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
																
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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