Cheesy French Bread
Cheesy French Bread is a delicious appetizer featuring a crispy, cheesy topping with green onions, garlic, and olives, spread over sliced French bread. Perfect for sharing at gatherings or as a flavorful snack, it combines creamy, savory, and salty flavors with a satisfying crust.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix mayonnaise and softened butter together in a bowl.
- Add shredded mozzarella cheese, sliced green onions, minced garlic, and sliced black olives to the mixture.
- Split the French bread lengthwise into two halves.
- Spread half of the mixture evenly over each half of the bread.
- Place each half, butter side up, on a baking sheet.
- Bake at 350°F until the topping is crusty and the cheese has melted, about 15 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a sprinkle of Italian seasoning or crushed red pepper flakes to the cheese mixture. If you don't have Mozzarella, Cheddar or a blend of cheeses can work well too. To save time, use pre-minced garlic or garlic powder instead of fresh garlic. Fresh herbs like parsley or basil can also enhance the flavor profile.
Serving Suggestions
This Cheesy French Bread makes a fantastic appetizer or side dish, especially when paired with a fresh salad or soup. It complements dishes like Roast Opossum Supreme beautifully. For a fun twist, slice the bread into smaller pieces for bite-sized snacks, perfect for gatherings or game day. Consider serving it with marinara sauce for dipping.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the cheesy bread on a baking sheet and warm it in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes until heated through and the cheese is melty again. Avoid microwaving to keep the bread from becoming soggy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cheesy French Bread contains roughly 701 calories, with 30g protein, 26g carbohydrates, and 53g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (66% of the Daily Value), protein (61% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (35% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 908mg per serving (39% 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 make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the cheese mixture and spread it on the bread up to a day in advance. Cover the assembled bread tightly with plastic wrap and store it in the fridge. When ready to serve, simply bake it as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if it's cold from the refrigerator.
What can I use instead of mayonnaise?
If you're looking for a healthier option, Greek yogurt can be used as a substitute for mayonnaise. It will add creaminess while reducing calories. Additionally, for a dairy-free alternative, try using a vegan mayonnaise or a blend of avocado and olive oil to achieve a similar consistency.
Can I freeze Cheesy French Bread?
Yes, you can freeze the prepared bread before baking. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. When ready to enjoy, allow it to thaw in the fridge overnight, then bake as instructed. This is a great way to have a quick appetizer ready to go at a moment's notice.
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).