Introduction

Cheesy garlic bread is a classic, indulgent favorite that combines the savory flavors of garlic and cheese on a warm, crispy slice of bread. It’s the perfect side dish for pasta, soups, or even on its own for a quick snack. This recipe is easy to prepare and loved by all ages, making it a great choice for any gathering or family dinner.

The History of Cheesy Garlic Bread

Garlic bread has its roots in ancient Italy, where garlic was frequently used to season bread. However, the combination of cheese with garlic bread emerged later, possibly in America in the 20th century. As Italian cuisine became popular worldwide, garlic bread with melted cheese became a favorite comfort food. Today, cheesy garlic bread is a widely beloved dish in many countries and is often served in restaurants and homes alike.

Ingredients Breakdown

Bread: Choose a thick, crusty loaf like French bread, baguette, or Italian bread for the best texture.
Butter: Unsalted butter works best for control over the salt content, but salted butter can be used for extra flavor.
Garlic: Fresh garlic gives the bread a stronger, more authentic flavor. Minced garlic or garlic powder can also be used in a pinch.
Cheese: Mozzarella is the go-to choice for cheese, but a blend of Parmesan, Cheddar, or Gouda can be added for a unique twist.
Parsley: Fresh parsley provides a fresh, vibrant touch to garnish the bread, but dried parsley can work too.
Olive Oil: Adds richness and flavor to the garlic butter mixture.

Step-by-Step Recipe

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Prepare the Garlic Butter:
- In a small bowl, mix 1/2 cup of softened unsalted butter with 4 cloves of finely minced garlic.
- Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil, a pinch of salt, and 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley. Stir until everything is well-combined.
Prepare the Bread:
- Slice your bread into 1-inch thick pieces. You can slice it into halves for larger servings or keep the loaf whole for more traditional garlic bread.
Spread the Garlic Butter: Using a butter knife or spoon, spread the garlic butter mixture generously on both sides of the bread slices.
Add the Cheese: Sprinkle a generous layer of mozzarella cheese on top of the bread, covering the garlic butter evenly.
Bake: Place the bread slices on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Optional Broil: For extra crispy and browned cheese, broil the bread for an additional 1-2 minutes, keeping a close eye on it to prevent burning.
Serve: Remove from the oven and let cool for a minute before serving. Garnish with extra fresh parsley if desired.

Tips for the Perfect Cheesy Garlic Bread

Use freshly minced garlic for the best flavor.
Make sure the butter is softened before spreading to avoid tearing the bread.
For extra flavor, you can add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the butter mixture for a slight heat kick.
Be mindful not to over-bake the bread, as it could become too crunchy.
If you want to prepare this ahead of time, you can wrap the garlic bread in foil and refrigerate it, then bake when you’re ready to serve.

Variations and Customizations

Herb-infused Garlic Bread: Add extra herbs like thyme, rosemary, or basil to the butter mixture.
Cheese Options: Swap mozzarella for Parmesan, cheddar, or gouda, or use a combination for more flavor depth.
Spicy Garlic Bread: Add chili powder, cayenne, or red pepper flakes to the garlic butter for a spicy kick.
Vegan Garlic Bread: Use vegan butter and a dairy-free cheese alternative to make this recipe vegan-friendly.

Health Considerations and Nutritional Value

Cheesy garlic bread is a delicious comfort food, but it’s also high in calories, fats, and carbs due to its ingredients. If you’re looking to make it healthier, consider the following:

Use whole wheat bread for added fiber.
Opt for a reduced-fat cheese or a smaller portion to reduce the fat content.
Limit butter by spreading a thinner layer or substituting with olive oil or avocado.
For a lighter option, try using less cheese and adding more garlic and herbs to keep the flavor strong.

Approximate Nutritional Value per Serving (1 slice of bread with cheese):

Calories: 250–300
Fat: 16–18g
Carbs: 25–30g
Protein: 8g

(Note: Nutritional value may vary based on bread and cheese choice.)

FAQ

1. Can I use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic?
Yes, garlic powder can be used. Use about 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder in place of the fresh garlic.

2. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the garlic butter and spread it on the bread ahead of time. Simply cover the bread and refrigerate it, then bake it when you’re ready to serve.

3. Can I freeze cheesy garlic bread?
Yes, you can freeze the bread before baking. Wrap the prepared bread in foil or plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen at 375°F for 15-20 minutes.

4. Can I use a different type of bread?
Absolutely! You can use any type of bread you prefer, such as sourdough, ciabatta, or even gluten-free bread.

Cheesy Garlic Bread Recipe

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 15

Course breads

Cuisine American

Servings 10

Ingredients

1 14 oz loaf French bread or Italian bread
1/4 cup salted butter softened
2 Tbsp olive oil not extra virgin*
2 tsp minced garlic or 1 tsp granulated garlic
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
1 1/4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/3 cup finely shredded parmesan cheese
1 Tbsp finely chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Slice bread in half lengthwise (though height of bread). Cut two sheets of foil about 24-inch long and place side by side letting one slightly overlap the other on a rimmed cookie sheet. Place bread, cut side up, on baking sheet.
In a mixing bowl, using a fork, stir together butter, olive oil, garlic, salt and pepper. Spoon and spread mixture evenly over entire surface of both bread halves (working to coat the edges too so they don’t burn). Wrap foil over bread and crimp edges together and roll ends of foil up. Bake 10 minutes.
Remove from oven, open foil and roll foil inward. Sprinkle bread evenly with cheeses. Return to oven, bake uncovered, 5 – 6 minutes longer (broil during last 1 – 2 minutes for a crisper bread and more golden cheese if desired, no need to move rack upward). Sprinkle tops evenly with parsley. Cut into slices and serve warm

Notes

Personally, I don’t love using extra virgin olive oil in this recipe because it’s stronger in flavor than the more refined regular olive oil.

Keyword Cheesy Garlic Bread, Garlic Bread

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