Description
This Cheesy Garlic Bread recipe features a crusty French bread loaf slathered with a flavorful garlic butter mixture, layered with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, then baked to bubbly, golden perfection. It makes an irresistible appetizer or side dish that’s simple to prepare and deliciously satisfying.
Ingredients
Scale
Bread
- 1 loaf French bread
Garlic Butter Mixture
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
Cheeses
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the bread.
- Slice Bread: Cut the French bread loaf in half horizontally to create two long pieces, ready for topping.
- Arrange Bread: Place the two halves on a baking sheet with the cut sides facing up for easy spreading.
- Melt Butter: In a small saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat, preparing the base for the garlic mixture.
- Sauté Garlic: Add minced garlic to the melted butter and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, infusing the butter with flavor.
- Season Butter: Stir in salt, black pepper, dried parsley, and crushed red pepper flakes to the buttery garlic mixture to enhance the taste.
- Spread Garlic Butter: Evenly spread the garlic butter mixture over the cut sides of both bread halves to infuse flavor throughout.
- Add Mozzarella: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the garlic butter on each half, providing gooey melted cheese coverage.
- Add Parmesan: Top the mozzarella with grated Parmesan cheese evenly for an extra layer of sharp, nutty flavor.
- Bake Bread: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Broil for Crispiness: Set the oven to broil and broil the bread for an additional 1-2 minutes to achieve golden, slightly crispy cheese topping.
- Cool and Slice: Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool for a couple of minutes before slicing for serving.
- Serve: Serve the cheesy garlic bread warm and enjoy this deliciously cheesy appetizer or side dish.
Notes
- For extra flavor, you can add fresh herbs like basil or oregano to the garlic butter mixture.
- Using day-old or slightly stale bread can help the bread hold up better under the garlic butter and cheese toppings.
- Adjust crushed red pepper flakes to your preferred spice level or omit if you want a milder taste.
- Feel free to substitute mozzarella with provolone or a blend of Italian cheeses for variation.
- Serve immediately for best taste and texture.
