In the 49th edition of its beloved Bake-Off Contest, Pillsbury has awarded the grand prize to Melissa Jollands of Hudsonville, Michigan for her pub-style Dublin Cheeseboard-Stuffed Appetizer Bread recipe and her inspiration behind the recipe.

After last year’s successful return following a three-year hiatus, Pillsbury brought back the contest for its 49th edition. America’s home cooks submitted their original recipes using Pillsbury refrigerated dough, along with the story or inspiration behind the recipe. Recipe and story entries were accepted through Wednesday, September 12, 2018.

Jollands found inspiration for her Grand Prize recipe on a trip to Dublin, Ireland with her husband to celebrate their 25th anniversary and first-ever vacation together. There she fell in love with Dublin's large spread of flavorful cheese and meat boards, served alongside the contrasting flavors and textures of dried fruit and warm bread.

“I am so excited and incredibly grateful to be named the Grand-Prize winner of the 49th Pillsbury Bake-Off Contest. I've always enjoyed creating family memories through food,” says Jollands. “I saw Pillsbury's refrigerated French bread on the list of eligible Bake-Off products and began to think about baking the creamy honey goat cheese, Irish white cheddar, and flavorful salami inside and how it would be the perfect opportunity to introduce the flavorful cheeseboard cuisine into my own family recipe, while revisiting those exceptional flavors and memories from Dublin.”

Melissa Jollands' Dublin Cheeseboard-Stuffed Appetizer Bread.

The Grand Prize was revealed on Food Network’s The Kitchen on Saturday, February 23. In addition to the appearance on The Kitchen, Jollands will also receive a feature in Food Network Magazine, a kitchen makeover from GE Appliances, and $50,000 in cash. Three other category winners who were also present on that episode of The Kitchen will receive a feature in Food Network Magazine, a suite of GE Appliances, and $5,000 in cash.

  • Cozy Weekend Breakfasts Category: Lauren Katz from Ashburn, Virginia for her Cherry-Cream Cheese Crumb Cake Bombs
  • Winning Weeknight Dinners Category: Andrea Espinoza from Stockton, California for her Poblano Shrimp Flatbread
  • Sweet + Simple Desserts Category: Joanna Crumley from Hubbard, Oregon for her REESE's Piece 'O' Bliss Fudge

“We loved hearing all the stories and memories that Pillsbury inspires in homes across the country, and hope that by sharing these delicious recipes with families we can help to create new memories made by spending time together in the kitchen,” says Ben Irby, Director of Business for Pillsbury.