Blooming Bread
Preparation
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Prep: 10 minutes
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Baking: 18–22 minutes
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Serves: 6–8 people
Ingredients
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1 bread loaf (round or oval, soft crust preferred)
Garlic Herb Butter
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4 tbsp butter, softened
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5–6 garlic cloves, finely chopped or grated
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1 tsp mixed dried herbs (oregano / Italian seasoning)
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½ tsp chilli flakes (optional)
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A pinch of salt
Filling
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6–8 cheese slices, torn or cut into small squares
Optional Garnish
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Fresh coriander, spring onion, parsley, finely chopped
Equipment Needed
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Sharp bread knife
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Mixing bowl
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Spoon or spatula
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Aluminium foil
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Baking tray
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Oven
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Bread
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Preheat oven to 180°C / 350°F.
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Place the loaf on a cutting board.
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Make deep vertical cuts across the loaf.
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Turn the loaf and cut crosswise to form a grid.
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Do not cut all the way through—the base should remain intact.
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Step 2: Make Garlic Herb Butter
In a bowl, mix together:
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Softened butter
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Garlic
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Dried herbs
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Chilli flakes
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Salt
Mix until smooth and evenly combined.
Step 3: Assemble
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Gently open the cuts using your fingers.
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Spread garlic butter inside each gap.
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Insert cheese pieces evenly throughout.
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Brush the remaining garlic butter generously over the top.
Step 4: Bake
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Wrap the loaf loosely in aluminium foil.
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Bake for 12–15 minutes until cheese melts.
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Open the foil and bake uncovered for 5–7 minutes until:
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Top is golden
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Cheese is bubbly and lightly crisp
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Pro Tips
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If the loaf feels dry, lightly brush with milk before stuffing.
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Always wrap loosely—tight foil traps steam and softens the crust.
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For extra colour, grill/broil for 1–2 minutes at the end