Cheesy Jalapeño Sourdough Bread Bowl

This cheesy jalapeño popper sourdough bread bowl turns a classic appetizer into a shareable, melty centerpiece that never lasts long at our gatherings. Creamy, spicy, and loaded with bacon and cheese, this pull-apart bread is always a hit whether for game day, potlucks, or just a cozy snack dinner.

The first time I made this, we devoured it during a movie marathon. Now my friends ask for it whenever I host, and I love how easy it is to pull together at a moment’s notice.

Ingredients

• Sourdough bread loaf: The crusty sourdough creates the perfect edible bowl and adds tangy depth Look for a loaf that feels heavy for its size and has a crisp outer crust
• Olive oil: Helps toast the inside of the bread for a richer flavor A fresh olive oil will smell grassy
• Cream cheese: This is the creamy base of the filling Use full-fat for best results and let it soften fully for easy mixing
• Sour cream: Adds tang and lightens up the richness Choose a brand with few thickeners for best taste
• Sharp cheddar cheese: Brings bold cheesy punch Freshly shredded cheese melts smoother
• Mozzarella cheese: Offers soft stretch and creamy texture Real mozzarella will have a milky aroma
• Fresh jalapeños: For a bright punch of heat Choose firm peppers with shiny skin Remove seeds for less spice
• Bacon: Crisp smoky bacon adds savoriness Cook until deeply golden and drain well
• Garlic: Minced for aromatic depth Use fresh cloves for the most flavor
• Green onions: Provide freshness and color Look for bright green stalks and slice thin
• Salt and black pepper: Season to balance the richness Fresh cracked pepper gives a better bite
• Lemon juice: Just a little lifts the whole filling and keeps it from tasting heavy Use fresh lemon if possible
• Extra cheese for topping: Totally optional but creates a melty golden crust

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Bread Bowl:

Slice and hollow Trim the top off the round loaf with a serrated knife then pull out the center soft crumb creating a cavity about one inch thick along the sides and bottom Do not cut through the crust

Brush and set Use a pastry brush to coat the inside of the bread bowl completely with olive oil Place the bowl and the removed top on a large baking sheet To make the bread crispier bake just the hollowed out loaf for five minutes

Make the Filling:

Combine bases With a big spoon vigorously mix cream cheese and sour cream together in a large bowl until totally smooth and fluffy This makes sure there are no lumps

Add the mix ins Stir in the cheddar mozzarella diced jalapeños crumbled bacon garlic and green onions using a folding motion so the mixture stays fluffy Sprinkle in salt black pepper and drizzle in lemon juice now Adjust the salt level by tasting a small spoonful

Assemble and Bake:

Fill and top Carefully spoon the jalapeño popper mixture into the bread bowl packing it in but not mashing it down too much For extra drama mound a little more cheese on top

Bake and broil Slide the baking sheet into your preheated oven Bake twenty to twenty five minutes The cheese should be bubbly and just starting to turn golden brown For a crunchy top set your oven to broil for two minutes Keep watch to avoid burning

Serve Warm:

Rest and slice Let the bread bowl cool for five minutes before moving It will be hot Cut or tear the reserved bread top and any extra insides into chunks for dipping Serve everything while still warm and cheesy

Save This

My favorite part is the crusty tangy sourdough that soaks up the spicy creamy filling I will never forget our first holiday using up leftover jalapeños by making this and how we scraped the bowl clean

Storage Tips

If there are leftovers wrap the whole bread bowl tightly in foil and refrigerate It stays fresh for up to two days Warm up on a baking tray uncovered at three hundred fifty degrees Fahrenheit until the center is hot Dipping breads can be toasted and stored in a paper bag to keep them from getting soggy

Ingredient Substitutions

For a lighter version try using Greek yogurt instead of sour cream or turkey bacon instead of pork For more heat leave some jalapeño seeds in For a vegetarian take skip bacon and add roasted corn or sautéed mushrooms Pepper jack cheese also works if you want extra spice

Serving Suggestions

Pair this with a simple green salad or a cold beer for a casual gathering It is also fantastic served with carrot and celery sticks alongside the bread chunks Or set it on a snack table surrounded by crackers and veggie dippers for a fun party spread

Cultural and Historical Context

This recipe puts an American spin on the traditional bread bowl and jazzes up the classic jalapeño popper appetizer Sourdough’s roots stretch back to ancient times while the popper concept grew popular in Texas and American bar food scenes Combining both results in the ultimate comfort food

Common Queries

→ Can I use a different bread for the bowl?

Yes, while sourdough provides a sturdy base and tangy flavor, you can substitute with boules of French or Italian bread if preferred.

→ How spicy does the filling turn out?

The heat can be adjusted by removing jalapeño seeds for mildness or leaving some in for extra kick. Adding more jalapeños increases spice.

→ Is there a vegetarian version?

Simply omit the bacon or substitute with plant-based bacon or extra veggies such as roasted peppers to keep it meatless.

→ What can I serve with the bread bowl?

It pairs well with crisp raw veggies, breadsticks, crackers, or the hollowed bread chunks for easy dipping.

→ How do I keep the bread from getting soggy?

Brushing olive oil and pre-baking the bread bowl help maintain its structure and prevent the interior from softening too quickly under the filling.