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Cheesy Garlic Bread: The Ultimate Guide to Baking Perfection

Classic, easy cheesy garlic bread with Italian bread, garlic butter, Parmesan, and mozzarella. Perfect as an appetizer or side!

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 loaf Italian bread, about 24 inches long
  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
  • 8 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • Optional: Red pepper flakes, for a touch of heat

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Garlic Butter: In a medium bowl, combine softened butter and minced garlic. Mix well.
  2. Add Parmesan cheese, parsley, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir until combined. Add red pepper flakes if desired.
  3. Prepare the Bread: Slice the Italian bread lengthwise into two halves.
  4. Spread the garlic butter evenly over the cut sides of both bread halves.
  5. Add Cheese and Bake: Sprinkle mozzarella cheese evenly over the garlic butter.
  6. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  7. Place bread halves on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  8. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown.
  9. Optional: Broil for the last 1-2 minutes for extra color, watching carefully to prevent burning.
  10. Serve: Let cool slightly before slicing and serving.

Notes

  • Use different cheeses like provolone or Monterey Jack.
  • Add other herbs like basil, rosemary, or thyme to the garlic butter.
  • For a spicier version, add more red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
  • Chopped sun-dried tomatoes would add a burst of flavor and color.
  • If you don’t have Italian bread, you can use a baguette instead.
  • You can prepare the garlic butter and spread it on the bread ahead of time. Store the bread in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake it.
  • Cheesy garlic bread can be frozen for later. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. To reheat, bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.