Basil Cheese Loaf Recipes

BASIL CHEESE LOAF

Steps:

• Combine the cream cheese and Roquefort in a bowl.
• Mix until smooth.
• Set aside.
• Combine the spinach, parsley, basil and garlic in a bowl of a food processor.
• With the motor running, slowly drizzle the oil through the food tube.
• Continue processing until smooth.
• Transfer the mixture to a bowl.
• Add walnuts and Parmesan and mix well.
• Line a 5-½-x2-½-loaf pan with plastic wrap, leaving extra wrap to hang over the sides.
• Spread 1/3 of the cheese mixture evenly.
• Next, spread ½ of the pesto mixture and arrange a layer of the sun dried tomatoes on top.
• Repeat the cheese, pesto and tomato layers.
• Finish with the remaining 1/3 cheese mixture.
• Wrap and refrigerate for 24 hours.
• TO SERVE: Allow the loaf to come to a room temperature about 30 minutes.
• Invert it onto a platter and provide a cheese-slicing knife.
• Have a basket of crackers and bread close by.

BASIL CHEESE LOAF

Steps:

• 1. Combine the cream cheese and Roquefort in a bowl, and mix until smooth. Set aside. 2. Combine the spinach, parsley, basil, and garlic in the bowl of a food processor. With the motor running, slowly drizzle the oil through the feed tube; continue processing until smooth. Transfer the mixture to a bowl, add the walnuts and Parmesan, and mix thoroughly. 3. Line a 5 1/2 x 2 1/2 inch loaf pan with plastic wrap, leaving extra wrap hanging over the sides. 4. Spread one third of the cheese mixture evenly over the bottom of the pan. Next, spread half the pesto mixture, and arrange a layer of sun-dried tomatoes on top. Repeat the cheese, pesto, and tomato layers. Finish with the remaining third of the cheese mixture. Cover with the overhanging plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 24 hours. 5. To serve, allow the loaf to come just to room temperature, about 30 minutes. Invert it onto a platter, and provide a cheese-slicing knife. Have a basket of crackers and bread nearby.

PESTO MEAT LOAF

Steps:

• Place pesto ingredients in the order listed in a food processor; cover and process on low speed until a paste forms. , In a large bowl, combine the first six meat loaf ingredients; add pesto. Crumble beef over mixture and mix well. Press into a greased 9x5-in. loaf pan. , Bake at 350° for 50-60 minutes or until a thermometer reads 160°, draining off fat if necessary. Let stand in pan for 10 minutes before slicing.

ITALIAN CHEESE LOAF

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350°. Cut top half off loaf of bread. Carefully hollow out both halves of loaf, leaving a 1/2-in. shell (discard removed bread or save for another use). , Combine remaining ingredients. Spoon into bottom half of bread, mounding as necessary; replace top. Wrap in foil. Bake until cheese is melted, about 25 minutes. Slice and serve warm.

TOMATO BASIL BREAD

Steps:

• In a large bowl, dissolve yeast in water. Stir in basil, Parmesan cheese, tomato paste, sugar, oil, salt, pepper flakes and 2 cups flour. Stir in enough remaining flour to form a stiff dough. , Turn onto a floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, about 3-5 minutes. Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease top. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour. , Punch dough down; knead for 1 minute. Shape into a round loaf. Place on a greased baking sheet. Cover and let rise until doubled, about 1 hour. , With a sharp knife, cut a large "X" in top of loaf. Bake at 375° for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from pan to a wire rack to cool.

PROSCIUTTO-STUFFED MEAT LOAF

Steps:

• In a large skillet, saute onion in oil and butter for 2 minutes. Add garlic; cook 1 minute longer. Add mushrooms; cook 6-8 minutes longer or until mushrooms are tender and no liquid remains. Stir in salt and pepper. , In a large bowl, combine the eggs, bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, thyme and mushroom mixture. Crumble beef and sausage over mixture; mix well., On a large piece of heavy-duty foil, pat beef mixture into a 15x10-in. rectangle. Layer the prosciutto, Havarti, basil and tomatoes to within 1 in. of edges. Roll up jelly-roll style, starting with a short side and peeling foil away while rolling. Seal seams and ends. , Place seam side down in a greased 13x9-in. baking dish. Bake, uncovered, at 350° for 75-85 minutes or until no pink remains and a thermometer reads 160°. Let stand for 5 minutes. Using two large spatulas, carefully transfer meat loaf to a serving platter.

BASIL GARLIC BREAD

Steps:

• In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the butter, parsley, basil and garlic. Cover and microwave until butter is melted. Stir in cheese., Cut the bread in half lengthwise; place cut side down on an uncovered grill over medium heat for 2 minutes or until lightly toasted. Brush cut side with the butter mixture. Grill or broil 1-2 minutes longer.