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Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
2. Prepare the Bread
- Place the loaf of bread on a cutting board and use a serrated knife to cut a grid pattern into the top of the bread. Make sure to slice about three-quarters of the way down, being careful not to cut all the way through the loaf.
3. Make the Herb Butter
- In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, parsley, thyme, and rosemary. Season with a pinch of salt and black pepper to taste. Mix well.
4. Stuff the Bread
- Gently separate the cut sections of the bread and stuff the shredded cheeses between the cuts, making sure the cheese is spread throughout the entire loaf. Then, drizzle the herb butter mixture evenly over the bread, allowing it to seep into the cuts and cover the cheese.
5. Bake
- Place the stuffed loaf on the prepared baking sheet and cover loosely with aluminum foil. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the top is golden brown.
6. Serve
- Once baked, let the bread cool for a few minutes. Serve warm and enjoy pulling apart pieces to reveal the gooey cheese inside!
Tips for the Best Herbed Cheese-Stuffed Bread
- Bread Choice: Use a sturdy bread like sourdough or a French baguette to prevent it from becoming too soggy during baking.
- Cheese Combinations: While mozzarella, Parmesan, and cheddar create a delightful mix, you can experiment with other cheeses like Gruyère, Fontina, or pepper jack for added flavor.
- Add Heat: If you like a bit of spice, sprinkle in some crushed red pepper flakes to the herb butter mixture.
- Serve with Dipping Sauces: Marinara, ranch dressing, or garlic aioli make great dipping sauces for this cheesy bread.
Perfect Pairings
- Soup: Serve alongside tomato soup, French onion soup, or creamy potato leek soup.
- Salad: Pair with a fresh green salad for a balanced meal.
- Pasta: Complements pasta dishes like spaghetti, lasagna, or chicken Alfredo.
Conclusion
Herbed Cheese-Stuffed Bread is the ultimate comfort food that combines the best of cheesy goodness with the fresh flavors of herbs. Whether you’re making it for a casual family dinner or bringing it to a festive gathering, this recipe is guaranteed to impress and satisfy. The crispy edges, melty cheese, and fragrant herbs make it an irresistible treat that will quickly become a go-to favorite.