Antipasto Cheddar Garlic Bread

Antipasto Cheddar Garlic Bread

With a variety of antipasto toppings, this party-style cheddar garlic bread makes a fun and stunning presentation that will impress any guest.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 8

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup (125 mL) butter, at room temperature
• 2 tbsp (30 mL) olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 tsp (2 mL) dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp (2 mL) each salt and pepper
• 1 large rustic Italian loaf, halved lengthwise
• 8 slices Balderson Cheddar Aged 1 Year Natural Cheese Slices
• 1/2 cup (125 mL) finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes
• 1/4 cup (60 mL) basil pesto
• 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 1/2 jar (12 oz/375 g) marinated artichokes, drained and chopped
• 1 jarred roasted red pepper, thinly sliced and patted dry
• 1/2 cup (125 mL) sliced pepperoncini, drained well

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Mix together butter, olive oil, garlic, oregano, salt and pepper; spread over cut sides of bread. Transfer to parchment paper–lined baking sheet. Layer cheddar slices over top, overlapping slices if necessary.
2. Arrange half of the sun-dried tomatoes, pesto, bacon, artichokes, roasted red pepper, pepperoncini and remaining sun-dried tomatoes in rows over cheese.
3. Bake for 10 to 15 minutes or until cheese melts and toppings are heated through.

Tip:

For a festive presentation, serve the bread on a cutting board with charcuterie and lots of antipasto nibbles.