French Bread Garlic-Cheese Loaf
A flavorful garlic-cheese stuffed French bread loaf with a crispy crust and savory filling, perfect for sharing at gatherings or as a delicious snack.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Using a sharp knife, make 13 evenly spaced deep vertical slits in the loaf of bread, being careful not to slice all the way through.
- Set the bread aside.
- In a blender, process cottage cheese until smooth.
- Add parsley, Parmesan cheese, onion, garlic, and pepper to the blender.
- Process until parsley and garlic are minced and ingredients are well combined.
- Gently press the bread open between the slices to create pockets.
- Using a small spatula, spread the cheese mixture on the surface and inside the slits of the bread.
- Bake for 8 minutes or until hot and crispy.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider using ricotta cheese instead of cottage cheese. You can also substitute fresh parsley with dried herbs like Italian seasoning if needed. To enhance the garlic flavor, feel free to add more garlic cloves or even roasted garlic. If you prefer a spicy kick, include a pinch of red pepper flakes in the cheese mixture.
Serving Suggestions
This French Bread Garlic-Cheese Loaf is perfect as an appetizer or side dish. Serve it alongside a fresh salad or as a companion to a hearty soup like tomato basil. It also pairs beautifully with Veggie Throw Together for a delightful meal. For added flavor, drizzle with a bit of olive oil before serving.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, wrap the cooled garlic-cheese loaf tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the loaf in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes until warmed through and crispy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of French Bread Garlic-Cheese Loaf contains roughly 320 calories, with 20g protein, 53g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (98% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (58% of the Daily Value), and potassium (45% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 482mg per serving (21% 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 store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, simply assemble the loaf and bake it as instructed. This saves time and allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
What can I use instead of Parmesan cheese?
If you don't have Parmesan cheese, you can substitute it with Grana Padano or Pecorino Romano for a similar flavor. Nutritional yeast is a great dairy-free alternative that can provide a cheesy taste without the dairy.
Can I freeze this garlic-cheese loaf?
Yes, you can freeze the unbaked stuffed loaf. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil before placing it in the freezer. When you’re ready to bake it, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if needed.
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).