Description
Indulge in the creamy, smoky goodness of this Olive Garden-inspired Smoked Mozzarella Fonduta. This delightful appetizer features a blend of rich cheeses and garlic, served with crispy bread for dipping, making it perfect for sharing with friends and family.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 ounces smoked mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 4 ounces provolone cheese, shredded
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- 1 baguette or Italian bread, sliced for serving
Instructions
- Start by gathering all your ingredients on the countertop. This will make the process smoother and more enjoyable.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded smoked mozzarella and provolone cheese. Mix well for even distribution.
- Add the softened cream cheese to the bowl, ensuring it’s at room temperature for smooth blending.
- Pour in the heavy cream to create a creamy texture essential for the fonduta.
- Sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese for a salty flavor that complements the other cheeses.
- Add the minced garlic. Feel free to increase the amount if you love garlic!
- If desired, toss in the crushed red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Mix everything together with a spatula or wooden spoon until well combined and smooth.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Transfer the cheese mixture into an oven-safe dish, such as a small cast-iron skillet or ceramic baking dish.
- Spread the cheese mixture evenly in the dish, smoothing out the top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden on top.
- While baking, slice the baguette or Italian bread into bite-sized pieces. Optionally, toast them lightly in the oven for a crispy texture.
- Once the fonduta is out of the oven, let it cool for a minute or two.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for color and freshness.
- Arrange the sliced bread around the fonduta on a serving platter for easy access.
- Use a small spoon or fondue fork to scoop out the melted cheese and dip the bread into it.
- Enjoy your homemade Smoked Mozzarella Fonduta with friends and family as a delightful appetizer or snack!
Notes
- For an extra smoky flavor, consider adding a few drops of liquid smoke to the cheese mixture.
- If you can’t find smoked mozzarella, regular mozzarella will work, but you may want to add more garlic or smoked paprika.
- Experiment with different cheeses like Fontina or Gruyère for a unique twist.
- Serve with a variety of dippables like roasted vegetables, apple slices, or cured meats for a gourmet touch.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes