Description
A savory, cheesy garlic bread with a buttery, garlic-infused base topped with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, baked to a golden crisp perfection. The ultimate side for pasta or soups.
Ingredients
- 1 pound fresh French bread, halved vertically
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted (salted butter can be used)
- 4–5 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ⅓ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, divided
- 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided (from a 12-ounce block if shredding yourself)
- Fresh parsley, basil, or oregano for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Bread: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Slice the French bread in half vertically, creating two long halves. Place the bread halves on a baking sheet, cut-side up.
- Make the Garlic Butter Mixture: In a small bowl, melt the unsalted butter in the microwave or on the stovetop. Once melted, add the finely minced garlic and Italian seasoning to the butter. Stir well to combine.
- Spread the Garlic Butter: Use a spoon or brush to spread the garlic butter mixture evenly over the cut sides of both halves of the bread.
- Top with Cheese: Sprinkle half of the freshly grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the garlic buttered bread halves. Then, spread 1 ½ cups of shredded mozzarella cheese over each half of the bread. Use the remaining mozzarella to top it evenly.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet 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. If you prefer extra crispy cheese, you can broil it for an additional 1-2 minutes, keeping an eye on it to avoid burning.
- Garnish and Serve: Once out of the oven, sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese over the hot, cheesy garlic bread. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley, basil, or oregano for added color and flavor. Serve immediately while the cheese is still warm and gooey!
Notes
- Add a Spicy Kick: Sprinkle red pepper flakes over the top of the bread for a spicy version.
- Herbed Garlic Bread: Add more fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or sage to the garlic butter mixture for additional flavor.
- Cheese Variations: Swap out the mozzarella for provolone, gouda, or cheddar for a different cheese profile.
- Vegan Version: Use dairy-free butter, vegan mozzarella, and dairy-free Parmesan to make a vegan-friendly garlic bread.
- Storage: Leftover garlic bread can be stored in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in foil. It will keep for up to 2 days at room temperature.
- Reheating: To reheat, place the garlic bread in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes or until the cheese is melted again.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-15 minutes
- Category: Side dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
