The Beach Bites™ Recipe

Prepare garlic herb butter

In a medium bowl, combine the softened unsalted butter and 1 tablespoon olive oil. Add the minced garlic (3 tsp), chopped fresh parsley, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until smooth and evenly combined.

Prep the loaf

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Slice the baguette in half lengthwise or make 1-inch diagonal slices without cutting through the bottom for pull-apart style. Place the loaf halves or sliced loaf on a baking sheet, cut side up.

Assemble bread

Spread the garlic herb butter evenly over the cut surface of each half or in between slices so butter reaches edges. Arrange provolone slices evenly over the buttered surfaces—overlap slightly to cover most of the bread. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan evenly over the provolone.

Bake until melted and golden

Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 8–12 minutes until the cheese is melted and edges of bread are golden. For a browned, slightly crisp top, switch oven to broil on high for 1–2 minutes—watch closely to avoid burning. Remove from oven and let rest 1–2 minutes, then garnish with a light sprinkle of fresh parsley if desired. Slice and transfer to serving platter.

Sauté garlic

In a small saucepan, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium-low heat. Add the minced garlic (2 tsp) and sauté briefly for 30–45 seconds until fragrant but not browned.

Simmer sauce

Add the crushed tomatoes and tomato paste to the pan, stirring to combine. Add dried basil, dried oregano, sugar (if using), salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low and cook uncovered for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, to thicken slightly and let flavors meld.

Finish and serve warm or chilled

Taste and adjust seasoning. If serving warm, keep on the lowest heat setting until ready to serve and spoon into a warmed dipping bowl. If serving chilled, allow the sauce to cool to room temperature, stir in torn fresh basil leaves, then refrigerate until cold. Bring chilled sauce out 10–15 minutes before serving for best flavor.