Ingredients
Scale
- 1 loaf of Italian bread (or French bread or baguette)
- 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced (or 1 teaspoon garlic powder)
- 1/4 cup (25g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup (100g) shredded mozzarella cheese (or provolone/fontina)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (or 2 teaspoons dried parsley)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Mix the Garlic Butter: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic (or garlic powder), grated Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper. Stir until the mixture is well combined.
- Prepare the Bread: Cut the loaf of Italian bread in half lengthwise. Place the two halves on a baking sheet with the cut sides facing up.
- Spread the Garlic Butter: Use a spoon or knife to evenly spread the garlic butter mixture over the cut sides of the bread. Be sure to cover the entire surface for maximum flavor.
- Add the Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the garlic butter.
- Bake the Bread: Place the prepared bread in the preheated oven and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the edges of the bread are golden brown.
- Finish and Serve: Once baked, remove the bread from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Cut the bread into smaller pieces and serve while still warm.
Notes
- Choosing the right bread: Use a crusty bread, like Italian or French, for the best texture. Ensure it’s fresh for the most flavorful result.
- Cheese Tips: For the best melt, shred your own cheese instead of using pre-shredded. If you want a crispy top, broil for the last 1-2 minutes of baking.
- Garlic Tips: Fresh garlic gives the best flavor, but you can use garlic powder as an alternative. Roasting the garlic beforehand can create a milder, sweeter flavor.
- Butter Advice: Make sure the butter is soft, not melted, to make it easy to spread.