Italian Cheese Loaf: A Cheesy, Flavorful Delight

The Italian Cheese Loaf is the perfect blend of crunchy, cheesy, and savory, making it a great addition to any meal or a standout appetizer. This easy-to-make recipe combines fresh tomatoes, a variety of cheeses, and Italian herbs, all nestled on top of a warm, toasted French bread loaf. Whether served as an appetizer at a gathering or as a side to your favorite pasta dish, this cheesy loaf is bound to be a hit.

If you’re interested in more savory bread recipes, take a look at Food Network’s Bread Recipes or check out Bon Appétit’s Guide to Homemade Bread.

Basic Recipe: Ingredients and Instructions

Italian Cheese Loaf Recipe: Easy, Cheesy, and Irresistible

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• Author: Jennifer Mitchell
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4-6 servings 1x

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Description

This Italian Cheese Loaf is a savory, cheesy delight perfect as a side dish, appetizer, or even a light meal. With layers of fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, cheddar, and Romano cheese, it’s topped with flavorful herbs, olives, and a drizzle of Italian dressing. Baked to perfection, this loaf will add a burst of flavor to any meal.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 loaf (1 pound) French bread
• 2 cups diced fresh tomatoes
• 1 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup grated Romano cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped ripe olives
• 1/4 cup Italian salad dressing
• 1 teaspoon minced fresh basil (or 1/4 teaspoon dried basil)
• 1 teaspoon minced fresh oregano (or 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano)

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven:
   Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.

2. Prepare the bread:
   Slice the French bread loaf in half lengthwise to create two long halves. Place both halves cut side up on the prepared baking sheet.

3. Make the topping mixture:
   In a medium bowl, combine the diced fresh tomatoes, shredded mozzarella, shredded cheddar, finely chopped onion, grated Romano cheese, chopped olives, and Italian salad dressing. Add the minced fresh basil and oregano (or dried herbs) to the mixture and stir everything together.

4. Assemble the loaf:
   Evenly spread the tomato and cheese mixture over the cut sides of both halves of the bread.

5. Bake the loaf:
   Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown, and the bread is toasted.

6. Serve:
   Remove from the oven and let cool for a minute before slicing into individual pieces. Serve immediately as an appetizer, side dish, or light meal.

Notes

• For added flavor, you can sprinkle a little extra grated Romano or Parmesan cheese on top of the loaf before baking.
• You can also add a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil over the bread before baking to give it a richer flavor.
• If you prefer a spicier kick, try adding some crushed red pepper flakes to the topping mixture.
• This loaf can be made ahead and refrigerated. Just bake it before serving to warm and melt the cheese.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Side Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8 of loaf)
• Calories: 180
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 400mg
• Fat: 9g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 22g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 7g
• Cholesterol: 20mg

Keywords: Italian Cheese Loaf Recipe

Instructions:

1. Prepare the French Bread:

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Slice the French bread loaf in half lengthwise. Place both halves on a baking sheet, cut side up, and toast them lightly in the preheated oven for 5-7 minutes until the bread begins to turn golden.

2. Prepare the Topping Mixture:

• While the bread is toasting, combine the diced tomatoes, shredded mozzarella, shredded cheddar, chopped onion, grated Romano cheese, chopped ripe olives, and Italian salad dressing in a large bowl. Mix everything together gently, ensuring that the cheese and vegetables are well coated with the dressing.

3. Season with Herbs:

• Stir in the minced basil and oregano, and season the mixture with a pinch of salt and pepper to taste. The fresh herbs will infuse the topping with aromatic flavors that perfectly complement the bread.

4. Assemble the Loaf:

• Once the bread halves are lightly toasted, spoon the tomato and cheese mixture evenly over the cut sides of the bread. Spread the mixture out gently to cover the entire surface.

5. Bake the Loaf:

• Place the prepared loaf back in the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.

6. Serve and Enjoy:

• Remove the loaf from the oven, slice it into individual servings, and serve immediately. The crispy edges of the bread combined with the melty cheese and savory topping will make this dish irresistible!

Advanced Techniques

Enhancing the Flavor:

• Garlic Butter: For an added layer of flavor, brush the toasted bread halves with garlic butter before adding the topping. This will give your Italian Cheese Loaf a rich, buttery flavor that complements the tangy cheese and tomatoes.
• Grill the Bread: For a smoky flavor, try grilling the French bread instead of toasting it in the oven. This method will impart a slight char, which pairs beautifully with the cheesy, herbaceous topping.
• Roasted Garlic: Instead of using raw garlic, consider roasting a few cloves and adding them to the mixture for a sweeter, milder garlic flavor that won’t overpower the dish.

Add Protein for Extra Substance:

If you’d like to make this more filling, consider adding cooked sausage, pepperoni, or grilled chicken on top of the bread before adding the cheese mixture. This will elevate the dish to a more substantial meal.

Make It Spicy:

For those who enjoy a bit of heat, add some crushed red pepper flakes or sliced jalapeños to the tomato mixture. The spice will add an exciting kick that balances out the richness of the cheese.

See more advanced recipes, at Mobolux.

Storage, Shelf Life, and Maintenance Tips

Storage:

This Italian Cheese Loaf is best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, it can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat the slices in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes to restore some of its crispy texture.

Freezing:

To freeze, wrap the cooled loaf tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and store it in a freezer-safe bag for up to 1 month. When ready to eat, simply thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in the oven to melt the cheese and crisp the bread.

Making Ahead:

You can prepare the tomato and cheese topping a day in advance and refrigerate it. When you’re ready to bake, spread the mixture onto the toasted bread and finish the recipe as usual. This will save you time if you’re entertaining guests or preparing a quick meal.

Dietary Adaptations and Substitutions

Gluten-Free Version:

If you need a gluten-free version of this dish, simply substitute the French bread with your favorite gluten-free bread. Make sure to choose a hearty gluten-free bread that can hold up to the cheesy topping.

Vegan Version:

For a vegan version, swap out the cheeses for plant-based alternatives such as vegan mozzarella and vegan cheddar. You can also use vegan mayo instead of the Italian dressing and skip the Romano cheese altogether.

Low-Carb/Keto-Friendly Version:

For a low-carb or keto-friendly option, use a low-carb bread like cloud bread or keto bread to keep the dish in line with your dietary goals. Focus on the cheese and vegetable topping for a satisfying meal without the carbs.

FAQs About Italian Cheese Loaf

1. Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the topping a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just assemble the loaf and bake it when you’re ready to serve.

2. Can I add meat to this dish?

Definitely! Adding pepperoni, sausage, or bacon can make this dish even more hearty and delicious. Simply add the meat on top of the bread before layering the cheese mixture.

3. Can I use other types of bread?

While French bread is traditional, you can experiment with other breads like ciabatta, baguette, or even sourdough. The crusty texture of these breads works well with the cheesy topping.

4. Can I substitute the fresh herbs with dried herbs?

Yes, you can use dried basil and oregano instead of fresh herbs. Use about 1/3 of the amount listed for fresh herbs, as dried herbs are more concentrated in flavor.

5. How can I make this spicier?

To make this loaf spicier, add some jalapeño slices or crushed red pepper flakes to the topping mixture. The heat will complement the cheesy, savory flavors beautifully.

Conclusion & Final Thoughts

This Italian Cheese Loaf is the perfect blend of crispy, cheesy, and herbaceous goodness, making it a versatile dish that works well for any occasion. Whether served as an appetizer, side dish, or even as a light meal on its own, it is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. The combination of mozzarella, cheddar, and Romano cheese, topped with the tangy flavors of tomatoes, olives, and Italian herbs, creates a delightful bite with every mouthful.

With its simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights or as a savory treat for your next gathering. So go ahead, indulge in this cheesy goodness—you won’t regret it!