Crispy Italian Cheese Melts
Indulge in the delightful fusion of flavors with these Crispy Italian Cheese Melts. This easy-to-follow recipe combines the richness of parmesan and provolone cheeses layered between buttery Italian bread. Whether you're hosting a gathering or simply craving a delicious snack, these bites are perfect for sharing. Serve them warm with marinara sauce for a mouthwatering appetizer that everyone will love. Perfectly crispy on the outside and gooey on the inside, they make an ideal companion for game day or any festive occasion.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
butter
1/2 cup (softened)
parmesan cheese
1/2 cup (freshly grated)
Italian bread
16 slices (unprepared)
provolone cheese
32 slices (unprepared)
marinara sauce
to taste (for dipping)
Instructions
1
In a mixing bowl, combine the softened butter and freshly grated parmesan cheese until well blended.
2
Spread the butter mixture evenly on one side of each Italian bread slice.
3
Place 8 slices of bread, buttered side down, on a sheet of wax paper.
4
Layer each of the 8 bread slices with 2 slices of provolone cheese, then top with the remaining 8 bread slices, ensuring the buttered side is facing up.
5
Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat.
6
Carefully place the sandwiches in batches on the hot skillet, pressing down gently with a spatula.
7
Cook for about 3 minutes on each side or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese has melted.
8
Once cooked, remove from heat and cut each sandwich into four equal pieces.
9
Serve the Crispy Italian Cheese Melts warm with a side of marinara sauce for dipping. Enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Crispy Italian Cheese Melts?
Crispy Italian Cheese Melts are a flavorful appetizer or snack featuring provolone and parmesan cheeses melted between buttery, crispy slices of Italian bread.
What types of cheese are used in this recipe?
This recipe uses two types of cheese: freshly grated parmesan for the crispy exterior and provolone cheese for the gooey interior.
What kind of bread is best for these melts?
The recipe specifically calls for 16 slices of Italian bread to achieve the best texture and flavor.
How do you make the crispy exterior crust?
The crispy crust is created by mixing softened butter with freshly grated parmesan cheese and spreading it on the outside of the bread slices before grilling.
How many slices of provolone are needed per sandwich?
Each of the eight sandwiches is layered with 4 slices of provolone cheese (2 slices per layer).
How long should I cook the cheese melts?
Cook the sandwiches for about 3 minutes on each side or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese has completely melted.
What is the recommended dipping sauce?
These melts are best served warm with a side of marinara sauce for dipping.
What heat setting should I use for the skillet?
A non-stick skillet or griddle should be heated over medium heat to ensure the bread browns without burning while the cheese melts.
Can I use pre-grated parmesan cheese?
While you can use it, freshly grated parmesan is recommended because it blends better with the butter and provides a superior texture for the crispy crust.
How should the sandwiches be cut for serving?
Once cooked, each sandwich should be cut into four equal pieces to create bite-sized appetizers.
Is this recipe suitable for parties?
Yes, it is described as an ideal appetizer for gatherings, game days, and festive occasions because it makes 32 individual bites.
How many total sandwiches does this recipe yield?
The recipe produces 8 full sandwiches, which are then cut into 32 total appetizer pieces.
What makes the bread 'extra crispy'?
Pressing down gently with a spatula while cooking ensures even contact with the heat, which helps the parmesan-butter mixture crisp up perfectly.
Can I prepare the butter mixture in advance?
Yes, you can mix the softened butter and parmesan ahead of time and store it at room temperature until you are ready to assemble the sandwiches.
Do I butter the inside or outside of the bread?
You spread the butter-parmesan mixture on the outside of the bread slices (the sides that touch the skillet).
What is the total ingredient count?
This recipe is simple and only requires 5 main ingredients: butter, parmesan, Italian bread, provolone, and marinara sauce.
Is this a high-protein snack?
Yes, based on the recipe tags, these cheese melts are considered a high-protein appetizer due to the large amount of cheese used.
Can I use a different type of bread?
While Italian bread is recommended, you could substitute it with sourdough or another sturdy white bread if needed.
How do I know when to flip the sandwich?
Flip the sandwich once the bottom side has turned a deep golden brown, which usually takes about 3 minutes.
Can I add other ingredients to the middle?
While the recipe focuses on cheese, you could add pepperoni or thin slices of ham to enhance the Italian flavor profile.
Should I use salted or unsalted butter?
The recipe does not specify, but unsalted butter allows you to control the saltiness, especially since parmesan and provolone are already quite salty.
Why use wax paper during assembly?
The instructions suggest using wax paper to place the buttered slices down so the butter mixture doesn't stick to your counter during assembly.
Is this a vegetarian recipe?
Yes, these Crispy Italian Cheese Melts are vegetarian-friendly.
Can I use an air fryer instead of a skillet?
The recipe specifies a skillet or griddle, but an air fryer could be used at 375°F for 3-5 minutes per side for a similar crispy effect.
How much butter is needed?
The recipe requires 1/2 cup of softened butter.
Can I make these in batches?
Yes, depending on the size of your skillet, it is recommended to cook the sandwiches in batches to avoid overcrowding.
How do I soften butter quickly?
You can leave it at room temperature for an hour or microwave it in 5-10 second intervals, being careful not to melt it.
Is this considered an easy recipe?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe because it involves simple assembly and quick stove-top cooking.
What texture is the inside of the melt?
The inside is designed to be 'gooey' due to the melted layers of provolone cheese.
How much parmesan cheese is used for the crust?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of freshly grated parmesan cheese to be mixed into the butter.