- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking.
- Prepare the baguette boats: Slice the baguette into 4-6 equal portions, depending on the size of the baguette and how many servings you want. Cut each portion in half lengthwise to create boats, being careful not to slice all the way through. You want to create a hollowed-out “boat” shape for the filling.
- Prepare the minced meat filling: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic and sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant. Add the minced meat to the pan, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned and fully cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
- Season the meat: Once the meat is cooked, add the oregano, thyme, smoked paprika (if using), salt, and pepper to the pan. Stir everything together and cook for an additional 2 minutes to allow the flavors to combine. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Assemble the baguette boats: Place the hollowed-out baguette portions on a baking sheet. Spoon the minced meat mixture into each baguette boat, packing the filling down gently. Top the meat with a generous amount of shredded Havarti cheese, ensuring the cheese covers the entire filling.
- Bake the baguette boats: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the edges of the baguette are golden and crisp.
- Garnish and serve: Remove the baguette boats from the oven and garnish with fresh parsley and additional basil or thyme, if desired. Serve hot, and enjoy!
Serving and Storage Tips:
- Serving Suggestions: These cheesy baguette boats make an excellent main dish when served with a side of salad, roasted vegetables, or French fries. They also work well as an appetizer for a party or gathering.
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted again.
Variants:
- Vegetarian Version: Use plant-based ground meat, such as lentils or a meat substitute like soy crumbles, to make the filling vegetarian or vegan-friendly.
- Different Cheeses: You can swap out the Havarti cheese for mozzarella, cheddar, or provolone, depending on your taste preference.
- Add Veggies: For an extra nutritional boost, you can mix in finely chopped veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach with the meat filling.
FAQ:
- Can I use a different type of bread for the boats? Yes! While a baguette works best for this recipe, you can use any crusty bread, such as a ciabatta loaf or French bread, as a base for the filling.
- Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the filling and assemble the baguette boats ahead of time. Just cover them and refrigerate them until you’re ready to bake. Add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
- Can I freeze the assembled baguette boats? Yes! You can freeze the assembled boats before baking. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to bake, just bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
These Cheesy Baguette Boats with Minced Meat, Havarti, and Herbs are packed with flavor and texture, making them the perfect indulgent dish to serve for any occasion. Whether as a quick weeknight meal or a crowd-pleasing appetizer, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. Enjoy the savory combination of crispy baguette, tender meat, and gooey cheese!
