Smoked Mozzarella Fonduta (Olive Garden) Recipe

My sister's favorite restaurant is the Olive Garden. I personally think their food is a little bland and over-priced, but that's just me. The only thing I can remotely tolerate is the Smoked Mozzarella Fonduta appetizer. It is simply delicious. A few years ago I learned how to make it on my own (via Google) so that my sister couldn't lord it over my head anymore to go to that awful place. Here is a recipe similar to the one I use. Sometimes I leave out the sour cream because, well, sometimes I forget that it's in there and don't buy it.

Smoked Mozzarella Fonduta

Ingredients

• 1 loaf Italian bread, such as ciabatta or semolina, sliced into 1/4-inch slices
• 1 c. sour cream
• 1 tsp. thyme
• 1/2 tsp. crushed red pepper
• 1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper
• 3 c. shredded mozzarella
  
• 3 c. shredded smoked provolone
• 3 Tbsp. grated Parmesan cheese
• 3 Tbsp. grated Romano cheese
• 8 tsp. fresh diced tomatoes
• Fresh chopped parsley

Method to the Madness

1. Heat oven to 450 degrees.

2. Mix all ingredients together.

3. Place in a greased casserole dish and bake until bubbly (about 8 - 10 minutes)

4. Serve with Italian bread, sliced thinly