Cheesy Garlic Bread is a deliciously indulgent side dish that’s ideal for pairing with pasta, soups, or just enjoying on its own. With its buttery, garlicky goodness and layers of melted cheese, this bread is sure to please any crowd.
Ingredients
1 (14 oz) loaf of French or Italian bread
1/4 cup salted butter, softened
2 tablespoons olive oil (not extra virgin)
1 tablespoon minced garlic (or 1 teaspoon granulated garlic)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1 1/4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/3 cup finely shredded Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
Directions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F. Halve the loaf of bread lengthwise.
- Prepare the Garlic Butter: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Spread and Bake: Spread the garlic butter mixture evenly over both halves of the bread. Wrap the bread in foil and place it on a baking sheet. Bake for 10 minutes.
- Add Cheese: After 10 minutes, remove the bread from the oven, unwrap the foil, and fold it inward. Sprinkle the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses evenly over the bread.
- Bake Again: Return the bread to the oven and bake uncovered for another 5-6 minutes. For extra crispiness, broil for 1-2 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Finish and Serve: Sprinkle the finished bread with fresh parsley, slice, and serve warm.
Servings and Timing
This recipe yields approximately 4-6 servings and takes about 20-25 minutes to prepare and cook.
Variations
- Herb-Infused: Add dried Italian herbs like oregano or basil to the garlic butter for extra flavor.
- Cheese Lovers: Experiment with different cheeses such as cheddar, gouda, or a blend for varied tastes.
- Spicy Kick: Mix in a pinch of red pepper flakes or some chopped jalapeños for a spicy twist.
Storage/Reheating
Store any leftover cheesy garlic bread in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, wrap it in foil and warm it in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes, or pop it in the toaster oven for a quick refresh.
FAQs
- Can I use unsalted butter?
Yes, just adjust the salt in the recipe to your taste. - Can I use different types of bread?
Absolutely! Baguettes, ciabatta, or even whole wheat bread work well. - How do I make it vegan?
Substitute butter with vegan butter and use dairy-free cheese alternatives. - Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the garlic butter mixture and store it in the fridge until ready to use. - What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge. - Can I freeze cheesy garlic bread?
Yes, wrap it tightly and freeze. Thaw and reheat before serving. - How do I prevent the bread from getting soggy?
Make sure to bake it initially wrapped in foil, then uncover it for the cheese melting phase. - Can I add toppings?
Feel free to add toppings like sliced tomatoes or cooked bacon for added flavor. - What dishes does cheesy garlic bread pair well with?
It goes wonderfully with pasta, salads, or soups. - Can I use garlic powder instead of minced garlic?
Yes, but fresh garlic provides a more robust flavor.
Conclusion
Cheesy Garlic Bread is a delightful addition to any meal, bringing warmth and comfort to the table. With its rich flavors and easy preparation, it’s a recipe worth keeping in your kitchen repertoire. Whether as a side dish or a tasty snack, this bread will surely become a favorite! Enjoy the cheesy, garlicky goodness!
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Cheesy Garlic Bread: The Perfect Comfort Food
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delightful side dish featuring a loaf of French or Italian bread slathered in garlic butter and topped with melty mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Perfect for pairing with pasta, soups, or enjoying on its own.
Ingredients
- 1 (14 oz) loaf of French or Italian bread
- 1/4 cup salted butter, softened
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (not extra virgin)
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic (or 1 teaspoon granulated garlic)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 1/4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/3 cup finely shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F. Halve the bread lengthwise.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Spread the garlic butter mixture evenly over both halves of the bread. Wrap the bread in foil and place it on a baking sheet. Bake for 10 minutes.
- Remove the bread from the oven, unwrap the foil, and sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses evenly on top.
- Return the bread to the oven and bake uncovered for another 5-6 minutes. For extra crispiness, broil for 1-2 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Sprinkle with fresh parsley, slice, and serve warm.
Notes
- For added flavor, consider incorporating herbs like oregano or basil into the garlic butter.
- Experiment with different cheeses for a unique twist.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 500 mg
- Fat: 17 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 24 g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 9 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg