I’ve been wanting to post this recipe for a long time, but I haven’t had the “need” to make Bacon Bread before today. (I refrain from making it to often because I could, quite literally, try to eat the whole batch…yikes!) I need to have a need to make it…so I can share it.
You see, my best buddy, Kris, is “losing” her baby girl this week. No, not to death or illness or anything serious like that…. It’s just that Jesse is finally moving out on her own. She’s spreading her wings and flying off to live in Kansas City with her best friend.
It is a big deal for Kris.
It is a big deal for Jesse.
Kris isn’t ready for her girl to leave.
Jesse’s been ready to be on her own for a while now.
However, I love both of them very much and I know that this is a life altering experience for them. So, what can I do about it? I bake!! But not just any ol’ thing. I made them Bacon Bread. It’s always made with a labor of love. And I do love them.
And I do love Bacon Bread. Oh, how I love this cheesy, bacony, ranchy, bready goodness. And what makes it even more fun…it’s a pull-apart bread. You get to eat with your fingers and then lick them afterwards. It’s in the oven as I write this, and my mouth is watering from the smell….
Oh man! Let’s get on with the recipe.
Bacon Bread
- 1 recipe of Burger Bun dough
- 1 pkg dry Ranch dressing mix
- 1/4 c oil (I use vegetable oil)
- 1 lb bacon, fried and crumbled
- 3 c shredded cheddar cheese
Prepare Burger Bun dough up to the first rising. While dough is rising, fry & crumble bacon. Drain grease off bacon. In a medium bowl, mix dry Ranch dressing mix and oil. Stir well. Add cooled bacon and cheese. Stir well again. When first rising of dough is complete, place dough on floured or greased counter top. Pinch off or cut off 1 inch chunks of dough and place several in bowl of bacon mix. Roll each dough piece and place on greased baking sheet. Continue this process, until you’ve piled all the dough pieces. Let this rise again for another 30 minutes. Bake in 400 degree oven for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown. Try not to woof it all down in one setting (trust me, it will be hard to restrain yourself!).
Here’s where I’ve cut off pieces with my pastry knife
And in the bowl…
Can you see the yummy herbs from the ranch mix?
All puffy after 2nd rising
Just to make sure it’s done, carefully lift up one piece…see how bread looks done and not gooey? If it does look a little gooey…pop it back in oven for another couple of minutes.
And now ready for consumption! Man, can you see that crispy bacon and melted cheese?!
Okay, just one more bite….or not….
My taste-tester strongly approves
Jesse, I’m proud of you! I know that you and Delci are going to do great! And with your “new” mixer, you better give this try! lol
Kris, I love you. And as someone famous once said, “This too shall pass.” You’re in my prayers, my dear sister from another mister! Eat the Bacon Bread…it will make you feel better!
There is nothing like a friend helping share your burden. Thank you for being such a dear friend to Kris ….and for sharing your heart (and your wonderful recipes) with us.
Sobbing…
Thank you Shara for not only the bread but the love and encouragement as well. Thank you for a shoulder to cry on and a hug when I needed it today. Thank you for allowing me to be me, tears and all. Thank you for understanding!!! I can’t believe you shared the recipe!!! Colton has already asked me to put in a special request for him too! But, I CAN NOT even think about another little birdie leaving the nest right now.
I love you!