SMOKED MOZZARELLA FONDUTA

Smoked Mozzarella Fonduta image

Provided by Stefanie Wilson

Categories Spreads

Time 25m

Number Of Ingredients 13

1 pkg Italian bread, sliced into 1/4 inch slices
1 c sour cream
1 tsp thyme
1/2 tsp crushed red pepper
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
3 c shredded mozzarella or smoked mozzerella*
3 c shredded provolone or smoked provolone*
3 Tbsp grated Parmesan
3 Tbsp grated Romano
8 tsp fresh diced tomatoes
fresh chopped parsley
NOTE:
*this recipe calls for one of these two cheeses to be smoked and one to be regular

Steps:

1. Preheat oven to 450 F. Arrange sliced Italian bread flat on a baking sheet.
2. Cover with foil. Set aside until ready to use.
3. Combine sour cream, thyme, red pepper, cayenne pepper, and four kinds of cheese in a large bowl. Blend thoroughly.
4. If serving family style, spray an 8" x 10" casserole dish with pan spray.
5. Then use a spatula to transfer the mixture. For individual servings, spray eight individual heat-resistant serving bowls, such as souffle cups, with pan spray and fill each with 1/2 cup of mixture. Place individual bowls on a baking sheet. Using a large spoon, spread cheese mixture to create an even surface.
6. Bake on center rack in oven.
7. After five minutes, place the baking sheet with bread, still covered, in the oven. Bake for an additional five minutes.
8. Remove bread and fonduta from the oven. Garnish with diced tomatoes and parsley. Arrange bread slices around the bowl(s) and serve immediately.