There’s something truly magical about cooking with provolone cheese that just fills my heart with joy! I remember the first time I made a dish featuring this creamy, tangy delight; it was for a cozy gathering with friends. As the provolone melted and bubbled in the oven, the aroma wafted through the house, making everyone’s mouths water. That’s when I realized that provolone goodness isn’t just about the flavor—it’s about the warmth it brings to any table. Whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or a festive celebration, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be dreaming about those gooey, cheesy bites. So, let’s dive into this deliciousness together!
Ingredients List
- 200g sliced provolone cheese
- 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
How to Prepare Instructions
Preheat the Oven
First things first, let’s get that oven preheating to 180°C (350°F). This step is super important because a properly heated oven ensures that your provolone goodness bakes evenly and gets all bubbly and delicious. Trust me, you want that perfect melt!
Prepare the Ingredients
While the oven is warming up, let’s get our ingredients ready. Grab your 200g of provolone cheese and slice it into thick, hearty pieces. I like them about half an inch thick so they hold up nicely when they melt. Next, take your cherry tomatoes—1 cup of them will do—and halve them for a pop of sweetness that complements the cheese beautifully. The colors are just so inviting!
Arrange on Baking Tray
Now, it’s time to arrange everything on a baking tray. Lay out the slices of provolone and the halved cherry tomatoes, making sure to leave some space between them. This helps the heat circulate and allows everything to cook evenly. You want each piece to bask in that glorious heat!
Season and Drizzle
Next up, let’s add some flavor! Drizzle 2 tablespoons of olive oil over the cheese and tomatoes. Don’t be shy—this adds a lovely richness. Then, sprinkle your teaspoon of dried oregano, along with salt and pepper to taste. Just a pinch of each will elevate the dish wonderfully. I love the aroma that fills the air at this point!
Bake to Perfection
Finally, pop that tray into the oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes. Keep an eye on it—you’re looking for that magical moment when the cheese is all bubbly and golden. Once you see it, you know it’s time to take it out and savor that provolone goodness!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick prep time—just 10 minutes to get everything ready!
- Easy to make, even for beginner cooks; if you can slice cheese, you can do this!
- Incredibly flavorful with the perfect balance of creamy provolone and sweet cherry tomatoes.
- Vegetarian-friendly, making it a great option for gatherings with diverse diets.
- Perfect for sharing and great as an appetizer or a light snack.
- Customizable—add fresh basil or other veggies for a personal touch.
Tips for Success
To truly nail that provolone goodness, here are some pro tips I swear by! First, make sure your cheese is at room temperature before slicing. This helps it melt beautifully and evenly. Also, don’t skimp on the olive oil—it’s your secret weapon for adding richness and preventing sticking. If you want an extra flavor punch, try adding some crushed red pepper flakes on top before baking; it gives a lovely kick! And remember, the baking time can vary based on your oven, so keep a close eye on that bubbling cheese. If you’re feeling adventurous, switch up the herbs—fresh thyme or basil can really elevate the dish! Lastly, serve it fresh out of the oven for that gooey, melty goodness that everyone will rave about!
Variations
- Add Fresh Herbs: Toss in some freshly chopped basil or parsley right before serving for a burst of freshness.
- Mix Up the Veggies: Try adding sliced bell peppers, zucchini, or even artichokes to the mix for a delightful twist.
- Spice It Up: For a kick, sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes or sliced jalapeños on top before baking.
- Different Cheeses: Swap out provolone for mozzarella or fontina if you’re in the mood for something different, but still delicious.
- Change the Seasonings: Experiment with different herbs like thyme or rosemary to give it a unique flavor profile.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers of this provolone goodness, storing them properly is key to keeping all that cheesy flavor intact! Allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just make sure it’s sealed tight to prevent any moisture from getting in—nobody wants soggy cheese!
When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, I recommend reheating them in the oven for the best results. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F), place the provolone goodness on a baking sheet, and cover it loosely with aluminum foil. This helps retain moisture while it warms up. Heat it for about 10-15 minutes, or until it’s nice and bubbly again. If you’re in a hurry, you can microwave it, but be careful not to overdo it! Heat in short bursts of about 30 seconds, checking regularly to avoid a rubbery texture. Trust me, nothing beats that fresh-out-of-the-oven taste! Enjoy every cheesy bite!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for one serving of this delicious provolone goodness. Keep in mind that these numbers can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes, but this should give you a good idea of what to expect:
- Calories: 250
- Total Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
- Sodium: 400mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 5g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 2g
- Protein: 15g
So, there you have it! This dish is not only a treat for your taste buds but also packs a satisfying amount of protein and flavor. Enjoy your cheesy delight, knowing you’re indulging in something delicious yet relatively light!
FAQ Section
What can I serve with provolone goodness?
I love serving this dish with some warm, toasted bread or crispy crostini. It’s perfect for scooping up that gooey cheese and juicy tomatoes! You can also pair it with a fresh salad for a delightful contrast. If you’re feeling fancy, a drizzle of balsamic reduction on the side really elevates the experience!
Can I use other cheeses?
Absolutely! While provolone is a star in this dish, you can totally switch it up. Mozzarella or fontina are great alternatives that melt beautifully. You could even experiment with a blend of cheeses for a richer flavor. Just keep in mind that different cheeses might bring a unique taste profile to the dish!
How do I make it more flavorful?
To boost the flavor, consider adding fresh herbs like basil or thyme after baking. You can also sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes or garlic powder before baking for an extra kick! Experimenting with different seasonings can really take your provolone goodness to the next level. Don’t be afraid to get creative with your flavors!
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can! Prepare everything up to the baking step and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to enjoy, just pop it in the oven and bake as directed. It’s a fantastic make-ahead option for gatherings!
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
The best way to reheat is in the oven to keep that melty texture. Just cover it loosely with aluminum foil and warm at 180°C (350°F) for about 10-15 minutes. If you’re in a rush, the microwave will work, but be cautious not to overheat it, or you might end up with rubbery cheese!
Provolone Goodness: 7 Cheesy Ways to Melt Hearts
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delicious dish featuring provolone cheese.
Ingredients
- 200g provolone cheese
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 180°C.
- Slice the provolone cheese into thick pieces.
- Arrange the cheese and cherry tomatoes on a baking tray.
- Drizzle olive oil over the top.
- Sprinkle oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes until the cheese is bubbly.
Notes
- Serve with toasted bread.
- Can add fresh basil for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: provolone goodness
