Irresistible Hasselback Cheesy Bread Recipe for Golden Goodness

Crispy golden edges and melted cheese make this hasselback cheesy bread a mouthwatering delight that sparks instant kitchen excitement.

Mediterranean influences blend perfectly with classic comfort food techniques in this creative recipe.

Each slice reveals a stunning layered design that looks complex but comes together with surprising ease.

Sharp cheddar and soft mozzarella create irresistible pockets of gooey goodness throughout the bread.

Buttery garlic notes weave through the cheese, promising an aroma that will draw everyone to the kitchen.

Slicing techniques might seem intimidating, but you can master this method in minutes.

Serve this show-stopping side dish and watch dinner guests marvel at your culinary skills.

Why Hasselback Cheesy Bread Always Gets Attention

• Perfect for busy weeknights, this hasselback cheesy bread delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort, transforming simple ingredients into a crowd-pleasing appetizer or side dish.
• Experiment with different cheese varieties like pepper jack or gruyere, swap Italian seasoning for herbs like rosemary or thyme, and adjust spice levels by adding more or fewer red pepper flakes to match personal taste preferences.
• Ideal for game day gatherings, potlucks, or casual dinner parties, this recipe guarantees guests will love pulling apart the crispy, cheesy, garlicky slices that create an interactive and delicious shared experience.
• Requiring just 30 minutes total cooking time and simple ingredients found in most kitchens, this recipe offers a stress-free cooking process that looks impressive without demanding advanced culinary skills.

Ingredients for Building Hasselback Cheesy Bread

Main Ingredients:

• Loaf of Bread: The star of the show, a sturdy bread perfect for slicing and stuffing. Sourdough or French bread work best for holding cheese and butter.

• Mozzarella Cheese, Cheddar Cheese: Melty cheeses that create gooey, stretchy texture. Shredded cheese ensures even distribution through bread slits.

Flavor Enhancers:

• Butter: Adds rich, creamy base for flavor. Unsalted butter recommended for better control of saltiness.
• Olive Oil: Helps create smooth, spreadable butter mixture. Extra virgin olive oil provides best taste.
• Garlic: Brings intense, aromatic flavor to the bread. Fresh minced garlic preferred over pre-minced.

• Italian Seasoning: Provides herbal complexity to the dish. Dried herb mix adds depth of flavor.
• Parsley: Optional fresh herb that adds brightness and color. Fresh parsley recommended.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Optional spicy element for heat lovers. Adjust amount based on personal spice preference.

Steps to Make Hasselback Cheesy Bread at Home

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 375F (190C). Grab a baking sheet and cover it with aluminum foil or parchment paper.

Step 2: Transform the Bread

Grab your bread loaf and a sharp serrated knife. Create magical deep cuts across the bread, about one inch apart. Don’t slice all the way through- we want it connected! Turn the loaf 90 degrees and repeat the cutting, creating a beautiful crosshatch pattern.

Step 3: Create Flavor Magic

• Melted butter
• Olive oil
• Minced garlic
• Italian seasoning
• Fresh parsley
• Red pepper flakes (optional kick)

Step 4: Cheese Invasion

• Shredded mozzarella
• Shredded cheddar

Make sure cheese gets into every single crevice! Drizzle the garlic butter mixture generously over and between the cuts.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Wrap the bread loosely in aluminum foil. This keeps moisture locked in. Slide into the preheated oven for 15 minutes.

Unwrap and continue baking for another 10-15 minutes until cheese transforms into a bubbly golden masterpiece.

Step 6: Serve and Celebrate

Let the bread cool briefly. Place on a serving platter and watch as everyone pulls apart the irresistible cheesy creation!

Pro Tips for the Best Hasselback Cheesy Bread

• Maximize Cheese Distribution: Carefully push shredded cheese deep into each bread slit to ensure every bite delivers maximum cheesy flavor and prevents burning on top.
• Prevent Bread Drying: Loosely wrap the bread in aluminum foil during initial baking to maintain moisture and create a soft, tender interior while protecting the surface from excessive browning.
• Customize Cheese Blend: Experiment with different cheese combinations like gruyere, parmesan, or pepper jack to create unique flavor profiles that complement your main dish or personal taste preferences.
• Elevate Herb Infusion: Freshly chop herbs like basil or chives instead of dried versions to introduce brighter, more vibrant flavors that enhance the garlic butter's richness and bread's overall taste.
• Select Bread Wisely: Choose a sturdy artisan or sourdough bread with a dense crumb that can withstand cutting and stuffing without falling apart during the baking process.

How to Keep and Reheat Hasselback Cheesy Bread

• Store leftover Hasselback Cheesy Bread in an airtight container for up to 3 days, ensuring it's completely cooled before sealing.
• Wrap bread in aluminum foil and warm at 325F for 10-15 minutes, preserving crispiness and preventing bread from drying out.
• Heat individual slices for 20-30 seconds, but note that microwaving might soften the bread's crispy texture.
• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 1 month, thawing overnight in refrigerator before reheating.

What to Eat with Hasselback Cheesy Bread

• Choose a bold Cabernet Sauvignon or Zinfandel with strong tannins that cut through the cheese's richness and complement the garlic's intense flavor.
• Create a crisp green salad with arugula, cherry tomatoes, and balsamic vinaigrette to balance the bread's heaviness and provide a refreshing contrast.
• Add cured meats like prosciutto, salami, and sopressata to enhance the appetizer's savory profile and create a delightful Mediterranean-inspired spread.
• Opt for an amber ale or hoppy IPA with malty undertones that will stand up to the bread's cheesy, garlicky character and provide a satisfying beverage companion.

Different Takes on Cheesy Hasselback Bread

• Gluten-Free Herb Bread: Swap regular bread with a gluten-free baguette or artisan loaf, ensuring the same crispy texture while accommodating wheat sensitivities.
• Vegan Cheese Pull: Replace dairy cheese with plant-based mozzarella and cheddar alternatives made from cashew or almond bases, maintaining the classic melty consistency.
• Low-Carb Zucchini Boat Version: Transform the recipe by using thick zucchini slices instead of bread, creating a vegetable-based cheesy appetizer with similar flavor profiles.
• Spicy Southwest Adaptation: Incorporate pepper jack cheese, add chopped jalapeños, and replace Italian seasoning with chili powder and cumin for a zesty southwestern spin.

Hasselback Cheesy Bread Recipe

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4.8 from 23 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Cheesy Hasselback Bread delivers a mouthwatering blend of crispy edges and gooey interior that promises pure comfort. Crisp, golden, and irresistibly cheesy, this crowd-pleasing side dish will make you the star of any gathering.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 large crusty loaf (like sourdough or Italian bread)
• 1 cup (100 grams) shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup (50 grams) shredded cheddar cheese

Seasoning and Herbs:

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)

Spice:

• 1 pinch of red pepper flakes (optional, for a spicy kick)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven environment by heating to 375F (190C), positioning a rack in the center, and lining a baking sheet with protective covering.
2. Transform the bread loaf into a crosshatched canvas by creating precise, parallel cuts approximately 1 inch apart, carefully maintaining the bottom integrity of the loaf.
3. Craft a flavor-enhancing liquid by whisking together melted butter, olive oil, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, chopped parsley, and optional red pepper flakes in a mixing vessel.
4. Delicately separate the bread’s intricate cut sections, nestling shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese into each crevice with meticulous precision.
5. Generously drizzle the aromatic garlic butter concoction throughout the bread’s architectural cuts, ensuring comprehensive flavor distribution and cheese coating.
6. Shield the prepared bread with aluminum foil, creating a protective cocoon that prevents excessive drying during initial baking.
7. Transfer the wrapped bread to the prepared baking sheet and roast for 15 minutes, allowing initial melting and flavor infusion.
8. Unveil the bread by removing the foil, returning it to the oven for an additional 10-15 minutes until the exterior achieves a golden hue and cheese reaches molten perfection.
9. Allow the freshly baked creation to rest momentarily, permitting flavors to settle and structural integrity to stabilize before presenting as a communal, pull-apart delicacy.

Notes

• Slice Carefully: Use a sharp serrated knife and wooden spoon handles as cutting guides to prevent accidentally slicing through the bread bottom.
• Cheese Distribution: Pack shredded cheese tightly into each slit to ensure every bite has melty cheesy goodness and prevent burning during baking.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Swap traditional bread for a gluten-free artisan loaf or large gluten-free baguette to make this recipe celiac-friendly without compromising texture.
• Flavor Customization: Experiment with different cheese blends like gruyere, pepper jack, or gouda to create unique taste profiles and keep the dish exciting for repeat meals.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Snacks, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Swedish

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 290
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 450 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 26 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 9 g
• Cholesterol: 35 mg