Never To Be Forgotten Garlic Loaf
A savory garlic bread loaf filled with cheesy artichoke mixture, crispy bread chunks, and flavorful seasonings, perfect for sharing at gatherings or a comforting family meal.
Ingredients
- 1 loaf French bread ⓘ
- 6 Tbsp. butter or margarine ⓘ
- 2 to 8 cloves fresh garlic, crushed ⓘ
- 7 tsp. sesame seed ⓘ
- 1 1/2 c. sour cream ⓘ
- 2 c. cubed Monterey Jack or Mozzarella cheese ⓘ
- 1/4 c. grated Parmesan cheese ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. minced fresh parsley ⓘ
- 2 tsp. lemon pepper ⓘ
- 14 oz. can artichoke hearts, drained and coarsely chopped ⓘ
- 1 c. shredded Cheddar cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Cut the French bread in half lengthwise.
- Tear out the soft center of the bread in chunks, leaving the crust intact.
- Place the bread shell on a baking sheet covered in foil.
- Melt butter in a large skillet.
- Add crushed garlic and sesame seed to the melted butter and stir.
- Add bread chunks to the skillet and cook until golden brown.
- Remove from heat.
- In a bowl, combine sour cream, Monterey Jack or Mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, minced parsley, and lemon pepper.
- Stir in drained, chopped artichoke hearts.
- Spoon the cheese and artichoke mixture into the bread shells.
- Sprinkle shredded Cheddar cheese on top.
- Bake in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 30 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a more intense garlic flavor, feel free to increase the number of garlic cloves to your preference. If you can't find Monterey Jack or Mozzarella, a blend of other mild cheeses will work well too. Consider adding some crushed red pepper flakes for a kick. Also, ensure the bread is sturdy enough to hold the filling without falling apart.
Serving Suggestions
This Garlic Loaf makes a fantastic appetizer or side dish for a variety of meals. Serve it alongside a fresh salad or a bowl of soup, like a creamy tomato basil. For a complete vegetarian meal, pair it with a hearty vegetable stew. It also complements dishes such as Easy And Light Pineapple Cake for dessert.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the bread in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, until heated through and the cheese is melty. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the bread soggy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Never To Be Forgotten Garlic Loaf contains roughly 643 calories, with 15g protein, 38g carbohydrates, and 49g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (30% of the Daily Value) and iron (29% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 594mg per serving (26% 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 filling and store it separately from the bread. Assemble the loaf just before baking, or you can even bake it ahead of time and reheat it later. This makes it perfect for gatherings or potlucks.
What can I substitute for artichoke hearts?
If you don't have artichoke hearts, consider using chopped spinach or roasted red peppers for a different flavor. Both options will add a nice texture and complement the cheese well.
Is there a gluten-free option for this recipe?
Absolutely! You can use gluten-free bread as a substitute for the French loaf. Just ensure that all other ingredients, such as the cheeses and seasonings, are gluten-free as well.
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).