Cheesy Beau Monde French Bread

updated May 2025

Cheese fondu meet garlic bread is what this incredible cheesy loaf of crusty bread is screaming! A mixture of beau monde seasoning with butter and a few other pantry ingredients, and cheese and this bread can be on your table in no time.

Why I love this bread so much

I first had this bread at my soon-to-be sister-in-law’s house, it was 1993, and Ken, who at the time was only a boy, friend. We were at his sister’s house for his nephew’s birthday. It was his third birthday, and he was a huge fan of Barney, the purple dinosaur. Guess who came to dinner that night? You guessed it, Barney! Barney did not stay for the simple but amazing dinner of grilled steaks, baked potatoes, and cheesy beau monde bread, but he did make one three year old very happy. It was a night to remember. Future family bonding, Barney, and this bread! I have made this bread a gazillion times in the last 32 years, and it is always a hit. It’s perfect with grilled meat, and it also makes a tasty appetizer. The seasoning blend combines warm spices of nutmeg with onion powder, sometimes garlic powder, black pepper, and celery seed. It has a flavor you can’t put your finger on but know you love. 

Gather these ingredients

Some of these ingredients may not be something you would have on hand, but they are all easy to find in your local grocery stores.

How to make cheesy beau monde bread

1. Slice a loaf of bread with a serrated knife to get a nice, smooth slice. Slice pieces of bread to one inch thickness, leaving the bottom of the loaf intact. Slice 9/10ths of the way through the bread loaf. 

2. In a small bowl, add room temperature butter (soft, not melted), one tablespoon finely minced onion (you can use dry or fresh onion), Dijon mustard, poppy seeds, lemon juice, and Beau Monde seasoning. Using a spatula, combine the mixture until smooth and all ingredients are well combined. 

3. Tear a large sheet of aluminum foil, large enough to wrap the loaf completely. Set the sliced loaf on the foil. 

4. With a butter knife, spread Beau Monde compound butter between each slice of bread, smearing the butter evenly on each side of the slice. 

5. If you can find sliced Gruyere or Swiss cheese, take one slice and place it between each slice of bread. If you cannot find slices, grate 2 cups of cheese and sprinkle it evenly between each slice of bread. 

6. If any butter or cheese is left, spread it on top of the bread, wrap tightly in aluminum foil, place on a baking sheet, and bake for 20 minutes at 400 degrees. 

Tips & Variations

• Make ahead: Making this bread ahead of time is a great way to save yourself some time. You can assemble your cheesy loaf or loaves and wrap them tightly in aluminum foil. Either place them in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before baking or freeze them for 6 weeks. Allow them to thaw before baking. 
• Cheese: The original recipe calls for Gruyere cheese; however, if you can’t find this type of cheese, you can use Swiss, Monterey Jack, or provolone. If you do not like Gruyere or Swiss cheese and want to try another because of preference, I urge you to give it a try in this recipe. The nuttiness of these two cheeses really pairs perfectly with the seasoning. 
• Shredded or Sliced Cheese: If you shred your cheese because you cannot find sliced Gruyere or Swiss cheese, you can also add the shredded cheese to the butter mixture, creating a cheesy spread. 
• Bread: French bread can be very different depending on your grocery stores or where you are in the world. Sometimes, in my grocery store, I find that Italian bread is more what I need for this. You could use French baguette; however, if you do, you will need two because a baguette is more slender in shape than a loaf. Basically, you want a long loaf of white bread that is something you would traditionally use to make garlic bread with. 
• Fresh Herbs: Using fresh herbs is always a good idea. If you have fresh parsley, chop one tablespoon and add it to the butter mixture. Rosemary, thyme, and basil also go well in this savory dish!

Beau Monde Cheese Bread is the perfect addition to any meal. This side dish goes exceptionally well with grilled steak, fish, chicken, and veggies. Warning: Once you make this bread for a family gathering, you will always be asked to bring it. This is fine because it’s super easy and very delicious! 

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