Description
Cheesy Garlic Bread is the ultimate comfort food, featuring a crispy crusted loaf smothered in a rich garlic butter mixture and topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Perfect as a side or snack, this warm, cheesy bread is easy to make and ideal for sharing with family and friends.
Ingredients
Scale
Bread
- 1 (14 oz) loaf of French or Italian bread
Garlic Butter Mixture
- 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
Cheese Toppings
- 1 1/4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/3 cup finely shredded Parmesan cheese
Garnish
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Bread: Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C). Slice the loaf of French or Italian bread in half lengthwise to prepare for spreading the garlic butter.
- Make Garlic Butter Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened salted butter, olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Stir thoroughly until the ingredients are well incorporated into a smooth, flavorful spread.
- Spread Garlic Butter and Bake Wrapped: Spread the garlic butter mixture evenly over the cut sides of both bread halves. Wrap the bread securely in aluminum foil, place it on a baking sheet, and bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes to soften the bread and infuse it with garlic flavor.
- Add Cheese Toppings: Remove the wrapped bread from the oven carefully. Unwrap the foil and evenly sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses over both halves of the bread.
- Bake Uncovered for Melting: Return the unwrapped bread to the oven and bake uncovered for another 5 to 6 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt thoroughly. For extra crispiness and a golden bubbly top, broil the bread for 1 to 2 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.
- Garnish and Serve: Once the cheese is melted and golden, remove the bread from the oven. Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the top for a burst of color and flavor. Slice the cheesy garlic bread into desired portions and serve warm for the best taste experience.
Notes
- Use regular olive oil instead of extra virgin to avoid overpowering bitterness in the garlic butter mixture.
- Broil carefully and watch closely to prevent the cheese from burning when crisping the top.
- Fresh minced garlic provides a stronger flavor than granulated garlic but both work well.
- For added flavor, sprinkle a pinch of red pepper flakes or dried Italian herbs before baking cheese-topped bread.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the bread’s crispy crust and melty cheesy center.
