Bread & Spread Recipe

Name: Tubby's Tank House Thunderbolts Bread & Spread Recipe
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 1 whole French baguette; 3 tbs unsalted butter; 1 tbs olive oil; 1 tsp coarse sea salt; 0.25 tsp freshly ground black pepper; 8 oz cream cheese, softened; 0.5 cups ricotta cheese; 0.5 cups parmesan cheese, finely grated; 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced; 2 tbs fresh parsley, finely chopped; 1 tbs fresh chives, finely chopped; 1 tsp lemon juice; 1 tsp olive oil; 0.5 tsp salt; 0.25 tsp freshly ground black pepper; 0.125 tsp crushed red pepper flakes; 1 tsp extra virgin olive oil (for drizzling); 1 tbs fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Inspired by Tubby's Tank House Thunderbolt

Time40m

Serves4

Crispy French bread and house made garlic cheese spread.

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Ingredients

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French Bread

1 whole French baguette

3 tbs Unsalted butter

1 tbs olive oil

1 tsp coarse sea salt

1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper

House Garlic Cheese Spread

8 oz cream cheese, softened

1/2 cups Ricotta cheese

1/2 cups parmesan cheese, finely grated

3 cloves Garlic cloves, minced

2 tbs fresh parsley, finely chopped

1 tbs fresh chives, finely chopped

1 tsp ReaLemon lemon juice

1 tsp olive oil

1/2 tsp Celtic sea salt

1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper

1/8 tsp Crushed red pepper flakes

Finish & Garnish

1 tsp extra virgin olive oil (for drizzling)

1 tbs Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Method

French Bread

Preheat and prep

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.

Slice the baguette

Using a serrated knife, slice the baguette on a slight diagonal into 1/2-inch thick slices. Arrange slices in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.

Season and bake

In a small bowl, melt the unsalted butter (microwave 20–30 seconds) and whisk in 1 tablespoon olive oil, coarse sea salt, and 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper. Brush the butter mixture evenly on both sides of each baguette slice. Bake for 8–10 minutes, flipping once halfway, until edges are golden and crisp. For extra crispness, broil 1–2 minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning. Remove from oven and let cool slightly.

House Garlic Cheese Spread

Soften and combine cheeses

Place the softened cream cheese in a medium bowl. Add ricotta and grated parmesan. Using a hand mixer (or sturdy whisk), beat until smooth and well combined, scraping down the bowl as needed.

Add aromatics and seasonings

Fold in the minced garlic, chopped parsley, chopped chives, lemon juice, 1 tsp olive oil, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper, and 1/8 tsp crushed red pepper flakes. Taste and adjust seasoning — add more salt, lemon, or pepper to preference.

Chill to meld flavors

Cover the spread and refrigerate at least 20 minutes to let flavors meld. If preparing ahead, refrigerate up to 24 hours; bring to room temperature 15 minutes before serving for easier spreading.

Finish & Serve

Transfer the garlic cheese spread to a shallow serving bowl. Drizzle 1 tsp extra virgin olive oil over the top and sprinkle with 1 tablespoon chopped parsley.

Arrange the warm toasted baguette slices around the spread or serve the spread alongside for guests to self-serve. Provide small spreading knives or spoons.

Serve immediately so bread remains crisp. Leftover spread keeps in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days; reheat bread in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5–7 minutes to refresh.