Ultimate Cheesy Garlic Bread

Ultimate cheesy garlic bread always steals the show on pasta nights and family gatherings my kitchen fills with the aroma of buttery garlic and melting cheese and it is impossible for anyone to resist sneaking a slice before dinner hits the table this recipe guarantees that golden crispy edge and gooey cheesy middle every time

Every time I make this my friends end up asking for the recipe that crispy bottom with melted cheese always reminds me of late movie nights when my brother and I first started experimenting in the kitchen each time we added more cheese until we got it just right

Ingredients

• Large loaf of Italian or French bread: Use bread with a crisp crust and fluffy interior for best texture
• Unsalted butter: At room temperature lets you blend in the garlic easily and evenly
• Fresh garlic cloves: Minced fine for stronger flavor always pick garlic heads that are plump and without soft spots
• Dried or fresh parsley: Adds color and freshness fresh parsley brings a brighter flavor but dried works well too
• Salt: To balance out the richness use fine sea salt for easy blending
• Shredded mozzarella cheese: Provides melt and stretch freshly shredded melts smoother than pre bagged cheese
• Optional crushed red pepper flakes: These offer a touch of heat if you enjoy a spicy kick

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat the Oven:

Set your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit let it come fully to temperature for even baking results

Make the Garlic Butter:

Combine softened unsalted butter minced garlic dried or fresh parsley and salt in a mixing bowl blend with a fork or spatula until the mixture is combined and the parsley and garlic are evenly distributed this step is key to making every bite flavorful

Slice the Bread:

Lay your bread on a cutting board and use a serrated knife to cut it in half lengthwise if you want smaller portions divide into shorter sections slicing evenly ensures all your pieces bake at the same rate

Spread the Mixture:

Generously spread your garlic butter mixture on every cut surface push it into all the nooks and crannies so the flavor seeps into the bread you are looking for full coverage

Add the Cheese:

Take your shredded mozzarella and sprinkle it over the buttered bread in an even layer go all the way to the edges so every bite gets cheese fully covering helps protect the bread from drying out

Bake:

Set your prepared bread halves onto a baking sheet lined with parchment for easy cleanup bake for fifteen to twenty minutes until the cheese melts and bubbles if you want crispier cheese turn the oven to broil for the last two minutes but watch carefully to avoid burning

Serve:

Let the bread cool for a minute then cut into slices serve while still warm since that is when the cheese is stretchiest and the crust is at its crispiest

Save it

Whenever I use fresh parsley from my garden I swear the bread tastes brighter and feels even more like something special my sister once declared my garlic bread better than any restaurant just because we picked the herbs together that day

Storage Tips

If you have leftovers cool the bread completely before wrapping it in foil and storing in the fridge it keeps fresh for up to three days for reheating place in the oven at three hundred degrees Fahrenheit until warmed through this helps restore the crisp crust skip the microwave as it can make the bread soggy

Ingredient Substitutions

To change up this bread swap in cheddar provolone or even a little grated parmesan for a deeper flavor if you lack fresh parsley dried basil or Italian seasoning can stand in equally well if you need dairy free you can use a plant based butter and cheese alternative

Serving Suggestions

Slice this bread into sticks and dip in marinara for the perfect side to spaghetti or lasagna sometimes I turn small slices into appetizers by adding a spoonful of tomato sauce before baking it is also delicious alongside a big bowl of homemade soup or salad

Cultural Context

Garlic bread as we know it is an American twist on traditional Italian bruschetta the cheesy version became popular in diners in the United States and has since become a go to comfort food in many households my grandma always said garlic bread brings the family to the table fast

Save it

Serve this golden cheesy garlic bread warm and watch it disappear in minutes everyone will want another slice

Common Questions

→ Can I use pre-shredded cheese?

Yes, pre-shredded mozzarella works well and saves time, though freshly shredded cheese often melts more smoothly.

→ How do I make the bread extra crispy?

For a crispier texture, briefly broil the bread after baking. Watch closely to avoid burning the cheese.

→ Is it possible to prepare ahead of time?

You can assemble the bread and refrigerate it, then bake just before serving for a fresh, hot result.

→ What bread works best for this dish?

Italian or French loaves are ideal. Choose sturdy bread that holds plenty of toppings without becoming soggy.

→ Can I add other flavors?

Absolutely! Try roasted garlic, different cheese blends, or extra herbs to adapt the flavor to your liking.