Cheesy Garlic Stuffed French Bread

By Joelene

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 sticks (12 tablespoons) unsalted butter, softened
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 1/2 cup grated yellow onions
• 3 tablespoons chopped parsley leaves
• 2 tablespoons minced garlic
• 1 tablespoon Essence, recipe follows
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon hot pepper sauce
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 loaf French or Italian bread, about 22 inches long, cut in 1/2 lengthwise
• 2 1/2 cups grated sharp cheddar

Preparation

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.

In a large bowl, cream together the butter and olive oil. Add the onions, parsley, garlic, Essence, lemon juice, pepper sauce, and salt and combine with a rubber spatula.

Spread a large sheet of heavy aluminum foil on a work surface and place the 2 French bread halves in the middle. Spread the mixture evenly over both halves of bread. Cover the bottom 1/2 evenly with the cheese and top with the other 1/2. Wrap together in the foil and place on a baking sheet. Bake until the crust is hard and the filling is gooey, about 20 minutes.

Remove from the oven, unwrap, and cut into 2-inch thick slices.

Serve immediately.

Essence (Emeril's Creole Seasoning):

2 1/2 tablespoons paprika

2 tablespoons salt

2 tablespoons garlic powder

1 tablespoon black pepper

1 tablespoon onion powder

1 tablespoon cayenne pepper

1 tablespoon dried leaf oregano

1 tablespoon dried thyme

Combine all ingredients thoroughly and store in an airtight jar or container.

Yield: about 2/3 cup