This Bloomin Onion Parmesan Bread is a fun and cheesy twist on bread! It’s crispy on the outside and bursting with flavor inside, thanks to the gooey cheese and seasoning.
Every bite feels like a mini celebration, and it’s hard to stop at just one piece. I love serving it with soup or salad for a yummy meal combo—yummy and easy to share!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bread: A round loaf is perfect for this recipe. I like using sourdough for its chewy texture and tangy flavor. If you’re looking for something softer, an artisan boule works well too. You can also use a gluten-free bread if needed!
Cheeses: Mozzarella and Parmesan make a great combo for melting and flavor. If you want a deeper flavor, try adding some cheddar cheese or even a spicy pepper jack. For dairy-free, there are plant-based cheese options that melt nicely.
Butter: Unsalted butter is the classic choice for this recipe. However, you can use olive oil for a lighter option, or to keep it dairy-free, go with a plant-based butter substitute. Just note that the flavor might change slightly!
Herbs: Fresh parsley adds a nice green touch, but feel free to use other herbs like basil or thyme if you have them on hand. Dried herbs can work in a pinch—just use about half the amount since they’re more concentrated.
How Do I Make Sure the Bread Stays Intact While Cutting?
When slicing a round loaf, it’s important to keep the base intact. Here’s how:
- Place the loaf on a stable cutting board. Use a sharp serrated knife to cut with a gentle sawing motion.
- Start in the center and work your way outwards with vertical cuts, then repeat for horizontal cuts. Aim for about 1-inch intervals.
- Do not cut all the way through; leave about 1 inch at the bottom. This helps keep the loaf together.
With a steady hand and a sharp knife, you’ll have the perfect cut for stuffing with cheese and butter!
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 artisan boule)
For the Cheese Filling:
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
For the Garlic Herb Butter:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Optional:
- Marinara or garlic dipping sauce, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Bloomin Onion Parmesan Bread takes about 10 minutes to prep and around 25-30 minutes to bake. In total, you’ll need about 40 minutes from start to finish before you can dig in and enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping the Oven:
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is important to make sure your bread bakes perfectly and gets nice and toasty.
2. Cutting the Bread:
Place the round loaf of bread on a cutting board. With a sharp serrated knife, carefully make diagonal cuts in the bread about 1-inch apart, both vertically and horizontally. Be sure to stop before the bottom so the base holds the pieces together—this creates that lovely bloomin’ effect!
3. Making the Garlic Herb Butter:
In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, dried oregano, and salt. Mix it all together; this buttery goodness will soak into the bread, making it incredibly flavorful.
4. Applying the Butter:
Now, gently open up the bread slightly so you can access the cuts. Using a spoon or a brush, drizzle or brush the garlic-herb butter mixture generously into all the cuts. Make sure to get as much in there as possible!
5. Stuffing with Cheeses:
Next, take the shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, and stuff them into the gaps of the cuts. Distribute the cheese evenly so every bite is cheesy and delicious!
6. Wrapping and Baking:
Wrap the entire loaf in aluminum foil and place it on a baking sheet to catch any drips. Bake in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes, until the cheese has melted and the bread is warmed through.
7. Crisping It Up:
After that, remove the foil to let the top of the bread bake for another 5-7 minutes. This will help make the top golden and crispy—just the way we like it!
8. Cooling and Serving:
Once baked, let the bread cool slightly before serving. It’s best enjoyed warm, and you can serve it alongside marinara sauce or your favorite dipping sauce for an extra punch of flavor!
Enjoy your flavorful, cheesy Bloomin Onion Parmesan Bread! It’s sure to be a hit at any gathering or as a cozy treat at home!
Can I Use a Different Type of Bread?
Absolutely! While sourdough or artisan boule work best for that crunchy texture, you can use any round bread like ciabatta or even French bread. Just ensure it’s crusty for optimal results.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
To store leftovers, wrap the bread tightly in aluminum foil or place it in an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven briefly to regain its crispiness.
Can I Prepare This Bread in Advance?
Yes! You can prepare it up to the baking stage, wrapping it in foil and refrigerating it. When you’re ready to eat, bake it directly from the fridge; you might need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
What Can I Serve with Bloomin Onion Parmesan Bread?
This bread pairs wonderfully with marinara sauce for dipping, but you can also serve it with ranch dressing, garlic butter, or even a fresh herb dip for a delicious appetizer or side dish!