Description
This quick and easy cheesy bread recipe features a flavorful garlic butter spread topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, baked to golden perfection. Perfect as an appetizer or side, this recipe uses Italian, French, or sourdough bread for a crispy, cheesy delight.
Ingredients
Scale
Bread
- 1 loaf (1 pound) Italian bread, French bread, or sourdough bread
Garlic Butter Spread
- 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
- 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 desired toppings
Instructions
- Prepare Garlic Butter: In a medium bowl, combine softened butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix everything well and taste to adjust seasonings as needed to your preference.
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and allow it to fully preheat before baking the bread.
- Slice Bread: Take the loaf and slice it lengthwise into two equal halves to create flat surfaces for the topping.
- Score Bread (Optional): To enhance flavor penetration, make shallow diagonal cuts across the cut sides of each bread half without cutting all the way through.
- Spread Garlic Butter: Generously spread the prepared garlic butter mixture evenly over the cut sides of both bread halves to ensure every bite is flavorful.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over both bread halves, then top with grated Parmesan cheese for a rich, cheesy finish.
- Optional Toppings: Add any additional desired toppings such as sliced tomatoes, olives, pepperoni, or red pepper flakes for extra flavor and texture.
- Bake: Place the bread halves on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown.
- Broil (Optional): For an extra golden and bubbly crust, broil the bread for the last 1-2 minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from oven and allow the bread to cool slightly before slicing and serving warm for the best taste experience.
Notes
- You can use any type of crusty bread, but Italian, French, or sourdough work best for structure and flavor.
- Adjust the garlic amount based on your preference for garlickiness.
- Customize toppings to your liking, such as adding cooked bacon, herbs, or different cheeses.
- For a spicier kick, sprinkle red pepper flakes before baking.
- The bread is best served fresh and warm but can be reheated in the oven to maintain crispiness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Keywords: cheesy bread, garlic bread, easy appetizer, baked cheese bread, mozzarella, Parmesan, quick recipe
