Baked Provolone With Herbs Recipe

Let me tell you about my absolute favorite way to transform a simple slice of bread into a gourmet experience—it’s all about melting provolone into gloriously bubbly perfection, with hints of fresh herbs and a citrusy kick that just sings.

I love how the rich, gooey provolone, when baked with a drizzle of olive oil, captures the essence of fresh oregano and thyme. The hint of heat from red pepper flakes and the brightness of lemon zest elevate this dish.

My favorite way to enjoy it is with crusty bread, making it a delightful, herby indulgence.

Baked Provolone With Herbs Recipe Ingredients

• Provolone Cheese: Rich in protein and calcium, adds savory creaminess.
• Olive Oil: Heart-healthy fats, enhances flavor and texture.
• Fresh Oregano: Antioxidant-rich, provides earthy, aromatic notes.
• Fresh Thyme: Adds subtle depth, aromatic and slightly minty.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Offers heat, boosts metabolism, adds spicy kick.
• Lemon Zest: Bright citrus flavor, high in vitamin C, refreshing touch.

Baked Provolone With Herbs Recipe Ingredient Quantities

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• 8 ounces provolone cheese, sliced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon fresh oregano leaves, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves, chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Crusty bread, for serving

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How to Make this Baked Provolone With Herbs Recipe

1. Heat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Convert that to Celsius, and you get 200 degrees.

2. Lay the provolone cheese out in an even layer in the baking dish.

3. Evenly drizzle the olive oil over the cheese.

4. Distribute the minced oregano and thyme leaves uniformly over the cheese.

5. Arrange the red pepper flakes evenly to deliver a touch of heat.

6. Add a sprinkle of fresh lemon zest over the top for a bright, citrusy finish.

7. Enhance the flavors by seasoning with fresh black pepper, ground just before use.

8. Put the dish in the preheated oven to bake for 8 to 10 minutes. Bake until the cheese bubbles and begins to brown.

9. Take it out of the oven and let it cool for a bit, to allow the cheese to set some.

10. Serve at once with crusty bread as an accompaniment for pushing into the pot, and enjoying the paradox of melted cheese and the herb-scented air.

Baked Provolone With Herbs Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Oven
2. Baking dish
3. Knife
4. Cutting board
5. Grater or zester
6. Measuring spoons
7. Pepper grinder

FAQ

• Q:Can I substitute provolone with another kind of cheese?
  A: Yes. Another semi-hard cheese such as mozzarella or fontina may be used for similar results.
• Q:Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?
  A: Yes, but use approximately one-third because dried herbs are more potent.
• Q:How can I make this dish spicier?
  A: Boost the quantity of red pepper flakes or incorporate a dash of cayenne pepper.
• Q:What is the best way to serve this dish?
  A: If desired, serve it warm and with not just any bread but with crusty bread that can be dipped in the soup and, if the eater so chooses, drizzled with even more olive oil.
• Q:Is it possible to prepare this dish in advance?
  A: You can prepare the herb mixture ahead of time, and bake the cheese to serve with it if you want to enjoy the dish at peak freshness. But the writers really nailed the texture of the cheese and the flavors of the herbs, so if you need to serve an impressive dish on a less-than-impressive timeline, this is still your best bet.
• Q:If the cheese is too oily after it has been baked, what are my options?
  A: To serve, use a slotted spoon, allowing the extra oil to first drain off.

Baked Provolone With Herbs Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Substituted for sliced provolone cheese, the sliced mozzarella or fontina cheese can be used to create a similar melt and texture.
Avocado oil can replace olive oil in a recipe, and you will get a slightly different flavor profile. That can be a good thing, especially because avocado oil has its own health benefits.
Fresh oregano can be modified with either fresh basil or parsley for a different herbal profile.
Smoked paprika can be used in place of red pepper flakes for a milder, smoky flavor.
You can swap orange zest for lemon zest in this recipe for a sweeter citrus flavor.

Pro Tips

1. Cheese Selection For a more complex flavor, try mixing provolone with other melty cheeses like mozzarella or fontina. This will add depth to the dish while still achieving the desired melty texture.

2. Infuse the Olive Oil Before drizzling the olive oil over the cheese, consider gently warming it with a smashed garlic clove or some additional thyme sprigs to infuse more flavor into the oil. Be sure to remove these before using the oil.

3. Bread Enhancement Lightly toast the crusty bread before serving to add an extra layer of texture. You can also rub a cut garlic clove over the warm toast for added aroma and taste.

4. Baking Dish Choice Use a shallow, wide baking dish to maximize the surface area of the cheese. This will ensure it browns evenly and creates a better topping-to-cheese ratio when serving.

5. Pepper Flakes Variation For a smokier profile, replace the red pepper flakes with a small sprinkle of smoked paprika or chipotle powder, which will also enhance the cheese’s golden color.