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.
Ingredients
Scale
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)
Instructions
- Prepare the oven environment by heating to 375F (190C), positioning a rack in the center, and lining a baking sheet with protective covering.
- 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.
- 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.
- Delicately separate the bread’s intricate cut sections, nestling shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese into each crevice with meticulous precision.
- Generously drizzle the aromatic garlic butter concoction throughout the bread’s architectural cuts, ensuring comprehensive flavor distribution and cheese coating.
- Shield the prepared bread with aluminum foil, creating a protective cocoon that prevents excessive drying during initial baking.
- Transfer the wrapped bread to the prepared baking sheet and roast for 15 minutes, allowing initial melting and flavor infusion.
- 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.
- 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