My delicious Party Cheese Bread with Marinara recipe contains a fresh round loaf of sourdough, topped with freshly grated Monterey Jack cheese, extra virgin olive oil, scallions, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, dipped in warm marinara! Instead of scallions, you could use freshly chopped basil and parsley. This is the best vegetarian appetizer for a party, game day, or gathering, and never lasts long at my house.
This is such an easy grab n’ go appetizer snack that is ideal for a Christmas or game day party. Oftentimes, we eat this on weekends for no occasion at all! Even my picky five year old loves it and constantly talks about how delicious it is!
If you like zesty dishes with a kick such as this, then you’ll drool over my Jalapeño Popper Dip, spicy Alabama Firecrackers, and Easy White Cheese Dip appetizer!
Are there other dipping sauce options besides marinara?
If you’re not feeling marinara, you can also dip the cheese bread in a bowl of extra virgin olive oil with balsamic vinaigrette and freshly cracked pepper, or alternatively, dip it in a bowl with extra virgin olive oil and fresh basil.
Health Benefits of Olive Oil
Olive oil is packed with antioxidants and according to Healthline’s article, these antioxidants are biologically active and may reduce your risk of chronic disease. These antioxidants help combat inflammation and help protect your cholesterol from oxidation, which therefore help lower your risk of heart disease.
In fact, olive oil has strong anti-inflammatory properties and can reduce inflammation which is thought to be a leading cause of diseases such as cancer, heart disease, metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes, Alzheimer’s, arthritis, and obesity. Some scientists estimate that the oleocanthal in 3.4 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil has a similar effect as 10% of the adult dosage of ibuprofen. So maybe the next time you feel pain, eating some olive oil instead of taking ibuprofen may not be such a bad idea.
What are the best places to serve this dish?
I’ve served this at Christmas Eve and New Year's parties, game day and tailgate parties, and just lounging at home on the weekends with my family. It would also make a wonderful easy appetizer for a potluck or cookout.
My family loves eating this as an appetizer before we eat a huge salad. The combination of garlicy cheese bread and salad are the best!
Ingredients in Party Cheese Bread with Marinara
Sourdough round loaf. Make sure to buy an unsliced sourdough round to make this recipe.
Monterey Jack cheese. Freshly grate your cheese for the best flavor.
Extra virgin olive oil. Use high quality extra virgin olive oil for the best taste.
Scallions. Chopped scallions or chives give this appetizer recipe fragrance and an earthy crunch.
Garlic powder. Adds fragrance and flavor. Alternatively, you can use 2-3 cloves of minced garlic.
Italian seasoning. Gives this bread a zest, savory flavor.
Marinara. Any kind of pizza marinara will work as an optional dipping sauce.
How to Make the Best Party Cheese Bread with Marinara
STEP 1: Preheat your oven to 350° F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
STEP 2: Slice the bread into 1-inch pieces to within ½ inch of the bottom. Repeat the cuts in the opposite direction, forming criss-cross cuts.
STEP 3: Pour the cheese into the cut bread.
STEP 4: Mix the extra virgin olive oil, scallions, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning in a small bowl.
STEP 5: Drizzle the olive oil mixture over the bread. Loosely cover with foil and bake for 15 minutes. Remove the foil and bake until the cheese is melted, about 10 minutes. Serve with warm marinara as a dipping sauce.
More recipes you’ll love!
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Final Thoughts
Finally, if you make this Party Cheese Bread with Marinara, be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! I love to hear from everyone who makes this recipe and always try my best to respond to all comments.
If you do make this recipe, don’t forget to tag #elisemccollister on Instagram! It makes me so happy to see your recipe photos!
Party Cheese Bread with Marinara
Ingredients
- 1 sourdough round unsliced
- 8 oz. Monterey Jack cheese block freshly grated
- 1/2 c extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 c scallions chopped
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- marinara, warmed optional
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350° F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Slice the bread into 1-inch pieces to within ½ inch of the bottom. Repeat the cuts in the opposite direction, forming criss-cross cuts.
- Pour the cheese into the cut bread.
- Mix the extra virgin olive oil, scallions, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning in a small bowl.
- Drizzle the olive oil mixture over the bread. Loosely cover with foil and bake for 15 minutes. Remove the foil and bake until the cheese is melted, about 10 minutes. Serve with warm marinara as a dipping sauce.
Notes
Nutrition (per serving)
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