Mercy Bread
Creamy, cheesy Mercy Bread features melted cheddar and cream cheese with spicy jalapenos, baked inside a hollowed Hawaiian bread round, perfect for sharing at gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cut off the top of the bread round and scoop out the bread, reserving it for serving or other use.
- In a mixing bowl, combine grated Cheddar cheese, cubed cream cheese, and chopped jalapeno peppers.
- Fill the hollowed-out bread with the cheese and pepper mixture.
- Replace the top of the bread and wrap the entire bread in foil.
- Bake at 325°F for 1 hour, stirring several times during baking until the cheese is melted and filling is heated through.
- Remove the bread from the oven, discard the foil, and garnish as desired.
- Serve hot, accompanied by Melba rounds or additional bread slices.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier filling, consider adding a splash of sour cream or a bit of shredded Monterey Jack cheese for flavor variation. If you prefer less heat, you can substitute the jalapenos with sweet bell peppers. Ensure to stir the mixture well to combine all ingredients evenly, and use fresh Hawaiian bread for the best texture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Mercy Bread hot, ideally as an appetizer at parties or game day gatherings. It pairs beautifully with Melba rounds or fresh vegetable sticks for dipping. Consider a side of salsa or guacamole for an extra flavor kick. For a sweet finish, browse more American recipes like Cherry Jello Pie.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover Mercy Bread can be wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, preheat your oven to 325°F, rewrap in foil, and heat for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through. This helps maintain its cheesy goodness without drying it out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mercy Bread contains roughly 232 calories, with 13g protein, 2g carbohydrates, and 19g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (31% of the Daily Value), protein (26% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (22% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 498mg per serving (22% 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 Mercy Bread ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the bread filled with the cheese mixture a day in advance. Just cover it tightly and refrigerate. When ready to serve, bake it as directed. This allows the flavors to meld and makes it convenient for parties.
What can I use instead of Hawaiian bread?
If Hawaiian bread isn't available, you can use other soft bread options like sourdough or a round loaf of Italian bread. The key is to choose bread that has a similar texture and can hold the filling well.
Can I add more ingredients to the filling?
Absolutely! You can enhance the filling by adding cooked bacon bits, diced green onions, or even spinach for a twist. This flexibility allows you to tailor the recipe to your taste preferences while keeping it delicious.
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).