This Bloomin Onion Parmesan Bread is a fun and tasty twist on a classic loaf! It’s soft and cheesy, bursting with flavor from garlic and parmesan, making it perfect for sharing.
Cutting the loaf into slices before baking creates those adorable “blooms” that everyone loves. I like to pair it with my favorite dip—your friends will keep coming back for more! 🥖✨
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Round Loaf of Bread: Sourdough or artisan boule works great for this recipe due to their sturdy structure. If you can’t find these, any crusty bread will do, even a French baguette. Just keep in mind that the shape may change how the cheese melts!
Cheese: I recommend mozzarella for its gooey melt and Parmesan for its robust flavor. If you’re aiming for healthier options, try reduced-fat mozzarella or a dairy-free cheese substitute that melts well. Just ensure whatever you choose has good melting properties!
Butter: Unsalted butter is best for this recipe to control the salt level. You can swap for olive oil or vegan butter if you’re looking for a lighter or dairy-free alternative.
Garlic: Fresh garlic really enhances the flavor. However, garlic powder can be a quick substitute if you’re out of fresh cloves. Just use about 1 teaspoon of powder instead of the minced garlic.
Herbs: Fresh parsley and chives brighten up the dish. If these aren’t available, you can use dried herbs—just use a smaller amount since dried herbs can be more potent!
How Do You Make the Perfect “Bloom” in the Bread?
Creating the “bloom” in your bread is key to this recipe and isn’t as daunting as it sounds. Follow these steps for beautiful cuts:
- Use a sharp bread knife and gently cut vertical slits in the loaf about 1 inch apart. Be sure not to cut all the way through, leaving the base intact.
- Then, turn the bread and make horizontal cuts to create a grid pattern. This forms little squares that will hold the cheese and butter!
- Go slowly while cutting to avoid squishing the loaf. It helps to place a towel underneath the cutting board to keep it steady.
With a little practice, you’ll have perfectly “bloomed” bread that’s ready to be filled with delicious goodness! Enjoy the melty cheese and flavorful butter soaking in every nook and cranny—trust me, it’s worth it!
How to Make Bloomin Onion Parmesan Bread
Ingredients:
- 1 round loaf of crusty bread (such as sourdough or artisan boule)
- ¾ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- 2 tbsp fresh chives, finely chopped
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- Optional: 1 tsp onion powder or dried minced onion for extra onion flavor
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Bloomin Onion Parmesan Bread will take about 10 minutes to prepare and around 25 minutes to bake, making it a quick and delicious addition to any meal or gathering.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is important so the bread gets a nice golden crust while baking!
2. Prepare the Bread:
Take your round loaf of bread and place it on a cutting board. Using a sharp bread knife, carefully make vertical cuts in the loaf about 1 inch apart. Be sure to cut almost down to the bottom, but not all the way through! Rotate the loaf and make similar cuts to form a grid pattern, creating little squares. This allows the flavors to seep into every part of the bread.
3. Make the Garlic Herb Butter:
In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and cook for about 1-2 minutes until it becomes fragrant (be careful not to brown it!). Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the chopped parsley, chives, salt, pepper, and if you like, the onion powder for an extra kick of flavor.
4. Drizzle the Garlic Butter:
Now it’s time to fill the bread! Gently pull apart the bread squares to create space and drizzle the garlic herb butter generously over the bread, making sure to get the mixture inside the crevices.
5. Add the Cheese:
Stuff the cut areas of the bread with the shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan. Push the cheese into the cuts so that it melts beautifully during baking.
6. Bake the Bread:
Wrap the loaf loosely in aluminum foil, then place it in the oven. Bake for about 15 minutes. Next, unwrap the bread and return it to the oven for another 10 minutes, allowing the top to become golden and crispy.
7. Garnish and Serve:
Once you’ve taken the bread out of the oven, sprinkle some extra fresh parsley or chives on top for a pop of color. Serve warm and encourage everyone to pull apart the cheesy “blooms”! Enjoy this delicious appetizer or share it at parties for a crowd-pleaser!
Enjoy crafting this delightful Bloomin Onion Parmesan Bread that combines the fun of pulling apart cheesy bread with mouthwatering flavors!
Can I Use Different Types of Cheese?
Absolutely! While mozzarella and Parmesan are perfect for melting and flavor, feel free to experiment with cheeses like Gouda or cheddar for a different taste. Just make sure they’re good melting cheeses!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To reheat, wrap the bread in foil and warm it in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10-15 minutes to regain that melted cheese goodness.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the bread and fill it with the garlic butter and cheese but wait to bake it until you’re ready to serve. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap and store it in the fridge for up to a day before baking.
What Can I Serve with This Bread?
This Bloomin Onion Parmesan Bread pairs wonderfully with marinara sauce, ranch dressing, or any favorite dip. It also makes a great side for soups and salads or as a snack for game day!
