Melted Monterey Jack Party Loaf
This irresistible melted Monterey Jack party loaf is a crowd-pleaser, perfect for any gathering! Inspired by my sister's favorite recipe, this savory bread combines the tangy flavor of sourdough with gooey melted cheese and a delightful hint of garlic and green onions. Ideal for chili cookouts, cozy gatherings, or any occasion, this bread disappears quickly from the table. Your guests will love pulling apart chunks of cheesy goodness while enjoying the warmth of good company. Serve it warm and watch it become the star of the show!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
sourdough bread
1 lb (unsliced round loaf)
Monterey Jack cheese
1 lb (sliced)
butter or margarine
1/2 cup (melted)
green onion
1/2 cup (chopped)
garlic salt
1-3 teaspoons (optional)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
2
Take the unsliced round sourdough loaf and place it on a cutting board.
3
Using a sharp knife, cut the bread lengthwise into the loaf without cutting through the bottom crust.
4
Next, make crosswise cuts on the loaf to create a diamond pattern, again being careful not to cut through the bottom crust.
5
Gently pry open the cuts to create spaces for the cheese.
6
Insert slices of Monterey Jack cheese into the slits, ensuring an even distribution throughout the loaf.
7
In a small bowl, combine melted butter or margarine with chopped green onions and garlic salt if desired, mixing well.
8
Drizzle the butter mixture generously over the bread, making sure to soak the cheese and into the cuts.
9
Wrap the entire loaf in aluminum foil, ensuring it is well sealed.
10
Place the wrapped bread onto a baking sheet to catch any drippings.
11
Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes.
12
After 15 minutes, carefully remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
13
Let cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy pulling apart the cheesy, savory goodness!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Melted Monterey Jack Party Loaf?
It is a savory pull-apart bread made with a round sourdough loaf filled with Monterey Jack cheese, butter, and green onions.
What type of bread is best for this recipe?
The recipe specifically calls for a 1 lb unsliced round sourdough loaf.
How much Monterey Jack cheese do I need?
You will need 1 lb of sliced Monterey Jack cheese.
At what temperature should the oven be set?
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
How do I cut the bread for the diamond pattern?
Cut the loaf lengthwise and then crosswise, being careful not to cut through the bottom crust.
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Yes, the recipe allows for either 1/2 cup of melted butter or margarine.
Are green onions required?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of chopped green onions for flavor, which is a key component of the filling.
Is garlic salt mandatory?
No, the 1-3 teaspoons of garlic salt are listed as optional.
How long does the bread bake in total?
The bread bakes for a total of 25 minutes: 15 minutes wrapped in foil and 10 minutes unwrapped.
Why is the bread wrapped in aluminum foil?
Wrapping the loaf in foil ensures the cheese melts thoroughly and the bread stays moist during the first phase of baking.
What happens after the first 15 minutes of baking?
You should carefully remove the foil and bake the loaf for another 10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 5 ingredients: sourdough bread, Monterey Jack cheese, butter, green onions, and optional garlic salt.
How do I insert the cheese into the bread?
Gently pry open the cuts you made in the bread and insert the slices of cheese evenly throughout the slits.
Can I use pre-sliced sourdough bread?
No, you must use an unsliced round loaf to properly create the diamond pattern for stuffing.
What occasions is this party loaf good for?
It is perfect for chili cookouts, cozy gatherings, parties, or as a general appetizer.
How should I serve the Melted Monterey Jack Party Loaf?
Serve it warm so guests can enjoy pulling apart the gooey, cheesy chunks of bread.
How long should I let the bread cool before eating?
Let it cool for just a few minutes after taking it out of the oven to ensure it is safe to handle but still warm.
Can I substitute the Monterey Jack cheese?
While Monterey Jack is recommended for its melting quality, you could use other melting cheeses like Pepper Jack or Cheddar.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian-friendly as it consists of bread, cheese, butter, and vegetables.
How do I apply the butter mixture?
Combine the melted butter with onions and salt, then drizzle it generously over the bread and into the cuts.
What is the serving size for this recipe?
The serving size is not specified, but one loaf is intended to serve a group as a party appetizer.
Does this bread have a lot of garlic?
The garlic flavor comes from 1-3 teaspoons of optional garlic salt, so you can adjust the amount to your preference.
Can I make this in a regular toaster oven?
If the toaster oven is large enough to fit a 1 lb round loaf and can maintain 350F, it should work.
Can I add meat to this recipe?
While not in the original recipe, some people enjoy adding cooked bacon bits into the slits along with the cheese.
How do I prevent the bread from burning?
Keeping it wrapped in foil for the first 15 minutes protects the crust while the cheese melts inside.
What if I don't have a round loaf?
An oval sourdough loaf will also work as long as it is unsliced and approximately 1 lb.
Is this recipe considered comfort food?
Yes, the combination of warm bread and melted cheese makes it a classic comfort food item.
How do I ensure the butter reaches the bottom of the cuts?
Drizzle the mixture slowly and use a spoon to guide the butter and onions deep into the diamond slits.
Can I prepare the loaf ahead of time?
You can prep the cuts and stuff the cheese ahead of time, but it is best to drizzle the butter and bake just before serving.
What is the main flavor profile of this dish?
It is savory, tangy (from the sourdough), and rich due to the melted butter and Monterey Jack cheese.