Savory Italian Cheese Toast
Indulge in this Savory Italian Cheese Toast, a quick and delightful addition to any weeknight dinner or a perfect snack for those cozy evenings. Inspired by a beloved bread from a local pizzeria, this dish features crusty French or Italian bread slathered in creamy butter and generously topped with a melty Italian cheese blend, complemented by the fragrant notes of oregano and garlic. Easy to prepare, this recipe promises a satisfying taste of Italy right in your home, making it an ideal accompaniment for your favorite pasta dish, a side for salads, or a standalone treat. You’ll love how simple ingredients come together to create a deliciously cheesy experience in just minutes!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
French or Italian bread
16 ounces (halved lengthwise)
Butter
1/4 cup (softened)
Italian cheese blend
1 cup (shredded)
Dried oregano
1 teaspoon (none)
Garlic salt
1/2 teaspoon (none)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
Slice the French or Italian bread in half lengthwise and place the halves cut side up on an ungreased baking sheet.
3
Spread the softened butter evenly over the exposed sides of the bread, ensuring they are well-coated for extra richness.
4
In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded Italian cheese blend, dried oregano, and garlic salt. Mix well to evenly distribute the spices.
5
Sprinkle the cheese mixture generously over the buttered bread halves.
6
Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbling and the edges of the bread are lightly golden.
7
Once baked, remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly before slicing into serving pieces. Serve warm and enjoy the cheesy goodness!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Italian Cheese Toast?
It is a quick and delightful snack or side dish featuring crusty French or Italian bread topped with butter, an Italian cheese blend, oregano, and garlic salt.
What kind of bread is recommended for this recipe?
You should use 16 ounces of French or Italian bread halved lengthwise.
What is the oven temperature for baking?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
How long does it take to bake?
The cheese toast takes approximately 12 to 15 minutes to bake until the cheese is bubbling.
What cheese should I use?
A shredded Italian cheese blend is recommended for the best melty texture and flavor.
Should the butter be melted or softened?
The butter should be softened so it can be spread evenly over the bread for extra richness.
What spices are used in the cheese mixture?
The recipe calls for dried oregano and garlic salt.
Do I need to grease the baking sheet?
No, you can place the bread halves on an ungreased baking sheet.
How should I prepare the bread?
Slice the loaf in half lengthwise and place the halves cut side up.
How do I know when the toast is finished cooking?
It is done when the cheese is fully melted and bubbling and the edges of the bread are lightly golden.
Can I serve this as an appetizer?
Yes, it is classified as an appetizer, snack, or side dish.
What does this pair well with?
It is an ideal accompaniment for pasta dishes, salads, or as a standalone treat.
Is this recipe easy to make?
Yes, it is considered an easy recipe that uses simple ingredients and takes only minutes to prepare.
How do I distribute the spices evenly?
Mix the shredded cheese, dried oregano, and garlic salt together in a mixing bowl before sprinkling them on the bread.
Should I slice the bread before or after baking?
Slice the bread into individual serving pieces after it has baked and cooled slightly.
Can I use fresh garlic instead of garlic salt?
While the recipe calls for garlic salt, you can use fresh garlic, though you may want to add a pinch of salt to compensate.
Can I use dried basil instead of oregano?
Yes, you can substitute dried basil if you prefer that flavor profile.
What is the inspiration for this recipe?
It was inspired by a beloved bread served at a local pizzeria.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
While an Italian blend is best, you can use mozzarella or provolone as substitutes.
How much butter is needed?
The recipe requires 1/4 cup of softened butter.
How much oregano is in the recipe?
You will need 1 teaspoon of dried oregano.
Is this a vegetarian recipe?
Yes, this Savory Italian Cheese Toast is meat-free.
Can I make this in a toaster oven?
Yes, you can use a toaster oven, just monitor the bread closely to ensure it doesn't burn.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 5 main ingredients: bread, butter, cheese blend, oregano, and garlic salt.
Is this recipe good for kids?
Yes, it is a kid-friendly comfort food that makes a great snack.
Can I add red pepper flakes for spice?
Yes, sprinkling red pepper flakes into the cheese mixture can add a nice kick.
How should I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven to maintain crispness.
Can I use individual rolls instead of a large loaf?
Yes, you can use individual Italian rolls; just reduce the baking time slightly.
Does the cheese need to be shredded?
Yes, shredded cheese melts more evenly and mixes better with the spices.
How long should I let it cool?
Allow the toast to cool for just a minute or two so the cheese sets before slicing.