Crispy Hasselback Cheesy Bread Recipe

Irresistible Hasselback Cheesy Bread Recipe for Bread Lovers

Golden, crusty bread meets melted cheesy hasselback magic in this irresistible side dish that transforms an ordinary meal.

Sharp cheddar and soft butter weave between precisely sliced bread layers, creating a mouthwatering masterpiece.

Precise cutting techniques give this bread its signature accordion-like appearance, promising crispy edges and gooey center.

Each slice becomes a delectable canvas for rich, bubbling cheese and aromatic herbs.

The technique looks complicated but comes together effortlessly with just a few simple movements.

Layers of flavor emerge as the bread bakes, filling your kitchen with an enticing aroma that draws everyone to the table.

This crowd-pleasing recipe will become your new go-to for instant dinner excitement.

Tips To Elevate Your Hasselback Cheesy Bread

  • Cheesy Bread Pro Tips and Tasty Twists
  • Bread Selection Matters: Choose a sturdy, thick-crusted bread like sourdough or French bread that can hold up to cheese and butter without falling apart. Slightly stale bread works even better for maintaining structure.
  • Perfect Cutting Technique: Use a sharp serrated knife and place wooden spoon handles on both sides of the bread to prevent accidentally slicing through the bottom. This trick helps create those beautiful, connected slices.
  • Cheese Swap Adventure: Experiment with different cheese combinations like gruyère, fontina, or pepper jack for unique flavor profiles. Blend soft and hard cheeses for complex, mouthwatering results.
  • Dietary Modifications: For gluten-free friends, use gluten-free bread. Vegans can substitute dairy cheese with plant-based alternatives and use olive oil instead of butter. Dairy-free cheese options work wonderfully for creating similar texture and taste.

Fun Ways To Slice And Serve Hasselback Cheesy Bread

  • Crowd-Pleasing Party Starter: Slice this cheesy bread into perfect appetizer portions for game nights, movie marathons, or potluck gatherings. Guests will love pulling apart the crispy, cheese-filled sections.
  • Dipping Delights: Serve alongside marinara sauce, ranch dressing, or homemade garlic aioli for extra flavor punch. These sauces complement the bread's cheesy, buttery profile perfectly.
  • Fresh Herb Finale: Sprinkle fresh chopped basil or chives on top right before serving to add a bright, green color and fresh herbaceous note. This simple garnish elevates the entire dish's visual appeal and taste.
  • Wine and Cheese Pairing: Match this bread with a crisp white wine like sauvignon blanc or a light red like pinot noir. The wine's acidity will beautifully cut through the richness of the melted cheese and buttery bread.

Storing Leftover Hasselback Cheesy Bread The Easy Way

  • Quick Chill Break: Refrigerate any leftover Hasselback Bread in an airtight container for maximum freshness, keeping it deliciously crisp for 2-3 days.
  • Reheat Revival: Warm up cold slices in a preheated oven at 350F for 5-7 minutes to restore the bread's original crispy texture and melty cheese magic.
  • Freezer-Friendly Hack: Wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. Store up to 1 month for a convenient future snack that reheats beautifully.
  • Make-Ahead Marvel: Prepare the entire bread recipe up to the stuffing stage, then cover and refrigerate for up to 6 hours before baking. Perfect for party prep and stress-free entertaining.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 400 kcal

Servings: 3

What To Gather For Hasselback Cheesy Bread

For Bread Base:
  • Crusty Bread: Sturdy foundation that creates a stunning presentation with crispy exterior and soft interior.
  • Sourdough, French Baguette, Italian Loaf: Choose dense bread that holds shape during slicing and stuffing.
For Cheese Filling:
  • Mozzarella Cheese: Delivers smooth, stretchy texture with classic mild flavor.
  • Cheddar Cheese: Adds sharp tang and rich golden color to enhance overall taste profile.
  • Suggested variations include provolone, gruyère, or pepper jack for adventurous flavor combinations.
For Flavor Enhancers:
  • Garlic: Provides aromatic depth and robust savory undertones.
  • Olive Oil: Helps distribute flavors and creates golden, crispy texture.
  • Unsalted Butter: Ensures rich, creamy consistency without excessive saltiness.
  • Italian Seasoning: Blends herbs for complex Mediterranean-inspired taste.
  • Fresh Parsley: Introduces bright, fresh green notes and visual appeal.
  • Red Pepper Flakes: Optional ingredient for subtle heat and exciting kick.

Tools That Help You Make Hasselback Cheesy Bread

  • Serrated knife: Sharp, essential for making precise, deep cuts in the bread without tearing.
  • Cutting board: Sturdy surface for slicing the bread safely and accurately.
  • Small bowl: Perfect for mixing garlic butter ingredients and creating a flavorful coating.
  • Spoon or brush: Ideal for evenly distributing the garlic butter mixture into bread slits.
  • Baking sheet: Provides a stable base for baking and catches any potential drips.
  • Aluminum foil: Helps prevent bread from drying out during initial baking and wrapping.

Step-By-Step Guide For Hasselback Cheesy Bread

  • Bread Preparation

Grab a fresh loaf and transform it into a delicious masterpiece. Create beautiful, intricate cuts across the surface without slicing completely through, forming a lovely crosshatch pattern that will cradle melted cheese perfectly.

  • Flavor Infusion

Whip up a magical mixture of warm butter, aromatic garlic, and fragrant herbs. This liquid gold will seep into every crevice, promising explosive flavor in each delectable bite.

  • Cheese Wonderland

Generously tuck mozzarella and cheddar between the bread’s delicate cuts. Let the cheese peek out, promising a golden, bubbling landscape of deliciousness that will make mouths water.

  • Oven Magic

Wrap the bread gently in foil, creating a cozy package that will protect its delicate flavors. Slide into a warm oven and let the transformation begin. After initial baking, unwrap and allow the edges to turn a gorgeous golden brown.

  • Serving Celebration

Remove from the oven and let the bread rest briefly. Watch as guests pull apart the steaming, cheese-filled sections, revealing a masterpiece of culinary creativity that’s sure to impress.

Print
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Crispy Hasselback Cheesy Bread Recipe

Crispy Hasselback Cheesy Bread Recipe


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4.6 from 40 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 3 1x

Description

Creamy Swedish hasselback cheesy bread delivers a mouthwatering twist on classic bakery traditions. Crisp edges and melted cheese create irresistible comfort for hungry diners seeking delicious home-style indulgence.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 large crusty loaf (sourdough or Italian bread)
  • 1 cup (100 g / 3.5 oz) mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • ½ cup (50 g / 1.8 oz) cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 3 tbsps unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 tbsps olive oil
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
  • 2 tbsps fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
  • 1 pinch red pepper flakes (optional, for spicy kick)

Instructions

  1. Preparation: Preheat oven to 375F (190C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
  2. Bread Slicing: Position bread loaf on a cutting board and create precise, uniform cuts approximately one inch apart, maintaining the base’s integrity. Execute a meticulous crosshatch pattern by rotating the loaf and making perpendicular incisions.
  3. Flavor Infusion: Whisk warm butter, olive oil, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, parsley, and red pepper flakes in a mixing bowl to create a robust, aromatic butter blend.
  4. Cheese and Seasoning: Carefully separate bread sections and tuck mozzarella and cheddar cheese into each crevice. Generously drizzle herbed butter mixture throughout the slits, ensuring complete flavor penetration and cheese distribution.
  5. Baking Process: Loosely wrap the prepared loaf in aluminum foil and bake for 15 minutes. Uncover and continue baking until cheese melts into golden pools and bread edges turn crisp and golden brown.
  6. Serving: Rest the bread briefly after removing from oven, allowing cheese to set. Transfer to a serving platter, presenting an irresistible pull-apart bread that promises a garlicky, cheesy sensory experience.

Notes

  • Prevent Bread Crushing: Slice carefully and maintain bread’s structural integrity by using a sharp knife and placing wooden spoons or chopsticks on bread sides to limit cutting depth.
  • Cheese Melting Technique: Choose high-moisture cheeses like mozzarella and cheddar for optimal gooey texture, and slice cheese thinly to ensure even melting across bread crevices.
  • Butter Infusion Hack: Warm butter and oil mixture slightly before drizzling to enhance herb and garlic absorption, creating deeper flavor penetration throughout bread slices.
  • Customize Dietary Variations: Swap regular bread with gluten-free alternatives, use vegan cheese substitutes, or incorporate different herb blends to accommodate various dietary preferences without compromising taste profile.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Snacks, Appetizer
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Swedish

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 3
  • Calories: 400
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 600 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 36 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 14 g
  • Cholesterol: 40 mg
Marcus Foley

Marcus Foley

Food Critic & Kitchen Coach

Expertise

Recipe Testing and Troubleshooting; Time-Saving Kitchen Hacks; Global Flavor Exploration; Engaging Food Writing and Honest Reviews.

Education

Institute of Culinary Education (ICE), New York, NY

  • Program: Diploma in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Hands-on training in foundational techniques, flavor development, recipe creation, and kitchen efficiency, with an emphasis on real-world application and storytelling through food.

Marcus Foley, based in Atlanta, GA, is a friendly food expert who makes cooking fun and simple.

With hands-on training from the Institute of Culinary Education and years of tasting everything from street food to fine dining, he shares easy kitchen hacks, global flavor ideas, and step-by-step recipes that turn kitchen mishaps into delicious surprises.

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