Description
This Cheesy Garlic Bread recipe transforms a simple loaf of Italian bread into a delicious, buttery, and cheesy side perfect for complementing any Italian meal. With a flavorful garlic butter spread and a blend of Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses, it’s quick to prepare and bakes into a golden, crispy treat.
Ingredients
Bread
- 1 loaf Italian Bread
Garlic Butter Mixture
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic (about 5 cloves)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon salt, or more to taste
Cheese
- ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with aluminum foil to catch any drips and make cleanup easier.
- Make the Garlic Butter: In a small bowl, thoroughly mix the softened unsalted butter with the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and salt to create a flavorful garlic butter spread.
- Prep the Bread: Slice the Italian bread loaf lengthwise so that it opens like a book. Place the cut side facing up on the prepared baking sheet.
- Spread Garlic Butter: Evenly spread the garlic butter mixture over the cut side of the bread, ensuring good coverage for maximum flavor.
- Initial Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the bread for about 7 to 9 minutes or until the edges start to brown and the butter mixture is hot and bubbly.
- Add Cheese: Remove the bread from the oven and sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the garlic butter. Then, add a generous layer of shredded mozzarella cheese on top.
- Final Bake: Return the bread to the oven and bake for another 4 to 5 minutes, or until the cheeses are melted, bubbly, and starting to brown.
- Garnish and Serve: Take the bread out of the oven, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top, slice into portions, and serve warm for best taste.
Notes
- Use fresh garlic for the best flavor; garlic powder can be substituted but will change the taste.
- For a crispier crust, broil the bread for 1-2 minutes at the end but watch carefully to avoid burning.
- You can substitute Italian bread with French bread or a sturdy baguette.
- Adjust salt to taste, especially if using salted butter.
- Leftover bread is best stored wrapped tightly and can be reheated in the oven to maintain crispiness.
