Crandall Bread
Crandall Bread is a cheesy, buttery baked bread with onions, poppy seeds, and optional bacon, perfect for sharing at gatherings or as a savory snack.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Slice the French bread almost all the way through the crust.
- Place a slice of Swiss cheese between each slice of bread.
- Melt butter with diced onion and poppy seed.
- Pour the melted butter mixture over the bread, which is wrapped loosely in foil.
- Sprinkle with paprika on top.
- Heat in the oven at 325°F for 20 to 25 minutes until the cheese melts. Optionally, top with crumbled bacon before baking.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding minced garlic to the butter mixture. If you don’t have Swiss cheese, Gruyère or mozzarella can be great substitutes. To enhance the texture, try using a crusty artisan loaf instead of French bread. If you prefer a lighter version, you can reduce the amount of butter and omit the bacon, making it a great accompaniment to American recipes.
Serving Suggestions
This Crandall Bread is perfect as a party appetizer or alongside a hearty soup like Chicken And Escarole Soup. Serve it with a fresh green salad for a balanced meal or pair it with a light dipping sauce for an extra kick. It also works wonderfully as a side for Easy Scalloped Ham Casserole.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover Crandall Bread can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, wrap the bread in foil and place it in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through. This will help retain its crispy crust and gooey cheese.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Crandall Bread contains roughly 628 calories, with 5g protein, 4g carbohydrates, and 66g fat. It is a good source of calcium (16% of the Daily Value), protein (10% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (10% 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 Crandall Bread ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the bread and the butter mixture a day in advance. Just wrap the bread tightly in foil and store it in the fridge. When ready to bake, simply pour the butter mixture over the bread and heat it as directed.
What can I use instead of poppy seeds?
If you don’t have poppy seeds, sesame seeds can be a good alternative for a similar crunch. You can also skip them altogether for a simpler flavor profile or use dried herbs like thyme or oregano for a different twist.
Is this recipe vegetarian-friendly?
To make Crandall Bread vegetarian, simply omit the bacon. The butter, onions, and cheese provide plenty of flavor, making it a satisfying dish without meat. Pair it with a vegetable-based soup for a complete vegetarian meal.
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).