Description
This Garlic Cheese Bread recipe features a crusty French loaf topped with a flavorful garlic butter spread and melted whole milk mozzarella. Perfect as a savory appetizer or side dish, it combines the rich taste of garlic and herbs with gooey cheese for an irresistible treat.
Ingredients
Garlic Butter Spread
- 8 tablespoons softened butter
- 1/3 cup finely chopped parsley
- 4 cloves garlic, finely minced or grated
- Kosher salt, large pinch
Bread and Cheese
- 14-16 ounce loaf French bread
- 8 ounces shredded whole milk mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Heat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare for baking the bread.
- Prepare garlic butter: In a medium bowl, combine the softened butter, finely chopped parsley, minced garlic, and a large pinch of kosher salt. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly blended to create the garlic butter spread.
- Slice the bread: Cut the French bread loaf into slices about 3/4 inch to 1 inch thick. Arrange the slices cut side up on a baking sheet to prepare for topping.
- Apply garlic butter: Evenly spread the prepared garlic butter mixture over the cut side of each slice of bread, ensuring a generous and consistent coating on each piece.
- Add cheese topping: Sprinkle the shredded whole milk mozzarella evenly over the buttered side of each bread slice, covering the surface to maximize cheesiness.
- Bake the bread: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 12 to 14 minutes, or until the edges of the bread are a dark golden brown and the cheese is fully melted and bubbling, creating a crispy, flavorful crust.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and serve warm alongside your favorite pasta dish or as a standalone appetizer. Enjoy the deliciously garlicky, cheesy bread fresh out of the oven.
Notes
- Use freshly grated mozzarella cheese for a smoother and better melt; pre-shredded cheese may not melt as well.
- For extra flavor, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top before baking.
- If you prefer the bread more crispy, switch the oven to broil for the last 1–2 minutes, but monitor it closely to prevent burning.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter for a spicy kick.
