Margy'S Hot Chez Bread
A cheesy, flavorful French bread topping with mozzarella, olives, garlic, and herbs, perfect for sharing at gatherings or as a delicious appetizer.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix all ingredients together.
- Split the French bread in half and spread the mixture on each half.
- Broil until the topping is brown and bubbly.
- Slice and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick. If you prefer a lighter option, substitute Greek yogurt for some or all of the mayonnaise. You can also replace the black olives with sun-dried tomatoes or artichokes for a different twist. Ensure the butter is fully softened for easy mixing and spreading.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hot chez bread as an appetizer or snack at parties. It pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad or a bowl of soup, such as tomato basil. For a complete meal, consider serving alongside a platter of Vegetarian recipes, or enjoy it as a side with your favorite pasta dish.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover hot chez bread in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place the slices on a baking sheet and broil for a few minutes until warmed through and crispy. Avoid microwaving as it can make the bread chewy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Margy'S Hot Chez Bread contains roughly 1227 calories, with 24g protein, 77g carbohydrates, and 93g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (47% of the Daily Value), calcium (43% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (30% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1239mg per serving (54% 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 a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just spread it on the French bread and broil when you're ready to serve. This makes it a convenient option for gatherings or busy weeknights.
What can I use instead of French bread?
If you don't have French bread, you can use Italian bread, ciabatta, or even bagels as a base. Just be sure to adjust the broiling time based on the thickness of the bread to ensure it becomes golden and bubbly without burning.
Is there a way to make this dish vegetarian?
This recipe is already vegetarian-friendly, but you can enhance it by adding more vegetables like chopped spinach or roasted red peppers. For a unique flavor, consider incorporating herbs like basil or oregano into the cheese mixture.
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).