Cheese Bread Bars

These are great on their own as an appetizer or served with soups and salads. Be sure to use the best cheeses you can find!

Butter for greasing pan
1/4 cup dry bread crumbs
1 1/2 cups flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
3 large eggs
1/3 cup vegetable oil
2 tablespoons whole milk
4 oz. finely grated Parmigiano Reggiano
4 oz. finely grated Pecorino Romano
4 oz. finely grated Gruyere

Put oven rack in middle position and preheat oven to 400F. Butter bottom and sides of a 13x9 inch baking pan, then sprinkle with bread crumbs, knocking out excess. Whisk together flour and baking powder in a bowl. Whisk together eggs, oil and milk in a large bowl, then stir in cheeses. Add flour mixture, stirring until incorporated (dough will be stiff). Press dough evenly into pan, then smooth top with a spatula. Bake until golden and firm to the touch, about 25 minutes. Remove from the oven and cool 10 minutes, turn bread onto a cutting board, then turn right side up. Cut into 24 bars (3 by 1 1/2 inches) and serve warm or at room temperature. Makes 24 bars.

Credit: Gourmet 4/2007