This Bloomin Onion Parmesan Bread is a fun twist on a classic dish! It’s fluffy bread loaded with tasty cheese and spices, all baked together for a crispy outside and soft inside.
It’s a great party snack that will impress your friends. I mean, who can resist cheesy, buttery bread? I always top mine with extra herbs for flavor—yum! 😋
Making this bread is super easy! Just mix, bake, and pull apart the deliciousness. Perfect for sharing or for those moments when you just can’t stop at one piece!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Crusty Bread: A round loaf like sourdough or French boule is ideal because its crust holds everything together. If you’re in a pinch, any hearty bread will work.
Butter: Unsalted butter is great for better flavor control. If you’re looking for a healthier option, try olive oil, but use less to avoid sogginess.
Cheese: I love using a mix of mozzarella and Parmesan for their melting and flavoring properties. If you’re lactose intolerant, consider dairy-free shredded cheese. Nutritional yeast can also add a cheesy flavor.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic has the best flavor! If you’re short on time, garlic powder will do, but use less since it’s more concentrated.
Italian Seasoning: This blend adds a nice flavor boost. Feel free to make your own with equal parts oregano, basil, and thyme if you don’t have it on hand.
How Do I Cut the Bread Without Making a Mess?
Cutting the bread in the right way is key to getting that classic “bloomin'” look without losing it completely. Here’s how:
- Use a serrated bread knife for clean cuts.
- Make vertical cuts about 1 inch apart but stop just before the bottom crust to keep it intact.
- Then, make horizontal cuts the same way to create cubes that you can stuff with cheese.
This method ensures the bread holds its shape while allowing all those delicious fillings to seep into every crevice. Practice makes perfect!
What’s the Best Way to Bake the Bread for That Perfect Crisp?
For a crispy exterior and gooey interior, here’s my tip:
- Preheat your oven to the proper temperature, and be patient—let it fully heat before baking.
- Bake for the initial 15-20 minutes to melt the cheese. If you want an extra golden top, use the broiler for 1-2 minutes but watch carefully to avoid burning.
This combination gives you that delightful contrast of crispy outside and gooey, cheesy inside that everyone loves!
How to Make Bloomin Onion Parmesan Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 large round loaf of crusty bread (such as sourdough or French boule)
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, shredded
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped (plus more for garnish)
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: chopped green onions or chives for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Bloomin Onion Parmesan Bread will take about **10 minutes** to prep and around **20-25 minutes** to bake. So, in total, you’re looking at about **35-40 minutes** before you get to dig into this cheesy delight!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure your bread bakes evenly and gets nice and crispy!
2. Cut the Bread:
Take your loaf of bread and place it on a cutting board. Using a sharp bread knife, make vertical cuts about 1 inch apart down into the bread, stopping about three-quarters of the way through so the bottom stays intact. Then, make horizontal cuts in the same way to create a grid pattern on top—don’t worry if it looks like a blooming onion!
3. Prepare the Garlic Butter Mixture:
In a bowl, blend the melted butter with the minced garlic, dried Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. This mixture will coat your bread and add delicious flavor!
4. Brush the Bread:
Take that tasty garlic butter mixture and carefully brush it into every cut and crevice of the bread. Make sure to get it well-coated for maximum flavor!
5. Add Cheese:
In another bowl, combine the shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Now, gently stuff this cheesy mix between the sections of the bread cuts, pushing it down deep so each piece is filled with gooey goodness.
6. Bake the Bread:
Place the stuffed bread on a baking sheet lined with foil or parchment paper to catch any melted cheese that might drip off. Bake it in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes until the cheese is melted and gooey and the top is a lovely golden brown.
7. Broil for Extra Crispiness:
If you want an extra crispy top, pop the bread under the broiler for 1-2 minutes after baking, but keep a close eye on it to prevent burning!
8. Garnish and Serve:
Once done, take the bread out of the oven and sprinkle some fresh parsley on top. If you like, add some chopped green onions or chives for a pop of color and flavor.
Now it’s time to dig in! Serve the bread warm and enjoy pulling apart those cheesy, garlicky pieces. It’s perfect for sharing or indulging all by yourself—either way, enjoy every bite! 🍞🧀
Can I Use a Different Type of Bread?
Absolutely! While sourdough or French bread works best for this recipe, you can use any hearty, round loaf like whole wheat or ciabatta. Just ensure it has a firm crust to hold up to the stuffing!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through and the cheese is melty again.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the bread with the garlic butter and cheese stuffing a few hours in advance. Just cover it with foil and keep it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. Bake it straight from the fridge—just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
What Can I Serve with Bloomin Onion Parmesan Bread?
This cheesy bread goes great as an appetizer at parties or alongside soups and salads. You can also serve it with marinara or a garlic dipping sauce for extra flavor!