Savoury cheese and bacon loaf cake

Ingredients
5 Tbsp. unsalted butter, melted and cooled slightly, plus more as needed

8 oz. bacon, cut crosswise into ¼-in. lardons
1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced
1 cup full-fat (whole) buttermilk
1 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil, plus more if needed
2 large eggs, preferably at room temperature
2½ cups all-purpose flour (10½ oz.)
1½ tsp. baking powder
¾ tsp. fine salt
½ tsp. baking soda
½ tsp. freshly ground black pepper
8 oz. grated Comté, Gruyère, or aged cheddar (2 cups)
3 Tbsp. finely chopped parsley leaves


Instructions

STEP 1
Position a rack in the center of the oven and preheat to 350°F. Butter and flour a metal 9-by-5-inch loaf pan, tapping out any excess flour.

STEP 2
In a large skillet set over low heat, cook the lardons until golden brown and their fat has rendered, about 15 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer to a small bowl.

STEP 3
To the pan with the rendered fat, add the onion and turn the heat to medium. (If the pan looks dry, add a tablespoon of butter.) Cook, stirring occasionally, until soft and golden brown, about 10 minutes.

STEP 4
Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, oil, and eggs, then whisk in the melted butter.

STEP 5
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, baking soda, and black pepper. Stir in the cheese, parsley, and reserved bacon. Add the buttermilk mixture, then use a silicone spatula to fold together the wet and dry ingredients until no streaks of flour remain.

STEP 6
Scrape the dough into the prepared pan and bake until a toothpick inserted into the center of the loaf comes out clean or with a few crumbs attached, 45–50 minutes. Allow to cool for 10 minutes before unmolding, then serve warm or at room temperature.