Gather the family around the table for a delightful Crunchy Maple Cheeseburger Pull-Apart that’s bursting with flavors and textures. This epic masterpiece combines the comforting familiarity of a classic cheeseburger with the irresistible appeal of pull-apart bread, creating a dish that’s both indulgent and satisfying. Let’s dive in and discover the stories behind each ingredient as we bring this crave-worthy creation to life.
Why You’ll Love This Crunchy Maple Cheeseburger Pull-Apart With Pepper Kick
This Crunchy Maple Cheeseburger Pull-Apart is a game-changer in the world of epic burgers and melts. The combination of juicy, seasoned ground beef, melty cheddar cheese, and a sweet-and-savory maple glaze creates a flavor explosion that will have everyone reaching for more. The addition of a pepper kick adds a delightful layer of warmth and complexity, while the crunchy, golden-brown exterior of the pull-apart bread brings a satisfying textural contrast. This dish is the perfect balance of comfort, cravability, and chef-tested reliability, making it a surefire hit for any gathering.
Ingredients
To craft this Crunchy Maple Cheeseburger Pull-Apart, you’ll need a selection of high-quality, fresh ingredients that will come together seamlessly. Start with ground beef, cheddar cheese, and a few simple seasonings to create the classic cheeseburger flavor. Then, incorporate the maple syrup, butter, and breadcrumbs to achieve the irresistible crunchy, golden-brown exterior. Don’t forget the secret ingredient – a touch of cayenne pepper – to add a subtle yet delightful heat that will keep your taste buds guessing.
- 1 lb (454 g) – Ground beef
- 2 cups (200 g) – Shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tsp – Salt
- 1/2 tsp – Black pepper
- 1 tbsp – Worcestershire sauce
Ingredient Substitutions
- Cheddar Cheese: Pepper jack or Swiss cheese (for a different flavor profile)
- Ground Beef: Plant-based crumbles or sautéed mushrooms (for a vegetarian option)
How to Make Crunchy Maple Cheeseburger Pull-Apart With Pepper Kick
Now, let’s dive into the steps to bring this Crunchy Maple Cheeseburger Pull-Apart to life!
Step 1: Prep Work
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish. Then, prepare the ground beef mixture by combining the beef, salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce. Grate the cheddar cheese and set it aside, ready to be layered into the pull-apart bread.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
Now, it’s time to assemble the star of the show – the pull-apart bread. Carefully slice the bread into a 4×4 grid pattern, being careful not to cut all the way through. Stuff the beef mixture and shredded cheese between the slices, ensuring an even distribution. In a separate bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup of maple syrup, 4 tablespoons of melted butter, and 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs to create a delectable coating.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
Pour the maple-butter mixture evenly over the stuffed bread, making sure to coat every nook and cranny. Bake the pull-apart for 30-35 minutes, or until the exterior is golden-brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 4: Finishing Touches
To add the final touch of pepper kick, sprinkle a light dusting of 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper over the top of the pull-apart before serving. This will create a delightful contrast to the sweet and savory flavors, elevating the dish to new heights of cravability.
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Bacon Twist: Add crispy, crumbled bacon to the cheeseburger filling for an extra layer of indulgence.
- Caramelized Onions: Sauté onions until they’re sweet and tender, then incorporate them into the filling for a delightful flavor boost.
- Vegetarian Option: Swap the ground beef for plant-based crumbles or sautéed mushrooms to create a meatless version.
- Cheese Variety: Experiment with different types of cheese, such as pepper jack or Swiss, to discover new flavor combinations.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: A fresh green salad or roasted vegetables for a well-rounded meal.
Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The crunchy texture may soften over time, so you can reheat the pull-apart in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through to revive it.
Make-Ahead: You can assemble the pull-apart up to a day in advance and refrigerate it until ready to bake. Just be sure to let it come to room temperature before popping it in the oven.
Nutrition Information
This Crunchy Maple Cheeseburger Pull-Apart is a hearty and satisfying dish that provides a balance of macronutrients. Each serving contains a good amount of protein from the ground beef, as well as carbohydrates and a touch of healthy fats from the bread and cheese. While it should be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet, this dish can be a delightful indulgence when the craving for a comforting, flavor-packed meal strikes.
- Serving Size: 1/8 of the pull-apart
- Calories: 458 kcal
- Protein: 24 g
- Carbs: 37 g
- Fat: 26 g
- Sodium: 890 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes this pull-apart different from a traditional cheeseburger?
The key difference lies in the unique pull-apart bread format, which allows for a crunchy, golden-brown exterior and a delightful textural contrast to the melty, cheesy interior. The maple glaze also adds a sweet and savory twist that elevates the classic cheeseburger flavors.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the pull-apart up to a day in advance and refrigerate it until ready to bake. Just be sure to let it come to room temperature before popping it in the oven to ensure even cooking.
How do I get the bread to be perfectly crispy on the outside?
The secret is in the maple-butter coating. By thoroughly coating the bread with this sweet and savory mixture, you’ll achieve a delightfully crunchy exterior that complements the soft, pillowy interior.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! While cheddar cheese is the traditional choice, you can experiment with other varieties, such as pepper jack or Swiss, to create new flavor profiles.
How spicy is the pepper kick?
The amount of cayenne pepper used in this recipe adds a subtle warmth and complexity to the dish, without overpowering the other flavors. Feel free to adjust the amount to your personal preference, starting with a lighter sprinkle and adding more if you desire a bolder heat.
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- smashed onion deviled eggs dip with maple pepper glaze
Crunchy Maple Cheeseburger Pull-Apart With Pepper Kick
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: 🍔 Epic Burgers & Melts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Crunchy Maple Cheeseburger Pull-Apart combines the savory flavors of cheeseburgers with the sweetness of maple syrup, all in a fun pull-apart style. Perfect for gatherings!
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
1/2 cup maple syrup
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 package of pull-apart bread
Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned.
3. Drain any excess fat and add the garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Mix well.
4. Stir in the maple syrup, Dijon mustard, cheddar cheese, and feta cheese until everything is well combined.
5. Take the pull-apart bread and carefully pull it apart slightly to make space for the filling.
6. Stuff the beef and cheese mixture into the gaps of the bread.
7. Wrap the stuffed bread in aluminum foil and place it on a baking sheet.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
9. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the top is golden brown.
10. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
This dish can be made ahead of time. Just wrap it tightly and refrigerate until ready to bake.
Feel free to substitute the cheeses with your favorites for a personalized touch.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: cheeseburger, pull-apart, maple, easy recipe