Description
Beach bread emerges as a Mediterranean-inspired delight, blending fresh herbs, olive oil, and crusty texture. Sun-soaked flavors dance across each slice, inviting coastal memories and casual summer gatherings with friends.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 loaf French bread (or Italian bread), sliced in half lengthwise
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 large tomato, diced
Cheese and Dairy Ingredients:
- 4 tablespoons (1/4 cup) butter, softened
- 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese (optional)
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing (or blue cheese dressing, optional)
Seasoning and Herb Ingredients:
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper, ensuring an even surface for perfect bread baking.
- Carefully slice the bread loaf horizontally, creating two symmetrical halves that will serve as the canvas for delicious toppings.
- Craft a fragrant butter mixture by combining softened butter with aromatic garlic, garlic powder, and oregano, blending the ingredients until they form a harmonious spread.
- Generously coat each bread half with the herb-infused butter, ensuring complete and even coverage across the entire surface.
- Optional: Apply a delicate layer of ranch or blue cheese dressing over the buttered bread, adding an extra layer of creamy complexity.
- Distribute shredded mozzarella and crumbled blue cheese uniformly across the bread, creating a rich and textured cheese landscape.
- Scatter diced tomatoes strategically over the cheese, and sprinkle red pepper flakes for a subtle hint of heat and visual appeal.
- Transfer the prepared bread to the preheated oven and bake for 12–15 minutes, watching the cheese transform into a molten, bubbling masterpiece.
- For an elevated golden finish, activate the broiler and cook for an additional 1–2 minutes, creating a crisp and caramelized top.
- Remove from the oven and garnish with freshly chopped parsley, adding a vibrant green accent to the dish.
- Allow the beach bread to cool momentarily, then slice into individual portions and serve while still warm, inviting everyone to enjoy.
Notes
- Choose fresh, high-quality bread like a French baguette or ciabatta for maximum flavor and crispy texture.
- Soften butter at room temperature to ensure smooth, even spreading across the bread surface.
- Adjust cheese quantities based on personal preference, mixing different cheese types for complex flavor profiles.
- Customize toppings by adding cooked bacon bits, sliced olives, or caramelized onions for extra depth and interest.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Snacks, Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 830mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 60mg