Description
This Easy Cheesy Bread recipe combines crispy Italian bread with a rich garlic butter spread and a melty blend of mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Baked until golden and bubbly, it’s the perfect appetizer or side dish for any meal, delivering irresistible cheesy deliciousness with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Scale
Bread and Butter Mixture
- 1 loaf (1 pound) Italian bread or French bread
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Cheese Topping
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the Garlic Butter: In a medium bowl, combine softened butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly distributed. Adjust seasoning to taste if necessary.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it reaches the perfect temperature for baking the bread evenly.
- Slice the Bread: Using a serrated bread knife, carefully slice the loaf lengthwise into two long halves, making sure to keep the cuts clean and even.
- Score the Bread (Optional): Lightly score the cut surfaces of each bread half with shallow diagonal cuts, being careful not to slice all the way through. This helps the garlic butter and cheese penetrate the bread better.
- Spread Garlic Butter: Generously spread the prepared garlic butter mixture evenly over the cut surfaces of both halves, ensuring full coverage for maximum flavor.
- Add Mozzarella Cheese: Evenly sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the garlic butter on both halves to create a delicious, melty layer.
- Add Parmesan Cheese: Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the mozzarella to add a sharp, nutty flavor and an appealing golden color upon baking.
- Bake: Place the two bread halves on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and the bread edges turn golden brown.
- Broil (Optional): For an extra golden and bubbly top, broil the bread for an additional 1-2 minutes. Watch closely to avoid burning.
- Cool and Slice: Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes to firm up slightly, making it easier to slice.
- Serve: Slice the cheesy bread into individual portions and serve immediately. Garnish with additional fresh parsley if desired for a fresh, herbal touch.
Notes
- Use day-old bread for better texture and less moisture absorption.
- Spreading the garlic butter mixture evenly helps infuse flavor into every bite.
- Feel free to substitute mozzarella with a blend of your favorite cheeses for varied flavor.
- Keep an eye on the bread while broiling to prevent burning.
- Leftover cheesy bread can be warmed in the oven to revive crispiness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Keywords: cheesy bread, garlic bread, Italian bread recipe, mozzarella, Parmesan, easy appetizer, baked bread
