Copycat Olive Garden Smoked Mozzarella Fonduta Recipe

Introduction

This Copycat Olive Garden Smoked Mozzarella Fonduta is a creamy, cheesy dip that’s perfect for sharing. With layers of melted cheeses and a hint of spice, it pairs beautifully with toasted baguette slices for an irresistible appetizer.

Ingredients

• 1 baguette
• Olive oil, for drizzling
• ½ cup sour cream (or plain Greek yogurt)
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ¼ teaspoon dried thyme
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 4 ounces smoked provolone cheese
• A dash of cayenne pepper

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F.
2. Step 2: Slice the baguette into ¼ to ½ inch slices. Arrange the slices in a single layer on a baking sheet and drizzle lightly with olive oil.
3. Step 3: Bake the bread slices for 5 minutes, then flip them over and bake for another 3 minutes. Remove from the oven and set aside.
4. Step 4: Increase the oven temperature to 400°F.
5. Step 5: In a medium bowl, combine sour cream, mozzarella, Parmesan, dried thyme, red pepper flakes, and a dash of cayenne pepper. Mix well.
6. Step 6: Spread the cheese mixture evenly into a small baking dish.
7. Step 7: Layer the smoked provolone cheese slices over the top of the cheese mixture.
8. Step 8: Bake the dish for about 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbling.
9. Step 9: Turn off the oven, then switch to the broil setting. Move the dish to the top rack.
10. Step 10: Broil the fonduta for approximately 1 minute, until the cheese develops golden brown spots. Watch carefully to avoid burning.
11. Step 11: Remove from oven and serve immediately with the toasted baguette slices.

Tips & Variations

• Use plain Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a tangier, lighter dip.
• Add a pinch of smoked paprika for an extra smoky flavor.
• Swap out the smoked provolone for smoked gouda to change the cheese profile.
• Try adding fresh herbs like chopped basil or parsley on top after baking for brightness.

Storage

Store any leftover fonduta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a microwave or oven until warmed through, stirring occasionally. Toast fresh bread for serving to maintain crispness.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this fonduta ahead of time?

You can prepare the cheese mixture in advance and keep it refrigerated, but it’s best to bake and broil just before serving to enjoy the best texture and flavor.

What can I use if I can’t find smoked provolone?

Smoked gouda or smoked mozzarella are excellent substitutes that will provide a similar smoky taste and melt nicely in this dish.

Copycat Olive Garden Smoked Mozzarella Fonduta Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 131 reviews

• Author: Matteo
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

This Copycat Olive Garden Smoked Mozzarella Fonduta is a warm, creamy, and cheesy dip featuring smoked provolone, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses blended with a touch of sour cream and spices. Served bubbling hot with toasted baguette slices, it’s perfect as an appetizer or party snack.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Baguette Toasts

• 1 baguette
• Olive oil, for drizzling

For the Fonduta

• ½ cup sour cream (or plain Greek yogurt)
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ¼ teaspoon dried thyme
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
• Dash of cayenne pepper
• 4 ounces smoked provolone cheese slices

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven for toasting bread: Set the oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for toasting the baguette slices evenly.
2. Slice and oil baguette: Slice the baguette into 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick slices, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet, and drizzle each slice lightly with olive oil for crispiness and flavor.
3. Toast bread slices: Bake the bread slices for 5 minutes, then flip and toast for another 3 minutes until golden and crisp. Remove from oven and set aside.
4. Preheat oven for fonduta: Increase oven temperature to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking the cheese mixture.
5. Mix cheese and seasonings: In a medium bowl, combine sour cream, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, dried thyme, red pepper flakes, and a dash of cayenne pepper until well blended.
6. Assemble fonduta: Spread the cheese mixture evenly into a small baking dish, then layer the smoked provolone slices on top for smoky flavor and an appealing presentation.
7. Bake until melted: Place the cheese dish in the oven and bake for approximately 10 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
8. Broil for browning: Turn off the oven and switch to the broil setting. Move the dish to the top rack and broil for about 1 minute until the cheese develops a light golden brown crust.
9. Serve immediately: Remove the fonduta from the oven and serve hot alongside the toasted baguette slices for dipping.

Notes

• Substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream for a tangier, lighter option.
• Baguette slices can be toasted a day ahead; warm briefly before serving.
• Adjust red pepper flakes and cayenne to suit your preferred spice level.
• Use a shallow baking dish for more even cheese melting and browning.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Keywords: smoked mozzarella fonduta, Olive Garden copycat recipe, cheesy dip, smoked provolone, appetizer, baked cheese dip, toasted baguette