Lemon Pepper Cocktail Bread Recipe

Name: Lemon Pepper Cocktail Bread Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1/2 cup (one stick) unsalted butter, softened; 1/4 cup thinly sliced fresh chives; 1-1/2 teaspoons finely grated lemon zest; 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; 2 teaspoons poppy seeds; 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice; 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard; 1 1-pound load unsliced Italian bread; about 12 ounces sliced Swiss cheese; 1/2 pound bacon, cooked, drained, and cumbled

Servings: persons

1
Preheat oven to 350u00b0. Make the lemon-pepper butter: In a large bowl, beat the butter until smooth. Beat in chives, lemon zest, pepper, and poppy seeds. Mix the mustard and lemon juice together and slowly beat in until combined. Season to taste with salt and set aside.
2
Being careful to keep the bottom crust intact, cut incisions in the bread crosswise, making slices about 3/4 inch thick and leaving bottom 3/4 inch of the bread uncut (you'll wind up with an accordionesque loaf). Place loaf on a sheet of aluminum foil. Reserve 3 tablespoons lemon-pepper butter, then spread remaining butter on all cut surfaces of the bread. Insert one slice cheese in each incision, then sprinkle bacon into each incision. Spread reserved 3 tablespoons lemon butter on top and sides of loaf.
3
Wrap loosely in foil, and bake for about 20 minutes, until the cheese is melted. Unwrap the top and bake an additional 5 minutes. Serves 6 to 12 as an appetizer.
4
*Note: If you want to be classy, use gruyere cheese. If you can't find it sliced, grate it instead.

521

kcal

Calories

Fat

Carbs

Protein

Fat Carbs Protein

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.

Tips for the best results

Read through all the steps once before you start and measure out your ingredients first — it makes everything go more smoothly.
Preheat the oven fully and bake on the middle rack for the most even results.
Check for doneness a few minutes early — a toothpick in the center should come out with just a few moist crumbs.
Let it cool before slicing so it sets properly and holds its shape.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.

Variations & substitutions

Use a neutral oil or a plant-based spread in place of butter for a dairy-free version.

No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.

My Personal Notes

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How did you like this recipe?

This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

You need 10 ingredients. The key ingredients include: 1/2 cup (one stick) unsalted butter, softened, 1/4 cup thinly sliced fresh chives, 1-1/2 teaspoons finely grated lemon zest, 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, and more.

Yes, Lemon Pepper Cocktail Bread Recipe falls under the Meat & Poultry category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3–5 days. For longer storage, freeze for up to 3 months — no need to refrigerate or reheat.

That's it — enjoy your meal!