Description
Homemade cheesy garlic bread delivers irresistible comfort straight from Italian kitchens. Crusty edges, melted cheese, and aromatic garlic promise pure deliciousness you cannot resist.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 loaf French or Italian bread
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
Cheese and Seasoning:
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
- Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C), ensuring the rack is positioned in the middle for even heating.
- Create a fragrant garlic butter by blending softened butter with finely minced garlic, dried oregano, freshly ground black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes until thoroughly combined.
- Position the bread halves with the cut side facing upward on a clean baking sheet, preparing for the garlic butter application.
- Generously coat each bread surface with the prepared garlic butter mixture, ensuring complete and even coverage to maximize flavor.
- Distribute shredded mozzarella cheese across the bread halves, followed by a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese for a rich, tangy finish.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley to add a vibrant green color and herbaceous note to the garlic bread.
- Transfer the baking sheet to the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, watching for golden-brown edges and fully melted, bubbly cheese.
- Remove from the oven, allow to cool briefly, slice into desired portions, and serve while warm for optimal taste and texture.
Notes
- Transform this recipe into a gluten-free version by using gluten-free bread or cauliflower bread as a base.
- Create a lighter option by using reduced-fat cheese and replacing butter with olive oil or Greek yogurt spread.
- Customize the heat level by adjusting red pepper flakes or adding smoked paprika for deeper flavor complexity.
- Prep garlic butter in advance and store in refrigerator for up to a week, making quick appetizer preparation effortless.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Snacks, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 17 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 10 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg