Really Italian Bread
A flavorful Italian bread dish topped with garlic, scallions, tomatoes, and melted mozzarella, perfect for sharing as an appetizer or casual snack with bold, cheesy flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 500°F.
- Place bread, cut side up, on a baking sheet and set aside.
- In a small bowl, mix together the minced garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Drizzle the garlic mixture over the sliced bread.
- Sprinkle the bread with sliced scallions and chopped tomato.
- Top with shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Bake in the upper half of the oven for 5 to 7 minutes or until the cheese melts and the edges of the bread brown.
- Cut into 1-inch pieces and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a more intense flavor, consider using roasted garlic instead of raw. You can substitute the olive oil with flavored oils like basil or chili for an extra kick. If you want a bit of crunch, add some breadcrumbs on top before baking. For a vegetarian twist, pair this bread with dishes like Steak Parmigiana or Zucchini With Pasta.
Serving Suggestions
This Really Italian Bread makes a fantastic appetizer or side dish for Italian recipes. Serve it alongside a fresh salad or as a dipper for marinara sauce. It also pairs beautifully with a hearty pasta dish like Ellie Cox's Lasagna or No Meat Macaroni Dinner, making for a delightful meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To reheat, place it in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 5-10 minutes to refresh the crust and melt any remaining cheese. Avoid reheating in the microwave, as it can make the bread soggy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Really Italian Bread contains roughly 366 calories, with 4g protein, 21g carbohydrates, and 30g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (62% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1984mg per serving (86% 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 use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! While mozzarella is traditional, you can experiment with other cheeses like provolone, fontina, or a blend for a different flavor profile. Just ensure the cheese melts well to achieve that delicious gooey texture.
How can I make this bread spicier?
To add heat, incorporate crushed red pepper flakes into the garlic oil mixture or top the bread with sliced jalapeños before baking. For an even bolder flavor, consider using pepper jack cheese instead of mozzarella.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the bread up to the baking step and cover it tightly with plastic wrap. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, simply bake it straight from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
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).