs, cream or milk, and a pinch of salt and pepper until fully combined.
- Prepare Baguettes: Cut a ‘V’ shape out of each baguette and carefully remove some bread from inside, leaving approximately a 1/2″ (1.25cm) thick base to hold the filling.
- Brush Bread: Brush the crust of the baguette with melted butter if using; this will give the bread an extra golden and buttery crust.
- Place Baguettes on Tray: Arrange the prepared baguettes on a baking tray, ready for filling.
- First Pour of Egg Mixture: Carefully pour half of the egg mixture into the hollowed-out crevice of each baguette. Let the egg soak into the bread for a couple of minutes.
- Add Fillings: Evenly distribute the cooked bacon and chopped shallots (or choice of herbs/spices) into each baguette, then sprinkle half of the grated cheese over the top.
- Second Pour and Top: Slowly pour the remaining egg mixture into each baguette, allowing it to seep into the filling. Top with the remaining cheese.
- Bake: Bake the filled baguettes at 180°C (350°F) for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden brown and the egg filling is set (no longer jiggles when shaken).
- Serve: Serve the cheese and bacon bread boats whole or sliced for easy serving and enjoyment.
Notes
- You can substitute cream with milk or a dairy-free alternative for a lighter texture.
- Adding herbs like chives or parsley can enhance flavor without overpowering the bacon and cheese.
- Be careful not to overfill the baguettes to prevent spillover during baking.
- For extra crispiness, you can toast the baguette lightly before adding the filling.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated in the oven to keep the crust crisp.
