Cheese Chunks
Crispy, cheesy bread chunks with a savory garlic flavor, perfect as an appetizer or snack for gatherings or casual bites with friends and family.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Put cheese spread and margarine together in a bowl to soften while you prepare the bread.
- Remove crusts from bread and cut into 16 large chunks, then place chunks on a cookie sheet and put in the freezer for about an hour.
- Combine margarine and cheese spread, and cream until smooth.
- Spread this mixture on all six sides of each bread chunk.
- Remove rings before handling the cheese-covered bread, as it can be messy.
- Place the cheese-coated bread chunks back on the cookie sheet and freeze until firm.
- They can then be stored in a plastic bag or baked immediately without freezing again.
- Bake at 375°F until edges are golden brown, about 10 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
Tips & Substitutions
To ensure even coating, let the margarine or butter soften completely with the cheese spread. If you prefer a healthier option, you can substitute margarine with olive oil or a plant-based butter. For extra flavor, consider adding herbs or spices to the cheese mixture. Ensure the bread chunks are frozen thoroughly before baking to maintain their shape.
Serving Suggestions
These cheese chunks make a great appetizer or snack, perfect for game day or parties. Pair them with a fresh salad or serve alongside a tangy dipping sauce like marinara. They also complement well with a refreshing drink like Cherry Frappe. For a heartier meal, serve with Those Potatoes for a satisfying combination.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover cheese chunks in a sealed plastic bag in the freezer for up to a month. If you want to reheat them, bake directly from frozen at 375°F for about 15 minutes or until heated through and crispy. Avoid microwaving as it can make the bread soggy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cheese Chunks contains roughly 795 calories, with 4g protein, 25g carbohydrates, and 76g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 783mg per serving (34% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of cheese spread?
Absolutely! You can experiment with different flavored cheese spreads such as herb, jalapeño, or even a cream cheese blend. Just ensure the consistency is similar to Kraft garlic cheese spread for optimal spreading and flavor.
Can I prepare these cheese chunks ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare them up to a few days in advance. After coating the bread chunks, freeze them until firm, then store in a plastic bag. Bake them fresh right before serving for the best texture and taste.
What if I don't have sandwich bread?
You can substitute with other types of bread such as baguette, ciabatta, or even gluten-free bread. Just ensure the bread is sturdy enough to hold the cheese spread without falling apart during baking.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).