Garlic Bread with Cheese Recipe

Introduction

This Garlic Bread with Cheese is a deliciously cheesy twist on a classic favorite. With a crispy crust, garlicky butter, and gooey mozzarella, it’s perfect as a side for pasta or soup, or just on its own as a tasty snack.

Ingredients

• 1 loaf French bread (about 1 lb.)
• 1 stick salted butter (at room temperature)
• 6 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1/4 cup Italian salad dressing
• 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
• 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
• Fresh parsley (to garnish)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the butter, minced garlic, Italian salad dressing, and 1 cup of the shredded mozzarella cheese until well mixed.
3. Step 3: Slice the French bread in half lengthwise, creating two long halves.
4. Step 4: Spread the garlic butter mixture evenly over the cut sides of each bread half.
5. Step 5: Place the bread halves butter side up on a baking sheet. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top, then add the remaining 2 cups of mozzarella cheese.
6. Step 6: Bake in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes, or until the cheese has melted.
7. Step 7: Increase the oven temperature to 450°F (230°C) and bake for up to 8 more minutes, watching closely for the cheese to start browning and the bread to crisp.
8. Step 8: Remove from the oven, let cool slightly, then cut into 1-inch slices. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Tips & Variations

• Use fresh garlic for the best flavor, and adjust the amount to your taste preference.
• For extra richness, mix a little shredded cheddar or provolone cheese with the mozzarella.
• If you prefer a softer bread texture, cover the bread with foil during the first baking step.
• Add crushed red pepper flakes or Italian seasoning to the garlic butter mixture for a spicy or herby kick.

Storage

Store leftover garlic bread in an airtight container or wrapped in foil at room temperature for up to 2 days. To reheat, place slices in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes until warmed and crispy again. Avoid microwaving to keep the bread from becoming soggy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of bread?

Yes, while French bread works best for its sturdy texture and crust, you can use Italian or baguette-style bread as alternatives.

Can I prepare this garlic bread ahead of time?

Absolutely. You can assemble the bread with the garlic butter and cheeses, cover it well, and refrigerate for a few hours before baking. Just bake it straight from the fridge, adding a couple of extra minutes to the cooking time if needed.

Garlic Bread with Cheese Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 57 reviews

• Author: Cleo
• Total Time: 28 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x

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Description

This Garlic Bread With Cheese recipe features a crispy French bread loaf smothered in a flavorful garlic butter mixture and topped with Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses. Baked to golden perfection, it’s an irresistible side perfect for pairing with pasta, soup, or a hearty marinara sauce.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Garlic Butter Mixture

• 1 stick salted butter (at room temperature)
• 6 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1/4 cup Italian salad dressing
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (from the 3 cups total)

Bread and Toppings

• 1 loaf French bread (about 1 lb.)
• 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (remaining amount)
• Fresh parsley (to garnish)

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Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F to prepare for baking the garlic bread.
2. Make Garlic Butter Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, Italian salad dressing, and 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese until well incorporated, forming a flavorful spread.
3. Prepare Bread: Slice the French bread loaf in half lengthwise. Evenly spread the garlic butter mixture over the cut sides of both halves.
4. Add Cheese Toppings: Place the bread halves, buttered side up, on a baking sheet. Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top, followed by the remaining 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese.
5. Initial Bake: Bake at 350°F for 10 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt and the garlic butter to infuse the bread.
6. Brown the Cheese: Increase the oven temperature to 450°F and bake for an additional 6-8 minutes, watching closely until the cheese topping starts to turn a golden brown.
7. Slice and Garnish: Remove the bread from the oven, slice into 1-inch pieces, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve warm as a perfect accompaniment to pasta, soup, or marinara sauce.

Notes

• Use room temperature butter for easier mixing and better spreading.
• Keep a close watch during the high-heat baking step to prevent burning the cheese.
• Freshly minced garlic provides the best flavor, but garlic powder can be substituted in a pinch.
• Serve immediately for the best texture; garlic bread tends to become soggy as it cools.
• For a spicier kick, consider adding red pepper flakes to the garlic butter mixture.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 18 minutes
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Keywords: garlic bread, cheesy garlic bread, mozzarella, Parmesan, easy side dish, baked bread, Italian bread, appetizer