Description
This Garlic Cheese Bread features a crispy crust and a gooey, cheesy center infused with aromatic garlic and Italian herbs. It’s the perfect accompaniment to pasta dishes, soups, or as a standalone appetizer.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 loaf of fresh Italian or French bread
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 1/2 cups whole-milk mozzarella cheese, grated
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- Optional: Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare Garlic Butter: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, and Italian seasoning. Mix until well blended.
- Slice Bread: Slice the loaf of bread in half lengthwise.
- Apply Garlic Butter: Spread the garlic butter mixture evenly over the cut sides of the bread.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle the grated mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses evenly over the buttered bread halves.
- Bake: Place the bread halves on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the edges of the bread are golden brown.
- Optional – Broil: For a crispier top, switch the oven to broil for the last 1-2 minutes of baking. Watch closely to prevent burning.
- Serve: Remove from the oven, let it cool slightly, then slice into pieces. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired. Serve warm.
Notes
- Bread Selection: Using a fresh Italian or French loaf provides the ideal texture, offering a crispy crust with a soft interior.
- Cheese Variations: For added flavor, consider mixing in other cheeses such as cheddar or provolone.
- Herb Enhancements: Fresh herbs like basil or oregano can be added to the garlic butter mixture for extra aroma and taste.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: Approximately 320
- Fat: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Protein: 12g