Easy Homemade Garlic Cheese Bread
A delightfully simple and satisfying dish, homemade garlic cheese bread features crusty bread generously slathered with fragrant garlic butter and topped with a blend of melted cheeses. It's a versatile side that pairs wonderfully with pasta, soups, or as a standalone snack, offering a burst of savory flavor in every bite.
Ingredients
- 1 loaf French baguette or Italian bread halved lengthwise
- 0.5 cup unsalted butter melted
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 0.25 cup fresh parsley chopped (optional)
- 1.5 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 0.5 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 0.25 tsp salt
- 0.125 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley (if using), salt, and black pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Place the halved bread, cut-side up, on the prepared baking sheet. Generously spread the garlic butter mixture evenly over both halves of the bread.
- Sprinkle the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses liberally over the buttered bread, ensuring even coverage.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is beautifully melted and bubbly and the edges of the bread are golden brown. For an extra crisp crust and golden cheese, you can broil for the last 1-2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Remove the garlic cheese bread from the oven, let it cool slightly for a few minutes before slicing, and serve warm.
Notes
Use a good quality French baguette or Italian bread. For extra flavor, sprinkle with fresh parsley after baking. Experiment with different cheese blends like mozzarella and provolone, or add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick. Ensure your oven is fully preheated for best results.