Tasty Tuesday: Chef Mara Makes Christmassy Cheesy Bread

WCCB Staff,

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – The Rising kitchen is smelling tasty this morning! Chef Mara Norris of The Foodie School is back with her take on a Christmassy cheesy bread.

If you want your house to smell delicious – this is the dish for you.

Christmassy Cheesy Bread

IngredientsΒ 

  • 8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter, at room temperature
  • 2 tablespoons garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon fresh oregano, minced
  • 1 teaspoon fresh parsley, minced
  • 2 teaspoon fresh basil, mincedΒ (save 3-4 leaves for garnish)
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • Β½ teaspoon fresh pepper
  • 1 loaf ciabatta, sliced lengthwise
  • 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, sliced in half
  • 2 Cups Mozzarella, shredded
  • 2 Tbsp. Parmesan

DirectionsΒ 

  1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
  2. In the bowl of a food processor, combine the garlic, oregano, parsley and salt. Pulse until well minced. Add butter and pulse until combined.
  3. Spread liberally on both sides of the ciabatta. Wrap with foil and place in preheated oven for 10 minutes. Remove from oven, unwrap and carefully place on a baking sheet. Cover with both cheeses, top with tomatoes, and return to oven and bake until cheese has melted and lightly browned.Β Β Remove from oven and garnish with reserved basil leaves.
  4. Slice into approximately 12 pieces and serve warm.

Prep/Equipment 2x Double Batch

  • Prep Ahead:Β Leave Butter Out at Room Temp
  • Food Processor x2
  • Serrated Knife x2
  • Palette Knives x4
  • Sheet Pan Lined with Foil x4

Fresh Marinara

IngredientsΒ 

1 Onion, small dice

4 Cloves garlic, minced

2 Tbsp. Olive Oil

1/3 C. Dry White Wine

2 Cans Diced Tomatoes (San Marzano preferred)

1/4 C. Chopped Italian Parsley

1/2 C. Chopped Fresh Basil

1 Tbsp. Chopped Fresh Oregano

1/2 Tbsp. Sugar

Salt and Fresh Pepper to taste

Directions

1. SweatΒ onions in olive oil untilΒ translucent, add garlic. Add wine, cook 1-2 minutes.

2. Add tomatoes, simmer until sauce is reduced and slightly thick. Add sugar, herbs, and seasonings. Simmer 5 to 10 minutes more. Adjust seasonings to taste.

MarinaraΒ SauceΒ 2x Double Batch

  • Prep Ahead – Cut Onions/Garlic/Herbs
  • Lg. Saute Pan – OilΒ Β x2
  • Red Round-Bottomed Dutch Oven – x1 in Warmer