Description
This Cheesy Garlic Bread recipe is the ultimate comfort food featuring crusty French or Italian bread slathered with a rich garlic butter mixture, then topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Perfectly baked to golden bubbly perfection and garnished with fresh parsley, this easy-to-make side is ideal for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Bread
- 1 (14 oz) loaf of French or Italian bread
Garlic Butter Mixture
- 1/4 cup salted butter, softened
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (not extra virgin)
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic (or 1 teaspoon 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 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Bread: Preheat your oven to 400°F. Slice the loaf of French or Italian bread lengthwise into two halves.
- Make Garlic Butter Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened salted butter, olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Mix thoroughly until well incorporated.
- Spread Mixture and Bake: Evenly spread the garlic butter mixture over both cut sides of the bread halves. Wrap each half separately or together in foil and place on a baking sheet. Bake for 10 minutes to let the flavors infuse and the bread soften slightly.
- Add Cheese Toppings: Remove the bread from the oven and carefully unwrap the foil. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses evenly over both bread halves.
- Final Bake and Broil: Return the unwrapped bread to the oven and bake uncovered for an additional 5 to 6 minutes until the cheese melts. For a golden and bubbly cheese topping with a crispy texture, broil the bread for 1 to 2 minutes, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top, slice into servings, and serve warm for the best experience.
Notes
- Use a sturdy French or Italian bread loaf to hold all the toppings without becoming soggy.
- Minced fresh garlic provides stronger flavor than granulated garlic, but either works.
- Wrapping the bread in foil helps steam and soften the interior during the first bake.
- Broiling at the end is optional but enhances the crispiness and golden color of the cheese.
- Serve immediately after baking to enjoy the best texture and flavor.
