Description
This Cheesy Garlic Bread recipe features a crusty French or Italian loaf generously spread with a flavorful mixture of butter, olive oil, and garlic, topped with a melty blend of mozzarella and parmesan cheeses. It's baked to golden perfection and finished with fresh parsley, making it a perfect appetizer or side dish to elevate any meal.
Ingredients
Bread
- 1 (14 oz) loaf French bread (or Italian bread)
Garlic Butter Mixture
- 1/4 cup salted butter, softened
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- 2 tsp minced garlic, or 1 tsp granulated garlic
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Cheese Topping
- 1 1/4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/3 cup finely shredded parmesan cheese
Garnish
- 1 Tbsp finely chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Bread: Preheat your oven to 400°F. Slice the loaf in half lengthwise to expose the soft interior. Line a rimmed cookie sheet with two overlapping sheets of foil and place the bread cut side up on the foil-lined sheet.
- Make Garlic Butter and Spread: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to form a fragrant mixture. Evenly spoon and spread this mixture over both bread halves, making sure to coat the edges thoroughly to prevent burning. Wrap the bread tightly in the foil, crimping the edges and rolling the ends for a secure seal.
- Bake Wrapped Bread: Place the foil-wrapped bread on the baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes. This step softens the bread and allows the garlic butter to soak in deeply.
- Add Cheese and Finish Baking: Remove the bread from the oven and carefully open and roll back the foil without removing it completely. Sprinkle the mozzarella and parmesan cheeses evenly over the bread surfaces. Return the bread to the oven uncovered and bake for an additional 5 to 6 minutes. For a crispier crust and golden cheese topping, broil during the last 1 to 2 minutes while closely monitoring to avoid burning. There's no need to adjust the oven rack position.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the bread from the oven and sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley evenly on top. Slice the cheesy garlic bread into servings and serve warm for the best flavor.
Notes
- Use fresh minced garlic for the best flavor, but granulated garlic works well as a substitute.
- Wrapping the bread in foil during the first bake keeps it soft and moist while infusing it with garlic butter flavor.
- Be vigilant during broiling to prevent the cheese from burning.
- Serve immediately for the best texture and warm cheesiness.
- This recipe is easily doubled or halved depending on your serving needs.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
