Ingredients
- Bread
- Sturdy, crusty bread like French baguette, ciabatta, or Italian bread.
- Garlic Butter Spread
- Softened butter
- Fresh garlic cloves (minced or crushed)
- Dried or fresh herbs: parsley, oregano, or basil
- Parmesan cheese (optional, for richness)
- Cheese
- Mozzarella (melts well)
- Parmesan (nutty flavor)
- Cheddar (richer taste)
- Optional: Bold cheeses like blue cheese, fontina, or provolone
Instructions
- Make Garlic Butter Spread
- Mince or crush fresh garlic cloves.
- Mix the softened butter with minced garlic and add herbs like parsley, oregano, or basil.
- Optional: Add a teaspoon of Parmesan for extra flavor.
- Adjust garlic-to-butter ratio based on preference.
- Prepare the Bread
- Slice the bread loaf to your desired size (whole, sliced, or bite-sized pieces).
- Spread the garlic butter generously over the bread.
- Add Cheese
- Sprinkle a generous amount of your choice of cheese (e.g., mozzarella, parmesan, or cheddar).
- Ensure cheese is evenly distributed for proper melting.
- Bake the Garlic Bread
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Bake for 12-15 minutes until the bread is crispy and the cheese is melted.
- For an extra crispy crust, broil for 2-3 minutes at the end while watching closely.
Notes
- Make-Ahead Tip: Prepare garlic butter in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 1 week or freeze it for longer.
- Storage: Leftover garlic bread can be frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat by baking until crispy and warm.
- Pairings: Garlic bread with cheese pairs well with pasta, soups (like minestrone or tomato bisque), or global dishes like curries and barbecue.
- Variations:
- Try pull-apart garlic bread, stuffed rolls, or garlic cheese toast for variety.
- Experiment with different cheese blends for unique flavors.