Parmesan Appetizer Loaf
A savory Parmesan appetizer loaf with a soft interior and cheesy flavor, perfect for sharing at parties or as a delicious starter for family dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Dissolve yeast in warm water.
- Stir in milk, sugar, salt, egg, 1/4 cup butter, and 2 cups of flour.
- Beat until smooth.
- Mix in enough remaining flour to make dough easy to handle.
- Turn dough onto a lightly floured board.
- Knead until smooth and elastic, about 5 minutes.
- Place in a greased bowl.
- Turn greased side up.
- Cover and let rise in a warm place until double in size, about 2 hours.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor of your Parmesan Appetizer Loaf, consider adding herbs like rosemary or thyme to the dough. If you don’t have dry active yeast, you can substitute with instant yeast, reducing the rising time. For a richer taste, try using half whole wheat flour. Remember to knead the dough well to achieve the perfect texture.
Serving Suggestions
This Parmesan Appetizer Loaf is perfect for gatherings and pairs beautifully with Tina's Famous Potato Salad for a delightful meal. Serve it warm with a side of marinara sauce for dipping or enjoy it alongside a fresh salad. It's also great as a base for mini sandwiches or toast with spreads.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover loaf in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then warm in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Parmesan Appetizer Loaf contains roughly 1210 calories, with 13g protein, 81g carbohydrates, and 94g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (27% of the Daily Value), calcium (25% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2110mg per serving (92% 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 loaf ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it after the first rise. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap and let it rise in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, let it come to room temperature before shaping and second rising.
What can I do if my dough doesn't rise?
If your dough fails to rise, ensure that your yeast is fresh and your water is at the right temperature—too hot or too cold can kill the yeast. You might also want to place the dough in a warmer environment, like an oven with the light on, to encourage rising.
Can I add other cheeses to the loaf?
Absolutely! Feel free to incorporate other cheeses like cheddar or mozzarella for added flavor. Just make sure to adjust the amount of flour slightly if you add a significant amount of cheese to maintain the right dough consistency.
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).