Description
This Cheesy Bread Quick Easy recipe is the ultimate guide to making a warm, delicious, and cheesy garlic bread. With a blend of mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses spread atop flavorful garlic butter on your choice of Italian, French, or sourdough bread, this recipe is perfect as an appetizer, snack, or side dish. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s easy to prepare and guaranteed to impress.
Ingredients
Scale
Bread
- 1 loaf (1 pound) Italian bread, French bread, or sourdough bread
Garlic Butter
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Cheese Toppings
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Optional
- Red pepper flakes, for a touch of heat
- Sliced tomatoes, olives, pepperoni (or other toppings as desired)
Instructions
- Prepare Garlic Butter: In a medium bowl, combine softened butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix well and taste, adjusting the seasoning as desired to build a flavorful base for the bread.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking the bread evenly.
- Slice Bread: Carefully slice the loaf lengthwise into two halves to create a wide surface area for the garlic butter and cheese topping.
- Score Bread (Optional): Make shallow diagonal cuts across the cut sides of each half, which helps the flavors penetrate deeper and makes the bread easier to tear apart after baking.
- Spread Garlic Butter: Generously spread the prepared garlic butter mixture over the cut sides of both bread halves, ensuring full coverage for maximum flavor.
- Add Cheese: Evenly sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over both halves, then top with grated Parmesan cheese for a rich, cheesy crust.
- Optional Toppings: Add any optional toppings like sliced tomatoes, olives, or pepperoni for a personalized twist.
- Bake: Place the bread halves on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.
- Broil (Optional): For extra browning and a crispy cheese crust, broil the bread for one to two minutes at the end of baking. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the cheesy bread to cool slightly to firm up before slicing and serving warm, making it perfect for sharing or enjoying as a snack.
Notes
- You can customize the cheese blend by adding cheddar, provolone, or your favorite melting cheese.
- For a spicy kick, sprinkle red pepper flakes over the cheese before baking.
- Use day-old bread for better texture that holds toppings well.
- This bread is best enjoyed fresh but can be reheated in the oven to restore crispiness.
- Substitute butter with olive oil for a different flavor profile.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
