This Bloomin Onion Parmesan Bread is like a cozy hug for your taste buds! It’s soft, cheesy, and packed with garlic flavor. The best part? It’s super fun to pull apart and share with friends!
I love making this bread for snack time or parties! Just watch it disappear as everyone pulls off a piece. One taste, and I’m hooked—who can resist that cheesy goodness? 🧀😍
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Round Loaf of Bread: I suggest using sourdough or a hearty boule for texture. These types hold up well. If you can’t find them, any crusty bread will work. Even a French bread loaf or Italian bread can make a great substitute!
Unsalted Butter: This adds richness. If you’re looking for a healthier option, try using olive oil instead. It gives a nice flavor and makes it dairy-free, too!
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic gives the best taste. If you’re in a pinch, garlic powder can work too—just use one teaspoon for 3-4 cloves of fresh garlic.
Cheese: Mozzarella is known for its stretchiness, while Parmesan adds great flavor. If you’re short on mozzarella, a mix of cheddar can also work well. For a little kick, consider adding pepper jack cheese!
Fresh Herbs: Fresh parsley and green onions add brightness. If you don’t have fresh herbs, you can use dried herbs, but use less—about a teaspoon each will do!
How Do I Cut the Bread Properly?
Cutting the bread correctly is crucial for this recipe. You want to create that “bloom” effect without cutting all the way through. Here’s how to do it:
- Place the loaf on a stable cutting board.
- Using a sharp serrated knife, make cuts vertically about 1-2 inches apart.
- Then repeat the process with cuts horizontally, making sure to cut about 3/4 of the way down, leaving the base intact.
This technique allows the butter and cheese to seep nicely into all the cracks. It also makes pulling apart the bread easier later on!
What’s the Best Way to Stuff the Cheese?
Stuffing the cheese into the cuts can feel tricky, but it’s simple! Here’s a tip:
- After cutting the bread, gently pull apart the sections just enough to create space.
- Spoon the butter mixture generously into the cuts first, then stuff in the cheese. Use your fingers or a small spoon to push the cheese deep into the crevices.
This ensures each piece will be cheesy and flavorful when you pull it apart!
How to Make Bloomin Onion Parmesan Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Bread:
- 1 round loaf of crusty bread (like sourdough or boule)
For the Garlic Butter Mixture:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Cheese Filling:
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped (scallions)
For Dipping (Optional):
- Marinara or garlic sauce
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take approximately 15 minutes of prep time and about 30 minutes of baking time. So, in total, you’ll need around 45 minutes to enjoy this delicious bread fresh out of the oven!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures it’s nice and hot when your bread goes in!
2. Cut the Bread:
Take your round loaf of crusty bread and place it on a cutting board. Using a sharp serrated knife, carefully make cuts vertically and horizontally to create a grid pattern. Be sure to cut about 3/4 of the way down, but don’t cut through to the bottom so that the loaf stays intact.
3. Prepare the Garlic Butter Mixture:
In a medium bowl, mix together the melted butter with the minced garlic, chopped parsley, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir until it’s well combined.
4. Add the Garlic Butter to the Bread:
Gently pull apart the bread sections just a bit, giving you enough space to spoon the garlic butter mixture evenly into the cuts. Make sure to get that delicious mixture into every crack!
5. Stuff the Cheese:
Now, it’s cheese time! Stuff the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese generously into the cuts between the bread pieces. Make sure the cheese goes deep so every bite is cheesy!
6. Add the Green Onions:
Sprinkle the chopped green onions on top of the loaded bread. Gently press them into the bread to help them stick.
7. Wrap and Bake:
Wrap the entire loaf in aluminum foil and place it on a baking sheet. This helps to keep the moisture in as it bakes. Bake for 15 minutes.
8. Uncover and Finish Baking:
After 15 minutes, carefully unwrap the foil and return the bread to the oven. Bake for another 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the bread edges are golden and crispy.
9. Cool Slightly:
Once done, remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. This will make it easier to handle!
10. Serve and Enjoy!
Pull apart the cheesy, garlicky bread piece by piece. Serve it warm with a side of marinara or your favorite dipping sauce for a delightful treat!
This Bloomin Onion Parmesan Bread is perfect for sharing with friends and family. Get ready for everyone to ask for seconds!
Can I Use Any Type of Bread for This Recipe?
Yes! While crusty breads like sourdough or boule are recommended for their texture, you can use any sturdy bread. French or Italian bread also works well, just ensure it has a good crust to hold everything together.
Can I Make This Bread Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the bread and butter mixture up to a day in advance. Just cover the bread and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to bake, bring it to room temperature before popping it in the oven.
What Should I Do with Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the bread in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through and crispy again.
Can I Customize the Cheese?
Definitely! While mozzarella and Parmesan are classics, feel free to mix in other cheeses like cheddar, pepper jack, or provolone for extra flavor. Just keep the total cheese amount the same for best results!