French Bread Puff
A cheesy, savory French bread puff with a crispy topping and flavorful onion and garlic notes, perfect for sharing at gatherings or as a delightful appetizer.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Heat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cut the French bread into 1-inch intervals without slicing all the way through, creating a loaf with sections.
- Mix margarine, garlic powder, and chopped onions or chives until well combined.
- Spoon the margarine mixture between the bread slices and spread evenly over the loaf.
- Wrap the loaf in foil and place it on an ungreased baking sheet.
- Bake for 15 minutes.
- While the bread is baking, beat the egg whites until stiff.
- Separately, beat the egg yolks until thick.
- Fold the egg yolks and shredded cheese into the egg whites.
- When the loaf is baked, fold back the foil to create a skirt around the bread.
- Spoon the egg mixture over the loaf.
- Bake until the topping is golden brown, about 4 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using unsalted butter instead of margarine. If you're short on time, pre-shredded cheese works well, but fresh cheese offers better melting quality. You can also substitute green onions for chives or add herbs like parsley for extra freshness. Make sure to not overbeat the egg whites to maintain their volume, which is key for a fluffy topping.
Serving Suggestions
This French Bread Puff makes a delightful addition to brunch and pairs beautifully with a warm cup of coffee. Serve it alongside a fresh salad or Zesty Buttered Peas for a balanced meal. For a more substantial serving, consider adding a side of scrambled eggs or crispy bacon. It’s also a great dish to bring to gatherings or potlucks.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, wrap the French Bread Puff tightly in foil or plastic wrap and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, wrap it in foil and warm it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, ensuring it doesn't dry out. You can also microwave individual slices for a quick snack.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of French Bread Puff contains roughly 243 calories, with 3g protein, 25g carbohydrates, and 15g fat.
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 freeze the French Bread Puff?
Yes, you can freeze the assembled but unbaked French Bread Puff. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. When ready to bake, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed. However, it's best enjoyed fresh for optimal texture.
What type of cheese works best in this recipe?
While mozzarella, Velveeta, or American cheese are recommended, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like cheddar or pepper jack for added flavor. Just ensure that the cheese melts well to achieve a creamy topping.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! This recipe is already vegetarian-friendly. Just ensure that the margarine you use is suitable for vegetarians, or substitute with butter if preferred. You can also add vegetables like bell peppers or spinach to the egg mixture for added nutrition.
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).