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Florida Beach Bread Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.1 from 64 reviews
  • Author: Ivy
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 12 servings
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Halal

Description

Florida Beach Bread is a delicious, savory baked bread perfect for sharing. It features a crusty Italian bread base topped with a flavorful garlic butter spread, fresh diced Roma tomatoes, crumbled queso fresco, a creamy mozzarella and mayonnaise mixture, crispy bacon pieces, and finished with fresh green onions. Baked until golden and bubbly, this easy-to-make dish is a crowd pleaser for gatherings and a great appetizer or snack.

Ingredients

Bread and Butter Mix

  • 1 loaf Italian bread
  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) salted butter, softened
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons minced garlic

Toppings

  • 3 Roma tomatoes, finely diced
  • 5 ounces queso fresco
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup bacon pieces
  • 4 green onions, sliced

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a large baking sheet with nonstick aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
  2. Prepare Bread: Slice the Italian bread loaf horizontally into two halves, creating a top and bottom piece. Scoop out some of the bread inside to create a slight hollow, allowing toppings to stay on without spilling over.
  3. Position Bread: Place both bread halves on the prepared baking sheet, cut side up.
  4. Make Garlic Butter: In a bowl, combine the softened salted butter and minced garlic, mixing thoroughly to create a garlic butter spread.
  5. Apply Garlic Butter: Evenly spread the garlic butter mixture onto the cut sides of both bread halves.
  6. Add Tomatoes: Sprinkle the finely diced Roma tomatoes evenly over the garlic butter on both halves.
  7. Add Queso Fresco: Crumble the queso fresco and sprinkle it uniformly on top of the tomatoes for a creamy, tangy layer.
  8. Prepare Cheese Mixture: In a separate bowl, blend the shredded mozzarella cheese with mayonnaise until well combined, creating a rich and creamy cheese topping.
  9. Spread Cheese Mixture: Evenly spread the mozzarella and mayonnaise mixture over the queso fresco layer on both bread halves.
  10. Add Bacon: Sprinkle the bacon pieces evenly over the cheese mixture for a savory crunch.
  11. Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for about 15 minutes, until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
  12. Finish with Green Onions: Remove the bread from the oven and immediately sprinkle the sliced green onions over the hot melted cheese.
  13. Slice and Serve: Allow to cool slightly, then slice using a pizza cutter for easy serving. Enjoy warm.

Notes

  • For easier slicing, use a pizza cutter as suggested.
  • Feel free to substitute bacon pieces with cooked turkey bacon for a leaner option.
  • Queso fresco can be swapped with feta cheese if not available.
  • The bread scooped out from inside can be used to make croutons or breadcrumbs.
  • Serve this bread as a hearty appetizer or a party snack with a fresh salad.

Find it online: https://ivysrecipes.com/florida-beach-bread-recipe/