This Bloomin Onion Garlic Bread is a fun twist on classic garlic bread! It’s baked and then pulled apart to reveal deliciously buttery, garlicky goodness inside.
Who wouldn’t love tearing into this bread at dinner? It’s an instant crowd-pleaser, and I always end up savoring every tasty piece. Perfect for sharing (or not)! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Crusty Bread: A round loaf of Italian or sourdough is perfect for this recipe. If you can’t find these, any sturdy bread will do. Even a hearty baguette can work. Just make sure it can hold the cheese and butter without falling apart!
Mozzarella Cheese: This cheese gives that wonderful stretch and gooeyness. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use part-skim mozzarella. Cheddar or gouda could make a flavorful swap too!
Butter: This recipe calls for unsalted butter, but you can use salted butter; just be cautious with added salt. For a healthier twist, you could use olive oil instead. It adds a nice flavor and is great for vegans.
Garlic: Fresh garlic is the best, but if you don’t have any, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder can work in a pinch. Just mix it with the butter instead of using fresh minced garlic.
Fresh Herbs: Parsley adds color and flavor, while chives can bring a nice oniony kick. If fresh herbs aren’t available, dried herbs such as Italian seasoning can be a good alternative.
How Do I Properly Cut the Bread for Blooming?
Cutting the bread correctly is key to creating that fun blooming effect! Start by making sure you have a sharp bread knife. Here’s how to do it:
- Place the loaf on a cutting board, flat side down.
- Make vertical cuts every 1 to 2 inches, but don’t cut all the way through; stop about an inch from the bottom.
- Turn the loaf and make horizontal cuts in the same manner, creating squares.
- Be gentle as you make these cuts to avoid squashing the bread!
- After cutting, gently pull apart the bread’s sections a bit to create space for the cheese mixture.
Taking your time here will make sure the cheese gets evenly spread throughout and the bread blooms beautifully when baked!
How to Make Bloomin Onion Garlic Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Bread:
- 1 large round loaf of crusty bread (Italian or sourdough works well)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
For the Garlic Butter Mixture:
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh chives, finely chopped (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For Topping:
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Marinara sauce or ranch dressing for dipping (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Bloomin Onion Garlic Bread will take about 15 minutes to prep and around 25 minutes to bake. So, in total, you’re looking at about 40 minutes of mouth-watering anticipation before you can dig in!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s nice and hot when your garlic bread is ready to bake.
2. Cut the Bread:
Grab a sharp bread knife and cut the bread into a bloom: make vertical cuts about 1 to 2 inches apart, but be careful not to cut all the way through; leave about 1 inch at the bottom. Then, make horizontal cuts in the same way. This will create a fun grid pattern that allows the cheese and butter to seep in!
3. Create the Garlic Butter Mixture:
In a small bowl, mix together melted butter, minced garlic, parsley, chives (if using), salt, and pepper. This mixture is going to make your bread wonderfully flavorful!
4. Drizzle the Garlic Butter:
With a brush or spoon, drizzle the garlic butter mixture evenly into all the cuts you’ve made in the bread. Make sure to get it into all the little spaces for maximum flavor!
5. Stuff with Cheese:
Stuff the shredded mozzarella cheese into the cuts of the bread, trying to distribute it evenly so every piece has cheesy goodness in it.
6. Add Parmesan:
If you’d like that extra touch of flavor, sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese generously over the top of the loaf.
7. Wrap and Prepare to Bake:
Wrap the whole loaf in aluminum foil and place it on a baking sheet—this will make for easy handling and prevent the bread from getting too hard!
8. Bake:
Place the bread in the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes covered. After that, take off the foil and bake for another 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and the top is golden brown and slightly crispy.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Once out of the oven, let your Bloomin Onion Garlic Bread cool for a few minutes. Then, pull apart the gooey, cheesy sections and serve warm with marinara sauce or ranch dressing for dipping, if desired. Enjoy each delightful bite!
This fun, cheesy dish is perfect for parties, movie nights, or just because you want something delicious to snack on. Happy cooking!
Can You Use Frozen Bread for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen bread! Just be sure to let it thaw completely before cutting and preparing it. If you’re short on time, place the frozen loaf in a sealed plastic bag and let it sit at room temperature for a couple of hours or use the microwave on the defrost setting for a few minutes.
What Variations Can I Try?
There are so many possibilities! You can add cooked bacon bits for a smoky flavor, or replace the mozzarella with cheddar or pepper jack cheese for a different twist. You can also incorporate jalapeños or sun-dried tomatoes for added spice and depth.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover bread in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in aluminum foil to keep it fresh. It can be kept in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to restore some of that crispy texture!
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the bread and stuff it with the cheese and butter mixture, then wrap it in foil and refrigerate for up to a day before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge.
