Duree Family Cheese Bread

For those of you close to the family, you might find it a little awkward that I am mentioning Chris (my Dad) and Julie (my Mom) in the same recipe post. Yes readers, they are divorced. However, dear friends and family know that they were married for a wholesome 20 years before getting said divorce and still have maintained as positive of a relationship as a divorced couple can. I'm not trying to sound damaged, I just have to give props to both of my parents when it comes to this cheese bread. They both have a love for culinary endeavors and they both were together and have made this recipe many, many times. As a matter of fact, you know you have it in with our family when you get to eat this cheese bread. You are lucky I am sharing this with you dear friends:)

When my sister, Erin and then fiance, Todd where getting ready for their wedding, we joked that we should make t-shirts regarding the family cheese bread stating that the following: "We came for the daughters. We stay for the cheese bread." It's serious stuff.

This is a "healthier" gluten-free version of our family's favorite cheese bread. I could not shy away from the butter, but it is totally worth it as it adds more of a golden crust and crunch to the outside encompassing the cream cheese center. Trust me, this bread will become a staple to anytime you are struggling to find the perfect side or something different because it goes with about anything. It is so good!

Duree Family Cheese Bread

1 loaf of gluten free or regular French bread (I like Shar's brand)
8 oz. 1/3 less fat cream cheese, softened
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons mayonnaise
1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
2 cups shredded 2% cheddar cheese

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Spray a baking sheet with non-stick cooking spray and set aside. Cut your bread in half length wise and lay both halves on your baking sheet. In a medium sized dish, beat together the cream cheese, butter, mayonnaise, garlic powder, and 1 cup of the cheddar cheese until incorporated. Spread the mixture over both halves of bread. Place in the oven and bake for 10-15 minutes or until the spread begins to bubble. Remove the baking sheet from the oven. Top both loaves with the remaining cheddar cheese. Place back in the oven and bake for another 5-10 minutes or until the cheese is melted and beginning to turn golden brown around the edges. Let the cheese cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.