Cheesy Garlic Bread

When it comes to comfort food, few things can compete with a piping hot plate of cheesy garlic bread. This dish combines the irresistible flavors of garlic and butter with the melty goodness of cheese, making it an ideal accompaniment to pastas, soups, or simply enjoyed on its own as a snack. If you’re looking for something that’s not only easy to make but also undeniably delicious, this cheesy garlic bread recipe is for you.

Why Make This Cheesy Garlic Bread

There are countless recipes for garlic bread, but this one stands out for its perfect balance of flavors and textures. The combination of fresh garlic, gooey mozzarella, and tangy Parmesan not only tantalizes your taste buds but also fills your kitchen with a mouthwatering aroma that will have everyone gathering around. This cheesy garlic bread is an easy way to impress guests at a dinner party or make a family meal feel extra special. It’s also highly customizable, allowing you to add herbs or spices to suit your taste.

How to Make Cheesy Garlic Bread

Making cheesy garlic bread is a simple process that requires just a few steps and ingredients. With a little prep work, you can have a delicious and cheesy loaf ready to bake in no time. The essential components include a good quality bread, a rich garlic butter mixture, and plenty of cheese to create that ooey-gooey texture we all crave.

Ingredients:

• 1 (16-20 oz) loaf high-quality bread (Italian, French baguette, or ciabatta)
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 8-10 cloves fresh garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Pinch red pepper flakes (optional)

Directions:

1. Prepare Garlic Butter: Ensure 1 cup of softened unsalted butter. Mince 8-10 cloves of fresh garlic. In a medium bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, 1/4 cup chopped parsley, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Mix thoroughly until light and fluffy. If you like a little heat, stir in some red pepper flakes.

2. Prep Bread & Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Slice the bread lengthwise or crosswise into 1-inch thick slices, keeping the bottom crust connected if you want a pull-apart style.

3. Assemble Cheesy Garlic Bread: Generously spread 3/4 of the garlic butter over the cut surfaces of the bread, ensuring it gets into all those delicious crevices. Sprinkle 1.5 cups of shredded mozzarella and then half of the grated Parmesan cheese over the butter. If desired, you can dot the remaining 1/4 garlic butter over the cheese layers. Finally, top with the remaining 1/2 cup mozzarella and the rest of the Parmesan. Carefully transfer the loaded bread to the prepared baking sheet.

4. Bake: Bake for 10-15 minutes at 400°F (200°C) until the edges of the bread are golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and melted.

5. Broil for Golden Crust: Switch your oven to the broiler setting. Broil for 1-3 minutes until the cheese turns beautifully golden-brown and slightly crisped. Watch closely to prevent burning, rotating the baking sheet if needed for even browning.

6. Serve: Remove from the oven and transfer to a cutting board. Let it rest for 2-3 minutes. Garnish with additional fresh chopped parsley or more red pepper flakes if you wish. Slice into individual pieces or serve pull-apart style while it’s still hot and gooey.

Nutritional Information

Serving Size: 1 slice

• Calories: 290
• Total Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 14g
• Cholesterol: 60mg
• Sodium: 300mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 23g
• Dietary Fiber: 1g
• Sugars: 1g
• Protein: 9g

How to Serve Cheesy Garlic Bread

Cheesy garlic bread can be a versatile addition to any meal. Serve it alongside spaghetti for a classic Italian experience, pair it with a heaping bowl of soup, or have it as an appetizer at gatherings. It also makes for a fantastic side dish at barbecues, where guests will love gobbling up the cheesy goodness.

How to Store Cheesy Garlic Bread

Leftover cheesy garlic bread can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For extended freshness, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and keep it in the refrigerator for up to a week. To reheat, pop it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, ensuring the cheese is melted again.

Expert Tips for Perfect Cheesy Garlic Bread

• Use high-quality bread for the best flavor and texture.
• Feel free to experiment with different cheeses, such as cheddar or gouda, for a unique twist.
• If you want an herby boost, add fresh basil or thyme to the garlic butter.
• For a vegan option, substitute butter with vegan margarine and use plant-based cheese.

Delicious Variations

• Pesto Garlic Bread: Mix a bit of pesto into your garlic butter for an herby twist.
• Cheesy Jalapeño Bread: Add sliced jalapeños for a spicy kick.
• Herbed Garlic Bread: Incorporate fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for a burst of flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use frozen bread?
   Yes, frozen bread works wonderfully! Just let it thaw before slicing and applying the garlic butter.

2. What type of cheese can I use?
   While mozzarella and Parmesan are classic choices, you can experiment with other cheese types like cheddar, fontina, or even feta for a twist.

3. How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
   Use a gluten-free bread option as a substitute for traditional bread.

4. Can I skip the parsley?
   Yes, if you’re not a fan of parsley, you can omit it or use another herb like chives or green onions.

5. Can I prepare this ahead of time?
   Absolutely! You can prepare the garlic butter and spread it on the bread ahead of time, then store it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake.

6. Is it necessary to broil the bread?
   Broiling isn’t mandatory but really enhances the cheese’s texture and flavor. Just be careful and watch it closely as it can burn quickly.

7. Can I make this without butter?
   While butter adds a rich flavor, using olive oil as a substitute can also provide tasty results.

8. What should I serve with this garlic bread?
   It pairs well with pasta dishes, salads, soups, or as a standalone snack.

9. How do I know when it’s done?
   Look for a bubbly, golden-brown cheese layer and a crispy edge on the bread.

10. Can I add meat to this recipe?
    Yes, you can easily add cooked bacon bits or diced ham for a meaty twist.

In summary, this cheesy garlic bread is a delightful treat that brings the perfect combination of flavor, simplicity, and comfort to your table. Whether you’re enjoying it with friends, serving it at a family dinner, or indulging during a cozy night in, this recipe is a go-to that never disappoints. So grab your ingredients and give this mouthwatering dish a try today! We’d love to hear how it turned out for you, so don’t hesitate to share your experience with us!

Cheesy Garlic Bread

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• Author: acheyakh-mohamed
• Total Time: 35
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

Pin Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

A delicious and easy recipe for cheesy garlic bread, perfect as a side or a snack.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 (16-20 oz) loaf high-quality bread (Italian, French baguette, or ciabatta)
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 8–10 cloves fresh garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Pinch red pepper flakes (optional)

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Instructions

1. In a medium bowl, combine softened unsalted butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Mix until light and fluffy.
2. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Slice the bread lengthwise or crosswise.
3. Spread 3/4 of the garlic butter over the cut surfaces of the bread. Sprinkle with 1.5 cups of mozzarella and half of the Parmesan.
4. Transfer the loaded bread to the baking sheet and bake for 10-15 minutes until the edges are golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
5. Switch to broiler setting and broil for 1-3 minutes until cheese is golden-brown. Watch closely.
6. Let it rest for 2-3 minutes, garnish with parsley or red pepper flakes, then slice and serve.

Notes

For a vegan option, substitute butter with vegan margarine and use plant-based cheese. Customize cheeses and herbs as desired.

• Prep Time: 15
• Cook Time: 20
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice
• Calories: 290
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 300mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 14g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 23g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 9g
• Cholesterol: 60mg

Keywords: cheesy, garlic, bread, appetizer, vegetarian, easy, comfort food