This Bloomin Onion Parmesan Bread is a fun twist on regular bread! It’s got a crispy outside and a soft inside, topped with melty cheese and spices that make it super tasty.
Making this bread is like creating a little edible flower. Plus, it’ll impress your friends or family at dinner! I love serving it warm so the cheese stays gooey. Enjoy every cheesy bite! 🥖🧀
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bread: A round loaf like sourdough or boule works best because it holds its shape well. If you can’t find those, a round Italian bread or even a loaf of ciabatta can work. The key is to make sure it’s crusty on the outside!
Butter: Unsalted butter is my go-to for better control over saltiness. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, try using olive oil or a vegan butter substitute. It adds great flavor too!
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic gives the best flavor in this recipe. If you’re out of fresh garlic, you can use garlic powder, but remember to adjust the quantity since it’s more concentrated.
Cheese: While mozzarella makes this bread gooey, you can mix it with other cheeses like cheddar or gouda for a different taste. For a healthier option, try low-fat cheese alternatives.
Herbs: Fresh parsley adds a lovely touch at the end. If you don’t have fresh herbs, dried ones will do, but they aren’t as vibrant. You might also skip the thyme if it’s not your favorite.
How Do I Cut the Bread for the Bloomin Pattern?
The “bloomin onion” cut can be tricky, but don’t worry! Here’s how to do it properly:
- Start with a sharp serrated knife for clean cuts.
- Make vertical slices about 1 inch apart, going almost to the bottom of the loaf but not cutting all the way through. This keeps it together.
- Then, make horizontal cuts across the loaf to form squares, again being careful not to cut entirely through.
- Once you’ve made the cuts, gently pull apart the squares to create pockets for stuffing with cheese and butter!
Take your time; the more careful you are, the better the bread will hold its shape and bloom perfectly!
How to Make Bloomin Onion Parmesan Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 large round loaf of crusty bread (like sourdough or boule)
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
Making this delicious bread takes about 10 minutes of prep time, plus around 25 minutes to bake. All in all, you’ll be ready to enjoy your Bloomin Onion Parmesan Bread in about 35 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping the Oven and Bread:
First, turn your oven on and set it to 350°F (175°C) to heat up. Take your round loaf of bread and place it on a cutting board. Using a sharp serrated knife, carefully cut the bread into a “bloomin onion” pattern. Make vertical cuts about 1 inch apart, cutting almost to the bottom, but don’t cut all the way through. Creating a grid of squares keeps the loaf intact, ready to fill with cheesy goodness!
2. Creating the garlic butter mixture:
In a small bowl, combine the melted butter with minced garlic, dried oregano, dried thyme (if you’re using it), salt, and black pepper. Mix it well until it’s all combined. This mixture will give your bread that delicious flavor!
3. Adding the Cheese:
Now it’s time to bring on the cheese! Carefully turn the loaf upside down and gently pull apart those squares to create little openings. Use a brush or spoon to generously slather the garlic butter mixture into all the cracks of the bread. Then, stuff shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese into the gaps, pushing some cheese down deep into the loaf so it’s cheesy in every bite!
4. Baking the Bread:
Wrap the entire loaf loosely in aluminum foil and place it on a baking sheet. Pop it in your preheated oven and bake for about 15 minutes. After that, unwrap the foil and let it bake for another 10 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the cheese is melted and the crust is golden and crispy!
5. Final Touches:
Once the bread is done, take it out of the oven and sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley on top for a pop of color and freshness. Now, the moment you’ve been waiting for is here!
6. Serving and Enjoying:
Serve the Bloomin Onion Parmesan Bread warm. Pull apart those cheesy, garlicky pieces and enjoy every delicious bite! It’s perfect as an appetizer or a fun side for your meal.
Get ready for compliments because this bread is sure to be a hit!
Can I Use a Different Type of Bread?
Absolutely! While sourdough or boule works best, you can use any round crusty bread like Italian or ciabatta. Just make sure the bread is sturdy enough to hold its shape when cut!
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the bread (cut it and add the garlic butter) a few hours in advance, then cover it and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. Just remember to let it come to room temperature before baking!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To reheat, pop it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10–15 minutes to revive that cheesy goodness!
Can I Add Other Ingredients?
Certainly! Feel free to customize your Bloomin Onion Parmesan Bread by adding cooked bacon bits, chopped green onions, or other cheese varieties like cheddar or gouda for extra flavor!
