Description
Melted provolone goodness brings Italian charm straight to home kitchens with minimal effort. Bold cheese flavors meld perfectly, creating a simple yet irresistible dish you’ll want to savor again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 8 ounces (226 grams) provolone cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Herbs and Spices:
- 2 cloves garlic
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley
Serving Accompaniments:
- Toasted baguette slices
- Crackers
- Marinara sauce
Instructions
- Prepare your culinary workspace by heating the oven to a precise 400F (200C), ensuring an optimal environment for transforming provolone into a delectable appetizer.
- Select a petite oven-safe vessel, such as a compact cast-iron skillet or ceramic dish, and delicately coat its interior with a thin layer of olive oil to prevent adherence.
- Arrange provolone slices or a singular provolone block within the prepared cooking receptacle, positioning it centrally for even heat distribution.
- Craft a flavor-enhancing elixir by whisking together olive oil, minced garlic, fragrant oregano, fiery red pepper flakes, and freshly cracked black pepper in a separate mixing bowl.
- Cascade the aromatic oil mixture generously over the waiting cheese, ensuring complete coverage and maximum flavor infusion.
- Slide the dish into the preheated oven, allowing the provolone to undergo a transformative melting process for approximately 8-10 minutes until it reaches a gloriously bubbling, golden state.
- Extract the molten cheese creation, adorning its surface with a sprinkle of vibrant, freshly chopped parsley for a touch of herbal brightness.
- Serve immediately alongside crisp, toasted bread or crunchy crackers, inviting guests to indulge in this warm, indulgent appetizer.
Alternative Preparation Method
- Select a nonstick skillet and warm it over medium heat, introducing a drizzle of olive oil to create a smooth cooking surface.
- Gently place provolone slices into the heated pan, creating a canvas for flavor development.
- Liberally dust the cheese with aromatic garlic, dried oregano, and a whisper of black pepper, allowing the ingredients to meld and intensify.
- Monitor the provolone’s transformation, cooking for 2-3 minutes until the edges transform into a tantalizing golden-brown hue.
- With precision and care, execute a delicate flip, continuing the culinary alchemy for an additional 1-2 minutes.
- Remove the skillet from heat, crowning the crispy provolone with a scattering of fresh parsley.
- Present immediately alongside crusty bread or crisp crackers, inviting immediate consumption of this irresistible cheese creation.
Notes
- Cheese Selection Matters: Choose high-quality, firm provolone that melts smoothly and holds its shape during cooking.
- Temperature Control is Key: Watch carefully to prevent burning, as provolone can quickly go from perfectly golden to overdone.
- Flavor Boost Technique: Experiment with different herbs like thyme or rosemary to create unique taste profiles for the melted cheese.
- Dietary Adaptations: Use lactose-free provolone for dairy-sensitive individuals or try goat milk provolone for a tangy alternative.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 0 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 1 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg