This Bloomin Onion Parmesan Bread is a fun and delicious treat! It’s a fluffy bread full of gooey cheese and tasty seasonings, perfect for sharing with friends and family.
The best part? You can pull apart the cheesy pieces easily. I love serving it warm right out of the oven—it’s impossible to resist! Who doesn’t love cheese and bread? 🧀🥖
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Crusty Bread: A round loaf like sourdough or boule gives the best texture. If you can’t find either, try using a French bread loaf. Just make sure it’s somewhat crusty to hold everything together.
Cheese: Mozzarella is great for that stretchy effect, while Parmesan adds a nice sharp flavor. You can swap in cheddar or pepper jack cheese for a different twist! Just remember that the texture will change a bit.
Butter: Unsalted butter is my go-to because it allows you to control the salt levels. If you need a dairy-free option, try using vegan butter or olive oil, but the flavor varies a little.
Fresh Herbs: Parsley gives a fresh taste, while chives add an onion-like flavor. Feel free to skip chives if you don’t have them or use dried versions if fresh aren’t available.
How Do I Cut the Bread Without Messing It Up?
To make great pull-apart bread, cutting the loaf correctly is key. Here’s how to do it safely:
- Use a serrated knife for cleaner cuts—this helps break the crust without squishing the bread.
- Cut about 3/4 of the way down to maintain the loaf’s structure.
- Make the cuts about 1-inch apart in both directions to create a nice grid pattern.
- As you cut, gently press down to open the cuts more—this helps later when adding the butter and cheese!
Taking your time with this step will pay off when it comes to pulling apart those cheesy pieces later on. Happy baking! 🥖🧀
How to Make Bloomin Onion Parmesan Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Bread:
- 1 large round loaf of crusty bread (such as sourdough or boule)
For the Cheese Filling:
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
For the Garlic Butter Mixture:
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh chives, finely chopped (optional)
For Seasoning:
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (or a blend of dried oregano, basil, and thyme)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This scrumptious bread will take about 10 minutes for preparation, and around 30-35 minutes to bake. In total, you’re looking at roughly 45 minutes before you can dig in and enjoy this cheesy delight!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure the bread bakes nicely and the cheese melts perfectly.
2. Cut the Bread:
Using a serrated knife, carefully cut the bread into a grid pattern. First, slice about 3/4 of the way down into the bread in one direction, making cuts about 1 inch apart. Then, turn the bread and make perpendicular cuts, also about 1 inch apart. Be cautious not to cut all the way through the bottom crust—this keeps the loaf intact for pulling pieces apart later.
3. Prepare the Garlic Butter Mixture:
In a small mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, chives (if using), Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir this mixture until it is well blended and creamy.
4. Spread the Garlic Butter:
With your fingers, gently pull apart the cuts you made in the bread. Spread the garlic butter mixture generously into each of the grooves. This will add incredible flavor throughout the bread!
5. Add the Cheese:
Next, stuff the shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese into the slices and cracks of the bread. Make sure to push the cheese deep into the cuts for maximum cheesiness!
6. Wrap and Bake:
Wrap the entire loaf loosely in aluminum foil and place it on a baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes. After that, unwrap the foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling and the bread crust is golden and crispy.
7. Finishing Touches:
Once baked, remove the bread from the oven. Optional: sprinkle a little extra fresh herbs on top for added flavor and color. Allow it to cool for a few minutes before serving.
8. Enjoy!
When it’s time to serve, pull apart the cheesy, buttery pieces of bread and enjoy! Perfect for sharing as an appetizer, side, or snack—everyone will love it!
This Bloomin Onion Parmesan Bread is a delightful twist on classic garlic bread, combining wonderful flavors in a fun, shareable way. Enjoy every cheesy, buttery bite!
Can I Use Any Type of Bread for This Recipe?
While a crusty loaf like sourdough or boule works best for this recipe, you can also use French bread or even a ciabatta loaf. Just make sure it has a sturdy crust to hold up to the toppings.
What Can I Substitute for Mozzarella Cheese?
If you want to switch things up, you can use cheddar or pepper jack cheese for a different flavor. Just remember that textures will vary; mozzarella gives that perfect stretchy pull!
Can I Make This Bread Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the bread up to the baking step, wrap it tightly in foil, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Just bake it straight from the fridge—add a few extra minutes if needed to ensure it’s heated through.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To reheat, place the bread back in the oven (wrapped in foil) at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through and the cheese is melty again.
