Olive Garden Smoked Mozzarella Fonduta

I had this appetizer last night and could not rest until I found a recipe for it! This is outstanding, you will love it!

• Ready In: 25 mins
• Serves: 8

Ingredients

• 1  loaf  Italian bread, sliced into 1/4 inch slices (such as ciabatta or semolina)
• 1  cup sour cream (Do not substitute light or fat free)
• 1  teaspoon thyme
• 1⁄2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 1⁄4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 3  cups  shredded mozzarella cheese or 3  cups smoked mozzarella cheese, cheese*
• 3  cups  shredded  smoked provolone cheese or 3  cups provolone cheese, cheese*
• 3  tablespoons  grated parmesan cheese
• 3  tablespoons  grated romano cheese

• TO SERVE

• 8  teaspoons  fresh diced tomatoes
•  chopped fresh parsley

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 450 degrees F.
2. Arrange sliced Italian bread flat on a baking sheet and cover with foil. Set aside until ready to use.
3. Combine sour cream, thyme, red pepper, cayenne pepper and four cheeses in a large bowl and blend thoroughly.
4. IF SERVING FAMILY-STYLE:
5. Spray an 8x10-inch casserole dish with pan spray, then use a spatula to transfer the mixture.
6. FOR INDIVIDUAL SERVINGS:
7. Spray eight individual heat-resistant serving bowls, such as souffle cups, with pan spray and fill each with 1/2 cup of mixture. Place individual bowls on a baking sheet. Using a large spoon, spread cheese mixture to create an even surface.
8. TO BAKE:
9. Place casserole dish or baking sheet with individual bowls on center rack in oven.
10. After five minutes, place baking sheet with bread, still covered, on top rack in oven. Bake for an additional five minutes. Remove bread and fonduta from oven.
11. TO SERVE:
12. Garnish casserole dish with diced tomatoes and parsley in center of fonduta or divide evenly among smaller bowls. Arrange bread slices around bowl(s) and serve immediately.
13. *This recipe calls for one of these two cheeses to be smoked and one to be regular).