This fun Bloomin Onion Garlic Bread is not your average loaf! It’s crispy on the outside and soft inside, loaded with buttery garlic goodness and cheesy spots that make it irresistible.
Let’s be real—who can resist tearing off a piece? I certainly can’t! I love serving it as a fun appetizer at gatherings. Just beware, you might need to share, but good luck with that! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bread: A round loaf works best for that bloomin’ effect! I love sourdough for its tangy flavor, but any sturdy loaf, like country-style or even a rustic Italian loaf, will do. If gluten-free, try using a gluten-free crusty bread.
Butter: Unsalted butter gives you control over the saltiness. If you’re watching your calories, you can use olive oil instead! It adds a nice flavor and is a healthier option.
Garlic: Fresh garlic brings bold flavor. If you don’t have fresh on hand, garlic powder can work in a pinch, but use less—about 1 teaspoon. For garlic lovers, feel free to add even more!
Cheese: Mozzarella offers great meltability, but you can mix it up! Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even a spicy pepper jack can add a yummy twist. Vegan cheese can also work if you’re keeping it dairy-free.
How Do You Properly Cut the Bread Without Messing It Up?
Cutting the bread the right way is key to making this fun recipe work. Here’s how to do it safely:
- Place the loaf on a cutting board. Use a very sharp bread knife to make this easier.
- Make sure to cut about 1 inch apart for that bloomin’ look and go deep but not all the way through—leave the bottom crust intact.
- Cut vertically, then rotate the bread and cut horizontally to make a grid. Feel free to play around with the depth, but be cautious!
Getting the cuts right allows the butter, garlic, and cheese to seep in beautifully, giving you that delicious flavor in every bite!
Bloomin Onion Garlic Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 medium round loaf of crusty bread (such as sourdough or country-style)
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 4–6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 to 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (or a mix of mozzarella and cheddar)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and another 30 minutes to bake, so in total, you’re looking at around 40 minutes. Perfect for whipping up something delicious in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This way, it’ll be hot and ready for your bread later on!
2. Cut the Loaf:
Place your round loaf on a cutting board. With a sharp bread knife, carefully make cuts vertically and horizontally about 1 inch apart. Be sure to slice almost all the way through the bread, but don’t cut all the way to the bottom. This pattern will help the bread bloom like a flower when you bake it.
3. Prepare the Garlic Butter:
In a small bowl, mix together the melted butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. This mixture is going to give your bread amazing flavor!
4. Coat the Bread:
Gently pull apart the bread sections where you made the cuts. Use a brush or spoon to spread the garlic butter mixture generously into every slice and over the top of the bread. Make sure to get it into all the nooks and crannies!
5. Stuff with Cheese:
Take your shredded cheese and stuff it into the cuts of the bread. Push it in as deep as you can so that the cheese gets melted throughout the loaf. Everyone loves a cheesy bite!
6. Wrap and Bake:
Wrap the prepared bread loosely in aluminum foil and place it on a baking sheet. This helps keep it warm and moist while baking. Bake for 15 minutes covered, then carefully unwrap the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes until the top is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
7. Garnish and Serve:
Once it’s out of the oven, sprinkle some extra chopped parsley on top for a pop of color. Serve your warm, gooey Bloomin Onion Garlic Bread right away, and watch everyone dig in!
Enjoy the crispy, cheesy, garlicky goodness—perfect as an appetizer or side that everyone will love!
Can I Use a Different Type of Bread?
Absolutely! While a round sourdough or country-style loaf works best for this recipe, you can use any sturdy bread. Boule, Italian bread, or even ciabatta will also work well—just make sure it has a good crust to hold the filling!
How Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian-Friendly?
This recipe is already vegetarian, but if you’re looking for a vegan version, simply substitute the unsalted butter with vegan butter or olive oil and use a dairy-free cheese alternative. Everything else stays the same!
What Should I Do with Leftovers?
If you have any leftovers, wrap them tightly and store in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, covered with foil to prevent drying out, or until warmed through and crunchy again!
Can I Prepare It Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the bread and add the butter mixture and cheese, then wrap it tightly and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just allow it to come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before you pop it in the oven.
