Cunetto’s Garlic Cheese Bread Recipe​

Cunetto’s garlic cheese bread recipe is a yummy and easy way to make tasty bread at home. This recipe comes from Cunetto’s, a famous Italian restaurant. People love this bread because it’s full of flavor and has lots of melty cheese. It’s perfect for eating with pasta or as a snack. The recipe has been enjoyed by many people for years, and now you can make it at home!

Cunetto’s started as a small family restaurant many years ago. They became known for their delicious Italian food, especially their garlic cheese bread. Now, you can bring a bit of Cunetto’s into your own kitchen with this simple recipe.

Cunetto’s Garlic Cheese Bread Recipe: Ingredients

To make Cunetto’s garlic cheese bread, you’ll need these ingredients:

1. 1 loaf of Italian bread
2. 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
3. 4 cloves of garlic, minced
4. 1/4 cup (25g) grated Parmesan cheese
5. 1 cup (100g) shredded mozzarella cheese
6. 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
7. 1/4 teaspoon salt
8. 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

If you don’t have some of these ingredients, here are some substitutions you can try:

• Instead of Italian bread, you can use French bread or a baguette.
• If you don’t have fresh garlic, you can use 1 teaspoon of garlic powder.
• You can replace mozzarella with provolone or fontina cheese.
• Dried parsley can be used instead of fresh, just use 2 teaspoons.

Equipment Needed

Before you start cooking, make sure you have these kitchen tools:

1. Oven
2. Baking sheet
3. Mixing bowl
4. Cutting board
5. Sharp knife
6. Spoon for mixing
7. Measuring cups and spoons
8. Aluminum foil (optional)

Preparation Steps

Now, let’s make Cunetto’s garlic cheese bread! Follow these easy steps:

1. Preheat the oven
   Turn on your oven and set it to 375°F (190°C). This will make sure it’s hot enough when you’re ready to bake the bread.
2. Mix the garlic butter
   In a mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until it’s well combined. This mixture will give the bread its delicious garlic flavor.
3. Prepare the bread
   Take your Italian bread loaf and cut it in half lengthwise. You should end up with two long pieces. Place these pieces on a baking sheet with the cut sides facing up.
4. Spread the garlic butter
   Use a spoon or knife to spread the garlic butter mixture evenly over both pieces of bread. Make sure to cover all the way to the edges so every bite is full of flavor.
5. Add the cheese
   Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the garlic butter on both pieces of bread. Try to spread it evenly so you get cheese in every bite.
6. Bake the bread
   Put the baking sheet with the prepared bread into the preheated oven. Bake for about 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the edges of the bread are golden brown.
7. Finish and serve
   Once the bread is done, take it out of the oven carefully (it will be hot!). Let it cool for a few minutes, then cut each half into smaller pieces for serving. Enjoy your homemade Cunetto’s garlic cheese bread while it’s still warm!

Serving Suggestions

Cunetto’s garlic cheese bread is great on its own, but here are some ideas for serving:

1. Serve it as a side dish with pasta, like spaghetti or lasagna.
2. Cut it into small pieces and use it as an appetizer for parties.
3. Enjoy it with a bowl of tomato soup for a comforting meal.
4. Serve it alongside a fresh green salad for a light lunch.

This bread goes well with red wine, if you’re old enough to drink. For non-alcoholic options, try it with iced tea or lemonade.

Tips for Success

To make the best Cunetto’s garlic cheese bread, keep these tips in mind:

1. Choosing the right bread:
   • Look for a bread with a crispy crust and soft inside.
   • Italian or French bread works best, but any crusty bread will do.
   • Make sure the bread is fresh for the best taste.
2. Getting the perfect cheese melt:
   • Shred your own cheese if possible. Pre-shredded cheese doesn’t melt as well.
   • Don’t pile the cheese too high, or it might not melt evenly.
   • If the cheese is melted but the bread isn’t crispy enough, turn on the broiler for a minute or two at the end of baking. Watch it closely so it doesn’t burn!
3. Garlic tips:
   • Fresh garlic gives the best flavor, but garlic powder works too.
   • If you love garlic, feel free to add more than the recipe calls for.
   • Roasting the garlic before mixing it with butter can give a sweeter, milder flavor.
4. Butter advice:
   • Make sure your butter is soft, but not melted. This makes it easier to mix and spread.
   • If you forget to soften your butter, cut it into small pieces and leave it at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
5. Even spreading:
   • Try to spread the garlic butter and cheese evenly for consistent flavor in every bite.
   • Don’t forget to spread all the way to the edges of the bread.

Variations

While the classic Cunetto’s garlic cheese bread recipe is delicious, you can try these variations to mix things up:

1. Herbs and spices to add:
   • Italian seasoning: Add 1 teaspoon to the garlic butter for extra flavor.
   • Red pepper flakes: Sprinkle some on top for a spicy kick.
   • Fresh basil: Chop and add to the garlic butter or sprinkle on top after baking.
   • Oregano: Mix 1/2 teaspoon into the garlic butter for a classic Italian taste.
2. Different cheese options:
   • Cheddar: Use sharp cheddar for a stronger flavor.
   • Gruyère: This cheese melts beautifully and has a nutty taste.
   • Fontina: A good melting cheese with a mild flavor.
   • Mixed cheese: Try a combination of mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan.
3. Add-ons:
   • Crispy bacon bits: Sprinkle cooked, crumbled bacon on top before baking.
   • Sun-dried tomatoes: Chop and add to the garlic butter for a tangy flavor.
   • Caramelized onions: Spread a thin layer over the garlic butter before adding cheese.
   • Pesto: Spread a thin layer of pesto on the bread before adding the garlic butter and cheese.
4. Stuffed version:
   • Instead of cutting the bread in half lengthwise, cut slits across the top of the loaf.
   • Stuff the garlic butter and cheese mixture into these slits.
   • Wrap the whole loaf in foil and bake, then unwrap for the last few minutes to crisp up the top.

Remember, these are just suggestions. Feel free to get creative and make the recipe your own!

Note

Storage instructions:

• If you have leftovers, wrap them in aluminum foil or plastic wrap.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• For longer storage, you can freeze the bread for up to 1 month.

Reheating tips:

• Oven method: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Wrap the bread in foil and heat for about 10 minutes, or until warm.
• Toaster oven: This is great for smaller portions. Toast on medium heat until the cheese is melty again.
• Microwave: While this is the quickest method, the bread might get a bit soggy. Heat in 20-second bursts until warm.
• Air fryer: If you have one, an air fryer can reheat the bread and keep it crispy. Heat at 350°F (175°C) for 3-4 minutes.

Remember, freshly made garlic cheese bread always tastes best, so try to make only as much as you’ll eat in one sitting if possible!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is Cunetto gluten-free?

Cunetto’s original garlic cheese bread recipe is not gluten-free because it uses regular wheat bread. However, you can make a gluten-free version at home:

• Use a gluten-free bread loaf instead of Italian bread.
• Make sure all other ingredients, like the cheese and seasonings, are certified gluten-free.
• Be careful about cross-contamination if you’re very sensitive to gluten.

Remember, the texture and taste might be a bit different with gluten-free bread, but it can still be delicious!

What are Cunetto’s garlic cheese bread ingredients?

The main ingredients for Cunetto’s garlic cheese bread are:

• Italian bread
• Butter
• Garlic
• Parmesan cheese
• Mozzarella cheese
• Parsley
• Salt
• Pepper

The exact amounts are listed in the ingredients section of this recipe. These simple ingredients come together to create the famous taste of Cunetto’s garlic cheese bread.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare Cunetto’s garlic cheese bread ahead of time:

• Mix the garlic butter and spread it on the bread.
• Add the cheese on top.
• Wrap the prepared bread tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking.
• When you’re ready to eat, take the bread out of the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes.
• Then bake as directed in the recipe.

This is great for preparing for parties or busy weeknights!

How long does it stay fresh?

Cunetto’s garlic cheese bread is best eaten fresh out of the oven. However:

• It will stay good at room temperature for a few hours.
• If stored properly in the refrigerator, it can last up to 3 days.
• In the freezer, it can last up to 1 month.

To keep it fresh longer:

• Let it cool completely before storing.
• Wrap it tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap.
• If freezing, place the wrapped bread in a freezer bag for extra protection.

Remember, the bread might lose some of its crispiness when stored, but you can crisp it up again when reheating.

Can I use margarine instead of butter?

While butter is traditionally used in Cunetto’s garlic cheese bread recipe, you can use margarine as a substitute:

• Choose a stick margarine rather than soft spread for better results.
• The flavor might be slightly different, as butter has a richer taste.
• Margarine often has a higher water content, so your bread might not brown as much.
• If using margarine, you might want to add a bit more Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.

Using margarine can make the recipe dairy-free if you also substitute the cheese with non-dairy alternatives.

How spicy is this garlic bread?

Cunetto’s garlic cheese bread is flavorful but not spicy. The garlic gives it a strong, savory taste, but it shouldn’t be hot or spicy. If you want to add some heat:

• Sprinkle red pepper flakes on top before baking.
• Add a dash of hot sauce to the garlic butter mixture.
• Use pepper jack cheese instead of mozzarella for a spicy kick.

Remember, you can always adjust the amount of garlic to suit your taste preferences.

Can I make this recipe without cheese?

While cheese is a key part of Cunetto’s garlic cheese bread, you can make a cheeseless version:

• Follow the recipe as usual, but skip adding the mozzarella on top.
• You might want to increase the amount of Parmesan in the garlic butter for extra flavor.
• Consider adding more herbs like oregano or basil to boost the taste.

This version won’t be as gooey, but it will still be a tasty garlic bread!

How many people does this recipe serve?

This Cunetto’s garlic cheese bread recipe typically serves:

• 6-8 people as a side dish
• 4-6 people as a main dish or hearty snack

The exact number of servings can vary depending on:

• The size of your bread loaf
• How hungry people are
• Whether it’s being served as a main dish or side

You can easily double the recipe for larger groups by using two loaves of bread and doubling all the other ingredients.

By following this recipe and tips, you can enjoy the delicious taste of Cunetto’s garlic cheese bread right in your own home. Whether you’re serving it at a party, enjoying it with a family meal, or just treating yourself to a tasty snack, this bread is sure to be a hit. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different cheeses or add your own twist to make it uniquely yours. Happy baking!