This Bloomin Onion Parmesan Bread is like a warm hug from the oven! It’s beautifully soft and packed with cheese, making it perfect for sharing.
Who can resist tearing off a cheesy piece? I love to serve it with a tasty dip. Just a heads up, everyone will want a second slice—you might want to make two! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bread: A round crusty loaf like sourdough or artisan boule works best for this recipe. If you prefer something softer, a French bread loaf is a great alternative. Just keep in mind, a denser bread gives a heartier texture.
Butter: Unsalted butter is ideal here so you can control the saltiness. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, try using margarine or a plant-based butter substitute. Olive oil is another tasty alternative that will add a different flavor!
Cheese: Mozzarella gives that gooey and stretchy texture, while Parmesan adds a lovely sharpness. If you’re out of Parmesan, Romano or Pecorino cheese also work well. For a lighter option, you can use a reduced-fat cheese blend.
Chives/Green Onions: Fresh chives or green onions add a nice crunch and flavor. If you don’t have them, dried chives or even parsley can be good replacements, though they won’t provide the same onion flavor.
How Do I Get Perfectly Stuffed Bread Without Breaking It?
The key to cutting your bread is to create deep but controlled cuts without slicing all the way through. Here’s how to do it right:
- Use a serrated knife for clean cuts. Hold the bread steady and cut slowly to avoid crushing it.
- Create a crisscross pattern by making horizontal cuts followed by vertical ones. Aim for about 1 inch apart, stopping about an inch from the base.
- When you’re stuffing the cheese, gently pull apart the cuts to create space without tearing the loaf. Use your fingers or a small spoon for pushing the cheese deep inside.
By following these tips, you’ll have stunning, cheesy bread that everyone will love!
Bloomin Onion Parmesan Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 round loaf of crusty bread (such as sourdough or artisan boule)
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh chives or green onions, chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning or mixed dried herbs
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This tasty bread takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 30-35 minutes to bake. You’ll spend a quick few minutes cutting, mixing, and stuffing the bread before popping it into the oven. It’s an easy dish that looks impressive and tastes amazing!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure that your bread bakes evenly and gets nice and crispy!
2. Cut the Bread:
Using a serrated knife, carefully cut the round loaf of bread in a crisscross pattern. Make sure each cut is about 1 inch apart, but stop about 1 inch from the bottom. This way, the loaf stays connected at the bottom, forming a grid of cubes.
3. Prepare the Garlic Butter:
In a small bowl, mix together the melted butter, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir well so everything is nicely combined.
4. Apply the Garlic Butter:
Gently pull apart the bread cubes and brush some of the garlic butter mixture inside and on top of the cuts. Make sure to coat as much of the surface as possible. Set aside some of the butter mixture for later!
5. Stuff the Cheese:
Now comes the fun part! Stuff the shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly into the cuts of the bread. Push the cheese deep into the cracks so it melts perfectly inside the loaf.
6. Bake the Bread:
Wrap the entire loaf loosely in aluminum foil and place it on a baking sheet. Bake for 15 minutes to get it started.
7. Add More Flavor:
After 15 minutes, remove the foil and brush the remaining garlic butter on top of the bread. Then, bake uncovered for an additional 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is fully melted and the top is golden and crispy!
8. Finish and Serve:
Once done, take the loaf out of the oven and sprinkle fresh chives or chopped green onions over the top. Let it cool for a few minutes before diving in!
9. Enjoy the Bread:
Serve warm and enjoy pulling apart the cheesy bread cubes with your hands or a knife. It’s perfect for sharing!
Enjoy this gooey, cheesy Bloomin Onion Parmesan Bread as a delicious appetizer or snack!
Can I Use Different Types of Bread?
Absolutely! While sourdough or artisan boule is recommended for its crustiness, you can use any round loaf you like, such as French bread or ciabatta. Just ensure it’s sturdy enough to hold the fillings!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover Bloomin Onion Parmesan Bread in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, wrap it in foil and warm it in the oven until heated through, which helps restore its crispy texture.
Can I Make This Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the bread with the garlic butter and cheese mixture, then wrap it tightly and refrigerate it for up to a few hours before baking. Just add about 5 more minutes to the baking time if it’s cold when you put it in the oven!
What Can I Serve with This Bread?
This cheesy bread is fantastic on its own, but you can elevate it with some dips! Consider serving it with marinara sauce, garlic aioli, or a creamy ranch dip for a delicious treat.