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Cheesy Garlic Bread Recipe

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4.3 from 6 reviews

This Cheesy Garlic Bread recipe is a perfect appetizer or side dish featuring a crusty French bread loaf slathered with a flavorful blend of butter, olive oil, and garlic, then topped with a delicious mix of mozzarella and parmesan cheese. Baked to golden perfection and finished with fresh parsley, it’s an easy and crowd-pleasing dish ready in just 25 minutes.

Ingredients

Bread and Butter Mixture

  • 1 (14 oz) loaf French bread (or Italian bread)
  • 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

  1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Bread: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Slice the loaf of French bread in half lengthwise, keeping the halves intact along the height. Prepare two 24-inch sheets of aluminum foil by placing them side by side with a slight overlap on a rimmed cookie sheet. Place the bread halves cut side up on the foil-lined baking sheet.
  2. Make and Spread Garlic Butter Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Stir well until fully blended. Spoon the mixture evenly over the entire cut surface of both bread halves, making sure to coat the edges to prevent burning. Wrap the foil around the bread tightly, crimping the edges together and rolling the ends up to seal.
  3. Bake Covered: Bake the wrapped bread in the preheated oven for 10 minutes. This step infuses the bread with the garlic butter flavors while keeping it moist.
  4. Add Cheese and Continue Baking: Carefully remove the foil from the baking sheet, unwrap the bread and roll the foil inward to expose the bread surface. Evenly sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and parmesan cheeses over the bread halves. Return the uncovered bread to the oven and bake for another 5 to 6 minutes until the cheese melts.
  5. Broil for Golden Finish: During the last 1 to 2 minutes of baking, turn on the broiler to crisp up the cheese and create a golden-brown top. Watch closely to avoid burning. No need to move the oven rack.
  6. Garnish and Serve: Remove the cheesy garlic bread from the oven and sprinkle with the finely chopped fresh parsley. Slice into servings and serve warm for the best flavor and texture.

Notes

  • Using softened butter ensures that the garlic butter mixture spreads evenly on the bread.
  • You can substitute mozzarella with other melting cheeses like provolone or cheddar for a different flavor profile.
  • If you prefer a stronger garlic taste, increase the amount of garlic to taste.
  • For a crispier crust, unwrap the bread completely before the final baking and broiling steps.
  • Fresh parsley adds a fresh, vibrant color and flavor but can be omitted if unavailable.
  • To reduce fat, use light butter or less cheese, but this may affect richness and texture.