This Bloomin’ Onion Garlic Bread is a fun twist on classic garlic bread! It’s loaded with buttery garlic goodness and has a cute flower shape that’s great for sharing.
Every pull apart reveals a fluffy, flavorful piece you can’t resist. I like to serve it warm, and it disappears fast—just like magic! 🌟 Perfect for any dinner table!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bread: A crusty round loaf like sourdough or boule gives the best texture. If you can’t find these, a thick Italian or French bread works wonders too, just make sure it has a good crust.
Cheese: I love using mozzarella for its meltiness, but feel free to mix in cheddar or Monterey Jack for extra flavor. If you’re after a lower-fat version, reduced-fat cheese can be used, though it may not melt as nicely.
Butter: Unsalted butter lets you control the salt content. You can replace it with olive oil for a healthier twist, or use a dairy-free alternative if you’re avoiding dairy.
Garlic: Fresh garlic really shines in this recipe. If you have garlic powder on hand, you can use about 1 teaspoon instead. But fresh does add a lovely punch!
Herbs: Fresh parsley and chives add color and flavor, but you can use dried herbs if that’s what you have. Just remember to use less, as dried herbs are more concentrated.
How Can I Cut the Bread Without Making a Mess?
Cutting the bread into a bloomin’ shape takes a bit of care, but it’s simple once you know how. Here’s how to do it cleanly:
- Place the loaf flat on a cutting board. Use a sharp serrated knife for clean cuts.
- Make sure to cut at 1 to 1.5 inches apart, but don’t slice all the way through the bottom. Stop about 1/2 inch from the base.
- Gently pull apart the cuts slightly to create the blooming effect. This allows for an even spread of the garlic butter and cheese!
Take your time with cutting; it’s worth it for the final presentation! Everyone will love pulling apart the delicious pieces once it’s baked.
How to Make Bloomin’ Onion Garlic Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Main Dish:
- 1 large round loaf of crusty bread (such as sourdough or boule)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (or a blend of mozzarella and cheddar)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
For Flavor:
- 4-5 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1-2 tbsp fresh chives, finely chopped (optional for garnish)
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning (or a mix of dried oregano, thyme, and basil)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time and around 25 minutes of baking time. All in all, you’re looking at about 35 minutes before this delicious garlic bread is ready to serve. Perfect for a quick appetizer or side!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Oven and Baking Sheet:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup later on. This way, you won’t have a mess to deal with!
2. Cut the Bread:
Place your round loaf of bread on a cutting board. Using a sharp serrated knife, carefully cut the bread in a criss-cross pattern, spacing about 1 to 1.5 inches apart. Make sure to stop before you cut all the way through—leave about 1/2 inch at the bottom so the bread stays intact!
3. Create Petals:
Gently pull apart the cuts a bit to create “petals” in the bread. This makes it easier to soak up that delicious garlic butter!
4. Mix the Garlic Butter:
In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, dried Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until well combined. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
5. Add the Garlic Butter:
Take your garlic butter mixture and slowly drizzle and brush it in between the cuts of bread, making sure to coat the entire loaf evenly. This step ensures that every bite is flavorful and delicious!
6. Stuff with Cheese:
Now it’s time to stuff! Fill the gaps between the bread slices generously with shredded mozzarella cheese. Be sure to push some deep into the crevices for maximum cheesy goodness.
7. Bake the Bread:
Place your prepared loaf on the lined baking sheet. Cover it loosely with aluminum foil to trap the heat and moisture. Bake in the oven for 15 minutes covered, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and the bread is crispy and golden.
8. Garnish and Serve:
Once out of the oven, sprinkle the top with chopped fresh chives if you’re using them. Serve warm, and let everyone pull apart the “petals” for a delicious cheesy and garlicky treat!
Enjoy your Bloomin’ Onion Garlic Bread as the perfect appetizer or side for any meal—it’s always a crowd-pleaser!
Can I Use a Different Type of Bread?
Absolutely! While sourdough or boule is recommended for its texture, you can use any crusty round bread you like. Just make sure it’s sturdy enough to hold the toppings and pull apart easily!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover Bloomin’ Onion Garlic Bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a day or in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, wrap it in foil and warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
Can I Prepare This Ahead of Time?
You can prep the bread and fill it with the garlic butter and cheese a few hours in advance. Just cover it tightly in plastic wrap or foil and keep it in the fridge. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before popping it in the oven.
What Other Cheeses Can I Use?
Feel free to mix or substitute cheeses! Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even a sprinkle of Parmesan can add great flavor. Just keep in mind that different cheeses melt differently, so you may need to adjust the baking time slightly for best results.