Description
Provolone goodness delivers Italian cheese magic in an easy comfort dish. Rich layers of flavor combine with simple ingredients to create a memorable culinary experience you’ll savor with genuine delight.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz (226 g) provolone cheese
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley
- Toasted baguette slices
- Crackers
- Marinara sauce
Instructions
- Oven Preparation: Calibrate oven to 400F (200C) for optimal cheese transformation.
- Dish Setup: Lightly oil an oven-safe skillet or ceramic dish to prevent cheese sticking, positioning provolone centrally for even heating.
- Flavor Infusion: Whisk olive oil, garlic, oregano, red pepper flakes, and black pepper into a vibrant seasoning blend.
- Seasoning Application: Generously drench provolone with the aromatic oil mixture, ensuring complete coverage.
- Baking Process: Bake for 8-10 minutes until cheese becomes bubbling and golden, creating a molten masterpiece.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle fresh parsley over the melted cheese and present immediately with toasted bread or crackers.
Alternative Preparation Method
- Skillet Technique: Heat a nonstick pan over medium heat, adding a light olive oil coating.
- Cheese Searing: Place provolone in the pan, sprinkling with garlic, oregano, and black pepper.
- Cooking Transformation: Cook 2-3 minutes until edges turn golden-brown, then carefully flip.
- Final Touches: Cook an additional 1-2 minutes, remove from heat, and garnish with fresh parsley.
- Immediate Serving: Accompany with crusty bread or crisp crackers for an instant appetizer experience.
Notes
- Select High-Quality Cheese: Choose a firm, full-flavored provolone that melts smoothly and holds its structure during cooking. Avoid pre-sliced varieties for best results.
- Control Melting Temperature: Watch the cheese carefully to prevent burning. Remove from heat the moment it starts bubbling and turns golden to maintain perfect texture and prevent scorching.
- Enhance Flavor Layers: Experiment with additional herbs like fresh thyme or rosemary to create depth. A light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil after cooking adds richness and complexity.
- Accommodate Dietary Needs: For lactose-intolerant guests, substitute with lactose-free provolone or try dairy-free alternative cheeses that melt similarly. Vegan options include nutritional yeast-based cheese substitutes for a similar savory profile.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 0 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 2 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg