Description
This Cheesy Garlic Bread recipe delivers warm, crusty French bread smothered in a flavorful garlic butter blend and topped with gooey mozzarella and parmesan cheeses. Perfect as a side for pasta, soup, or a savory snack, it’s easy to prepare in just 25 minutes using your oven.
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 the oven to 400°F (200°C). Slice the loaf of French bread in half lengthwise, keeping the height of the loaf intact. Tear off two sheets of aluminum foil approximately 24 inches long each and overlap them slightly on a rimmed baking sheet. Place the bread halves cut side up on the foil-lined baking sheet.
- Mix and spread garlic butter: In a bowl, combine the softened salted butter, olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Stir until well blended. Use a spoon to evenly spread the garlic butter mixture over the entire surface of both bread halves, making sure to coat the edges to prevent burning. Wrap the bread with the foil, crimping the edges and rolling the ends of the foil tightly to seal.
- Bake wrapped bread: Place the wrapped bread in the oven and bake for 10 minutes. This step allows the bread to warm and the garlic butter to soak in without drying out.
- Add cheese and finish baking: Carefully remove the bread from the oven and open the foil without removing it completely—roll the foil inward to expose the bread. Evenly sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and parmesan cheeses over the bread. Return the bread to the oven, uncovered, and bake for an additional 5 to 6 minutes. In the last 1 to 2 minutes, switch the oven to broil to achieve a golden, bubbly, and slightly crisp cheese layer. Watch closely to prevent burning.
- Garnish and serve: Remove the bread from the oven and sprinkle with the finely chopped fresh parsley for a fresh flavor and appealing presentation. Slice the bread into servings and serve warm for best taste.
Notes
- Using foil prevents the garlic butter from overflowing and keeps the bread moist during the initial baking phase.
- Broiling at the end adds a nice golden crispness to the cheese but watch carefully as it can burn quickly.
- For a stronger garlic flavor, increase minced garlic quantity to 3 teaspoons if desired.
- Fresh parsley adds color and fresh herbaceous notes but can be omitted or replaced with dried parsley.
- Leftover cheesy garlic bread can be reheated in the oven wrapped in foil to maintain moisture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
