If you’ve ever enjoyed the smoked mozzarella fonduta at Olive Garden, you know how rich, creamy, and satisfying this dish is. Now, you can recreate this cheesy appetizer right at home with this simple recipe! The combination of smoky and savory flavors makes this dish perfect for entertaining guests or treating your family to something special. Serve it with warm, crusty Italian bread, and watch it disappear!
Ingredients for Smoked Mozzarella Fonduta
- 1 package (450 g) Italian bread, sliced into 1/4-inch (0.6 cm) slices
- 1 cup (240 ml) sour cream
- 1 tsp (5 g) thyme
- 1/2 tsp (2-3 g) crushed red pepper
- 1/4 tsp (1 g) cayenne pepper
- 3 cups (340 g) shredded mozzarella or smoked mozzarella*
- 3 cups (340 g) shredded provolone or smoked provolone*
- 3 Tbsp (20 g) grated Parmesan
- 3 Tbsp (20 g) grated Romano
- 8 tsp (40 g) fresh diced tomatoes
- Fresh chopped parsley
Note:
This recipe calls for one of the cheeses (either mozzarella or provolone) to be smoked, while the other remains regular for a balanced flavor.
How to Make Smoked Mozzarella Fonduta
- Prepare the Bread: Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Arrange the sliced Italian bread flat on a baking sheet.
- Cover and Set Aside: Cover the bread with aluminum foil and set it aside until ready to bake.
- Mix the Cheese Blend: In a large mixing bowl, combine the sour cream, thyme, crushed red pepper, cayenne pepper, mozzarella, provolone, Parmesan, and Romano cheeses. Mix thoroughly until well blended.
- Prepare the Baking Dish: For family-style servings, spray an 8×10-inch (20×25 cm) casserole dish with non-stick spray.
- For individual servings, spray eight heat-resistant bowls (such as soufflé cups) with non-stick spray and fill each with 1/2 cup (120 ml) of the cheese mixture.
- Transfer the Mixture: Use a spatula to evenly spread the cheese mixture in the prepared casserole dish or individual bowls.
- Bake the Fonduta: Place the dish or bowls on the center rack of the preheated oven and bake for 5 minutes.
- Bake the Bread: After 5 minutes, place the baking sheet with the foil-covered bread in the oven alongside the fonduta.
- Bake everything for an additional 5 minutes.
- Serve and Garnish: Remove both the bread and fonduta from the oven. Garnish the fonduta with fresh diced tomatoes and parsley. Arrange the warm bread slices around the dish and serve immediately.
Final Thoughts
This smoked mozzarella fonduta is the ultimate cheesy indulgence, perfect for any occasion. The smoky, gooey cheese paired with warm, crusty bread makes for an irresistible combination that will leave everyone asking for seconds. Whether served as an appetizer or a party dish, it’s guaranteed to impress. Enjoy this restaurant-quality recipe in the comfort of your own home!
