Cheesy Garlic Bread Bake Recipe
Introduction
Cheesy bread is a quick and easy crowd-pleaser that’s perfect as a snack, appetizer, or side dish. This recipe combines garlic butter and two kinds of cheese on crusty bread for a perfectly gooey and flavorful bite every time.
Ingredients
- 1 loaf (1 pound) Italian bread, French bread, or sourdough bread
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Optional: Red pepper flakes, for a touch of heat
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly and adjust seasonings to taste.
- Step 2: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Step 3: Slice the bread lengthwise into two halves.
- Step 4: Optional: Make shallow diagonal cuts across the cut sides of each bread half to help the flavors soak in better.
- Step 5: Generously spread the garlic butter mixture evenly over the cut sides of both bread halves.
- Step 6: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over both halves, then top with grated Parmesan cheese.
- Step 7: Optional: Add any desired toppings such as sliced tomatoes, olives, or pepperoni for extra flavor.
- Step 8: Place the bread halves on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 12-15 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.
- Step 9: Optional: For a crispier, browned top, broil the bread for the last 1-2 minutes. Watch closely to avoid burning.
- Step 10: Remove from oven and let cool slightly before slicing and serving warm.
Tips & Variations
- Use day-old bread for a firmer texture that holds up well to the toppings.
- Try mixing mozzarella with provolone or cheddar for different flavor profiles.
- Add fresh herbs like basil or thyme for a fresh twist.
- For a spicy kick, sprinkle red pepper flakes over the cheese before baking.
Storage
Store leftover cheesy bread in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in foil at room temperature for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-7 minutes until heated through and the cheese is melty again. Avoid microwaving to keep the crust crisp.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen bread for this recipe?
It’s best to use fresh or fully thawed bread. Using frozen bread can result in a soggy texture and longer baking times.
How do I make the bread extra crispy?
Broil the bread for the last 1-2 minutes of baking and ensure you use a sturdy bread like sourdough or Italian bread. Also, avoid overloading toppings, which can make the bread soggy.
PrintCheesy Garlic Bread Bake Recipe
This Cheesy Bread Quick Easy recipe is a flavorful and satisfying snack or appetizer featuring a crusty loaf of Italian, French, or sourdough bread topped with a savory garlic butter spread and a blend of melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s perfect for gatherings or a comforting treat anytime.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients
Bread
- 1 loaf (1 pound) Italian bread, French bread, or sourdough bread
Garlic Butter Spread
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Cheese Topping
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Optional
- Red pepper flakes, for a touch of heat
- Additional toppings like sliced tomatoes, olives, pepperoni, etc.
Instructions
- Prepare Garlic Butter: In a medium bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well blended. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed to ensure a flavorful spread.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the bread.
- Slice Bread: Carefully slice the loaf lengthwise into two halves, creating flat surfaces for the toppings.
- Score Bread (Optional): To help the flavors penetrate better and add appealing texture, make shallow diagonal cuts across the cut sides of each bread half, but do not slice all the way through.
- Spread Garlic Butter: Generously spread the prepared garlic butter mixture evenly over the cut sides of both bread halves, covering every nook and cranny for maximum flavor.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over both halves of the bread. Then evenly distribute the grated Parmesan cheese on top for a rich, savory finish.
- Optional Toppings: If desired, add extra toppings such as sliced tomatoes, olives, pepperoni, or red pepper flakes to customize the flavor to your liking.
- Bake: Place the prepared bread halves on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes, until the cheese melts, bubbles, and turns lightly golden brown.
- Broil (Optional): For an extra golden and crispy cheese topping, switch your oven to broil and broil the bread for an additional 1 to 2 minutes. Watch closely to avoid burning.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from oven and allow the cheesy bread to cool slightly for a few minutes. Slice into pieces and serve warm for the best taste and texture experience.
Notes
- Use day-old or slightly stale bread for a crisper texture once baked.
- Feel free to add your favorite herbs such as basil or thyme to the garlic butter for variation.
- If you like heat, red pepper flakes complement the garlic butter well.
- To save time, you can prepare the garlic butter mixture a day ahead and store it refrigerated.
- This recipe can be doubled or halved depending on the size of your gathering.
Keywords: cheesy bread, garlic bread, easy appetizer, baked bread, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, garlic butter spread
