Get ready to elevate your bread game with this irresistible cheesy garlic bread recipe. Perfectly crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, this homemade delight is loaded with garlic and bubbling cheese. It’s a sure crowd-pleaser and pairs wonderfully with your favorite pasta or soup. Let’s get baking!
Steps
- Preheat your oven to 400°F. Slice a French bread loaf in half lengthwise and place both halves on a baking sheet.
- Mix together softened butter, garlic powder, minced garlic, and Italian seasoning in a bowl.
- Spread the butter mixture evenly over both halves of the bread. Sprinkle Colby Jack and mozzarella cheese on top.
- Bake the bread in the oven for 12-15 minutes until the butter is melted and bubbly.
- For a crispier top, broil the bread for an additional 1-2 minutes. Optionally, garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
Ingredients
- 1 loaf of French bread, halved lengthwise
- 1/2 cup of salted butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning
- 1 cup of Colby Jack cheese, shredded
- 1 cup of Mozzarella cheese, shredded
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish (optional)
FAQ
- Can I use a different type of bread for cheesy garlic bread?
- Yes, you can use other types of bread such as a baguette or ciabatta. However, French bread is recommended for its perfect balance of softness inside and a crunchy crust outside.
- Can I add extra ingredients to the cheesy garlic bread?
- Absolutely! You can spice it up by adding red pepper flakes, paprika, or jalapeños to the butter spread. Feel free to customize it to suit your taste preferences.
- Is it necessary to cover the bread while baking?
- No, covering the bread is not necessary. However, if you find it baking too quickly, you can tent it with aluminum foil to prevent over-baking.
- What is the best way to achieve a crispy top on the garlic bread?
- To achieve a crispier top, you can broil the bread for an additional 1-2 minutes at the end of the baking process.
- How should I serve cheesy garlic bread?
- It’s best served warm. Allow it to cool for a few minutes before slicing to ensure the cheese sets slightly, making it easier to cut and serve.
Tips
- Lightly spray the baking sheet with non-stick spray before placing the bread halves on it. This helps prevent the bread from sticking and makes for easier cleanup.
- For a spicy twist, consider adding red pepper flakes, paprika, or jalapeños to the butter mixture. This will give your garlic bread an extra kick.
- Keep an eye on the bread as it bakes. If it seems to brown too quickly, loosely cover it with aluminum foil to prevent over-baking.
- Allow the bread to cool for a few minutes after baking before slicing and serving. This helps the cheese set slightly, making it easier to slice without it all sliding off.
Equipment
- Baking Sheet: A large, sturdy baking sheet to accommodate the French bread halves.
- Broiler Safe Oven: If your current oven doesn’t have a broiler function, you might need a small countertop broiler oven to achieve the crisp top.
- Mixing Bowl: A small mixing bowl for combining the butter with seasonings and cheese.
- Pastry Brush or Spreader: Useful for evenly spreading the butter and cheese mixture over the bread.
