If time and busy schedules allowed, we’d still show up at Mama’s table around 3:30 p.m. every day begging for an afternoon snack of cheese bread. Instead, we now work the bread into our dinner routine. You can even serve this on its own or with a salad for lunch. Or, try it with Braised Chicken with Peppers and Mushrooms (page 129) and Not-Your-Mama’s Tuna Casserole (page 62).

　　

Ingredients

serves 4 to 6

　　1 loaf Italian bread, halved lengthwise

　　8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter

　　3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

　　2 garlic cloves, finely chopped

　　1/2 teaspoon salt

　　2 cups grated Monterey Jack cheese (8 ounces)

　　

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 350°F.

　　

Step 2

Melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat, or in a microwave. Stir in the parsley, garlic, and salt. Spoon the butter mixture over the cut sides of the bread. Scatter the cheese over the bottom half of the loaf, and top with the other half.

　　

Step 3

Wrap the loaf in aluminum foil and transfer to a baking sheet. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted. Using a serrated knife, slice the bread and serve immediately.

　　[The Deen Bros. Take It Easy](http://astore.amazon.com/epistore-20/detail/0345513266) by Jamie Deen, Bobby Deen, and Melissa Clark. Copyright © 2009 Jamie Deen, Bobby Deen, and Melissa Clark. Published by Random House Publishing Group. All Rights Reserved.Jamie and Bobby Deen grew up in Georgia—first in Albany and then in Savannah—and, like many Southerners, they have always considered cooking and food a big part of their lives. When their mother, Paula Deen, started a sandwich delivery business in 1989, the boys took charge of deliveries. As the business grew into The Lady restaurant, they continued to help. Then, in 1996, the trio opened The Lady & Sons Restaurant to resounding success. They haven't looked back since. They regularly appear on ABC's Good Morning America and had their own Food Network show, Road Tasted.Melissa Clark has written for The New York Times, Food & Wine, Travel & Leisure, and Real Simple and has collaborated on twenty-one books.