Cheesy Garlic Herb Bread

Wow!  It's been a long time but I'm back!!! 

All I'm saying is that computer viruses are a royal pain!!

So guess what?  Father's Day is coming up....!

I'm going to do a series of posts for items that are PERFECT for father's day...whether it be a backyard grill, potluck supper, or a nice intimate dinner...these dishes are great tasting, and totally fit the bill.

First off...an appetizer.

I spotted this recipe over on Sara's and Kate's site, Our Best Bites.  These girls can really cook!  Go and check out their site...they also just published a cookbook...woohoo!

So I just had to try their Cheesy Garlic Herb Bread.  I made it as an appetizer over Memorial Day and it was cheesy herby heaven!  Let's just say that there was not one piece left!  This is such a versitale dish that you can vary the ingredients and change up the flavors.  I prepared it the original way this time, (with pesto and mozarella cheese) getting a large round loaf of bread to serve all our guests.  The magical thing is that it b l o o m s in the oven, just like a blooming onion!!! Really, it does!!

So here's the recipe...as written by Our Best Bites.  

Please make it....it's fabulous and a perfect appetizer. 

Note:  You can also use a little round loaf of sourdough and get a small version of this appetizer.

Oh My!

Click here for the link to the recipe on their site, or see the recipe below.

Cheesy Garlic Herb Bread
Recipe by Our Best Bites

1 loaf (16-24-oz.) crusty bread (we recommend sourdough)
8 oz. mozzarella*

1 of the following toppings:
   –1/2 c. pesto 
   –1/2 c. extra-virgin olive oil mixed with 3-4 cloves pressed garlic (allow to stand for at least an hour before brushing onto the bread)
  –1/2 c. extra virgin olive oil mixed with 3-4 cloves pressed garlic and 3 tablespoons chopped fresh rosemary
  –1/2 c. butter mixed with 3 tablespoons Garlic Bread Seasoning
  –1/2 c. butter mixed with 2 cloves pressed garlic, 1 tablespoon each fresh, chopped basil, rosemary, and parsley

*If you want to lighten things up a little, you can leave out the cheese and sprinkle to top of the bread with kosher salt and a little freshly ground black pepper.

Preheat oven to 350. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil.

Slice bread into 1 1/2″ slices, not cutting through to the bottom. Rotate the loaf 90 degrees and slice the bread again every 1 1/2″ so you have 1 1/2″ pieces that are still attached to the bottom of the bread.

Place the loaf on the prepared baking sheet. Gently spread the desired filling into the cracks. Gently stuff the cheese into the cracks (you can just put the cheese going in one direction rather than on all four sides of each piece). Brush a little of the remaining filling on top of the loaf and sprinkle with a little remaining cheese. 

Bake at 350 for 15-20 minutes or until the bread is toasted on top and the cheese is melted. Allow to stand a few minutes before serving.

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