Chopped Cheese Garlic Bread (Print version)

A stuffed garlic bread loaf filled with chopped cheese beef, onions, melted American cheese, sauce, lettuce, and tomato.

# Ingredients:

For the garlic bread

01 - 1 large Italian loaf or French bread, about 14-16 inches long
02 - 6 tablespoons (85 g) unsalted butter, softened
03 - 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
04 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
05 - 2 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese
06 - 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt

For the chopped cheese filling

07 - 1 tablespoon neutral oil
08 - 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
09 - 1 lb (450 g) 80/20 ground beef
10 - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
11 - 1 teaspoon adobo seasoning or seasoned salt
12 - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
13 - 6 slices American cheese

For finishing

14 - 1/4 cup mayonnaise
15 - 2 tablespoons ketchup
16 - 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
17 - 1 tablespoon pickle juice or finely chopped pickles
18 - 1 cup shredded iceberg lettuce
19 - 1 medium tomato, thinly sliced
20 - Pickle slices, optional

# Instructions:

01 - Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a sheet pan with parchment or foil.
02 - Stir together the softened butter, garlic, parsley, parmesan, and salt. Split the loaf lengthwise and scoop out a small amount of the soft center to make room for filling.
03 - Spread the garlic butter over the cut sides of the bread. Place cut-side up on the sheet pan and bake for 7-8 minutes, until the edges are lightly crisp.
04 - Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onion and cook for 2 minutes. Add the beef, garlic powder, adobo seasoning, and pepper. Cook, pressing and chopping with a spatula, until browned and cooked through.
05 - Lower the heat to medium. Lay the American cheese over the beef and let it soften for 30-60 seconds. Chop and fold the cheese through the meat until creamy and evenly melted.
06 - Spoon the hot chopped cheese filling into the toasted bread. Return to the oven for 4-5 minutes, until the filling is hot and the bread is crisp.
07 - Mix the mayo, ketchup, mustard, and pickle juice. Drizzle over the hot filling, then add lettuce, tomato, and pickles if using. Close the loaf, press lightly, and slice into 4 servings.

# Good to know:

01 - Serve immediately for the crispest bread.
02 - Keep cold toppings separate if making ahead.
03 - Ground beef should reach 160°F for food safety.

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