The French onion cob loaf is a beloved Australian party classic that never goes out of style. With its golden, crusty bread exterior and warm, creamy, cheesy filling bursting with savoury French onion flavour, this dish is the ultimate crowd-pleaser. Perfect for gatherings, game nights, or festive occasions, the cob loaf dip is both comforting and indulgent. It brings people together literally around the table as they tear off pieces of bread and dip into the gooey centre.
This delicious dish blends convenience with irresistible flavour. Using simple supermarket ingredients like French onion soup mix, sour cream, and a round cob loaf, it’s surprisingly easy to make and delivers maximum impact with minimal effort.
What Is a French Onion Cob Loaf?
A French onion cob loaf is a hollowed-out round bread loaf filled with a creamy dip made primarily from French onion soup mix and a blend of dairy ingredients like sour cream, cream cheese, and sometimes grated cheese or mayonnaise. The bread “lid” and inner pieces are torn into chunks and baked alongside the loaf to be used for dipping.
The combination of the caramelised, savoury notes of French onion soup and the creamy, cheesy texture of the filling makes this dish both nostalgic and deeply satisfying. The baked bread chunks soak up the flavourful dip and provide the perfect textural contrast.
Ingredients for the Perfect Cob Loaf
To make a classic French onion cob loaf, you’ll need the following:
- 1 large round cob loaf (sourdough or white)
- 1 packet of French onion soup mix (usually around 40g)
- 250g cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup grated tasty cheese (cheddar or a mix of cheddar and mozzarella)
- ½ cup mayonnaise (optional, for added creaminess)
- 2 spring onions, finely sliced (optional for garnish or added flavour)
- 1 tbsp butter (for brushing the bread if desired)
These ingredients are easy to find and inexpensive, which makes this recipe accessible for all kinds of occasions. You can also customise the filling with ingredients like bacon, chives, or caramelised onions for added flair.
Step-by-Step Method
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Prepare the cob loaf: Using a serrated knife, slice the top off the loaf (this will become your “lid”) and set it aside. Carefully hollow out the centre of the loaf, tearing the bread into large bite-sized chunks. Make sure to leave a 1–2cm thick wall of bread to hold the filling.
- Mix the filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise (if using) with the French onion soup mix. Stir in the grated cheese and mix until smooth and creamy. You can also add a handful of chopped spring onions or cooked bacon bits for extra flavour.
- Fill the cob: Spoon the mixture into the hollowed-out bread bowl, smoothing the top with a spoon. Sprinkle a little extra cheese on top if you like a cheesy crust.
- Bake: Place the filled cob loaf and the bread chunks (and the lid) on a large baking tray. Bake for about 20–25 minutes, or until the filling is hot and bubbling and the bread pieces are toasted and golden.
- Serve hot: Once the cob is baked, remove it from the oven and place it on a serving platter or wooden board. Serve immediately while the dip is warm and gooey. Your guests can tear off the toasted bread chunks and dip them straight into the cheesy centre.
Tips for Success
- Don’t overbake: Keep an eye on the loaf during baking to make sure the bread doesn’t burn. Cover the top with foil if it browns too quickly before the filling is heated through.
- Use room-temperature cream cheese: This makes mixing much easier and helps you achieve a smooth, creamy consistency.
- Add extra flavour: Bacon bits, chopped chives, caramelised onion, or a splash of Worcestershire sauce can take the dip to the next level.
- Double up for a crowd: If you’re feeding a large group, consider making two cob loaves. They’re often gone in minutes!
Variations to Try
While the French onion version is a classic, you can experiment with other flavour combinations:
- Spinach and bacon: Add wilted spinach and crispy bacon to your base mix.
- Mexican-inspired: Use taco seasoning, grated cheese, corn, and chopped capsicum.
- Garlic and herb: Add garlic powder, chopped parsley, and thyme for a fragrant twist.
You can also swap the bread loaf for gluten-free options or use smaller bread rolls for individual servings.
Storage and Leftovers
Cob loaf dip is best enjoyed fresh and hot from the oven, but leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 2 days. To reheat, wrap the loaf in foil and warm it in the oven until the filling is heated through. The texture may change slightly, but it’s still delicious.
Alternatively, scoop out the leftover filling and spread it on toast or use it as a dip with crackers and vegetables.
Final Thoughts
French onion cob loaf is more than just a party dip it’s a centrepiece that invites sharing, laughter, and second helpings. With its creamy, cheesy filling and crispy bread for dipping, it brings a nostalgic sense of indulgence that appeals to all ages. Easy to prepare, customisable, and incredibly tasty, this dish will quickly become your go-to for entertaining. So the next time you’re hosting a get-together, skip the store-bought dips and impress your guests with a homemade French onion cob loaf that’s as fun to eat as it is to serve.