Cob Dip

A true Aussie party isn’t complete without the iconic Cob Dip! Bursting with creamy, cheesy, savoury goodness and served inside a hollowed-out crusty loaf, this timeless crowd-pleaser is perfect for barbecues, birthday parties, family gatherings, or even casual Friday nights with friends.

Simple to prepare, endlessly customisable, and guaranteed to be the first dish emptied, Cob Dip combines a crispy, golden bread bowl with a luscious creamy dip made from cream cheese, sour cream, and cheese, flavoured with French onion seasoning and fresh herbs.

Serve it hot with toasted bread chunks, veggie sticks, or crackers for dipping—and don’t be surprised when the cob itself gets devoured, too!

Ingredients: (Serves 6–8)

For the cob:

• 1 large round cob loaf (unsliced)

For the creamy dip:

• 250 g cream cheese, softened
• 300 mL sour cream
• 1 cup (100 g) grated cheddar cheese
• 1 packet (35–40 g) French onion soup mix (or substitute with 1 tbsp onion powder + 1 tbsp dried onion flakes)
• 1 tbsp chopped chives or spring onion

Optional add-ins:

• 100 g baby spinach, wilted and chopped
• ½ cup cooked bacon bits
• 1 clove garlic, minced

Preparation:

1: Prepare the cob loaf

Preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C fan-forced).

Using a serrated knife, carefully slice the top off the cob loaf (about 2–3 cm thick). Set the lid aside.

Scoop out the soft bread inside the loaf, tearing it into bite-sized chunks. Reserve these pieces for serving. Be careful not to cut through the base or sides—you want a thick enough wall to hold the dip.

2: Make the creamy filling

In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add the sour cream and mix until combined.

Stir in the grated cheddar cheese, French onion soup mix (or onion powder + dried onion flakes), and chopped chives or spring onion.

If using optional add-ins, fold through the wilted spinach, cooked bacon bits, and/or minced garlic for extra flavour.

Taste and season with a little salt and pepper if needed.

3: Assemble the cob dip

Spoon the creamy dip mixture into the hollowed-out cob loaf, filling it generously to the top.

Replace the lid loosely on top.

4: Bake

Place the filled cob loaf on a large baking tray lined with baking paper. Scatter the reserved bread chunks around the cob.

Bake for 20 minutes with the lid on to allow the filling to warm through.

Remove the lid and bake for another 10–15 minutes or until the filling is hot and bubbling, and the bread pieces are golden and toasted.

5: Serve

Transfer the cob loaf to a serving platter or board. Surround it with the toasted bread chunks, extra crackers, and vegetable sticks if desired.

Serve immediately while piping hot and gooey—ready for everyone to dig in!

Variation:

• Cheesy Spinach Cob Dip: Add extra spinach and stir through a handful of mozzarella cheese.
• Bacon & Caramelised Onion: Add cooked bacon bits and a few tablespoons of caramelised onion to the filling for a savoury twist.
• Spicy Cob Dip: Stir in a teaspoon of chilli flakes or a dash of sriracha for a little heat.
• Seafood Cob Dip: Add 150 g cooked prawns or crab meat for a luxurious version.

Cooking Note:

When hollowing out the cob loaf, leave about a 2 cm thickness around the sides and base to keep it sturdy enough to hold the hot filling.

Bake the bread chunks alongside the cob to create crunchy dippers that hold up to the creamy filling.

If you’re adding spinach, wilt it first in a pan or microwave and squeeze out the excess liquid before adding—it keeps the filling creamy instead of watery.

Serving Suggestions:

• Surround the cob with extra baguette slices, breadsticks, or cracker varieties for more dipping options.
• Include colourful veggie sticks like carrot, celery, cucumber, and capsicum for a fresher alternative.
• Pair with a fresh green salad for a balanced spread.
• Offer a small butter knife for scooping dip when the cob bread starts to soften.

Tips:

• Soften cream cheese well before mixing to ensure a smooth filling.
• Sturdy cob loaves (white or sourdough) hold the filling better than soft bread loaves.
• Don’t overbake or the cob could become too hard—watch carefully in the final minutes.
• Leftover cob dip can be reheated the next day in the oven at 160°C, covered in foil to prevent over-browning.

Time Overview

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 30–35 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes

Nutritional Information (approx. per serving based on 8 servings):

• Calories: 360 kcal
• Protein: 10 g
• Sodium: 550 mg

Note: Values are estimates and vary depending on optional add-ins.

FAQs

Q: Can I prepare cob dip ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble the dip and cob loaf ahead, cover, and refrigerate. Bake just before serving.

Q: Can I freeze cob dip?

It’s not recommended—the cream cheese filling may separate when thawed. Best enjoyed fresh.

Q: How can I keep cob dip warm at a party?

Wrap the cob in foil and place in a low oven (around 120°C) to keep it warm for up to an hour.

Q: Can I make a gluten-free version?

Yes, use a gluten-free cob loaf or hollow out a gluten-free crusty bread, and check your soup mix ingredients carefully.

Q: What’s the best bread for cob dip?

A large, crusty white cob loaf or sourdough boule works best—firm enough to hold the hot filling but soft enough to tear and dip.

Conclusion

Rich, cheesy, and endlessly customisable, Cob Dip is the ultimate Aussie party centrepiece. It’s easy to prepare, can be made ahead, and always brings smiles to the table. Whether you stick to the classic creamy French onion version or jazz it up with bacon, spinach, or a hint of spice, you’re guaranteed a dip that everyone will love.

So next time you’re hosting or need to bring a winning dish to share, grab a cob loaf, whip up this luscious filling, and let the feasting begin!

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