Description
This quick and easy cheesy bread recipe is the ultimate guide for a delicious, gooey, and flavorful appetizer or snack. Combining garlic butter, fresh herbs, and melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on crusty Italian, French, or sourdough bread, this baked treat is perfect for any occasion. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll have a crowd-pleasing cheesy bread ready in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Bread
- 1 loaf (1 pound) Italian bread, French bread, or sourdough bread
Garlic Butter
- 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
Cheeses
- 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 well. Taste the mixture and adjust the seasonings as needed to ensure a balanced garlic and herb flavor.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to get it ready for baking the bread to a perfect golden finish.
- Slice Bread: Slice the bread loaf lengthwise carefully into two even halves, creating two long bread pieces suitable for topping.
- Score Bread (Optional): On the cut side of each bread half, make shallow diagonal cuts. This helps the garlic butter and cheese penetrate better and makes slicing easier after baking.
- Spread Garlic Butter: Generously spread the prepared garlic butter mixture evenly over the cut sides of both bread halves, ensuring flavorful coverage.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the garlic butter spread on both halves. Then, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top for a sharp, nutty flavor boost.
- Optional Toppings: Add any additional toppings you desire, such as sliced tomatoes, olives, or pepperoni, to customize your cheesy bread.
- Bake: Place the prepared bread halves on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown.
- Broil (Optional): For an extra golden and crispy cheese topping, broil the bread for the last 1-2 minutes. Watch carefully to avoid burning.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from the oven and let the bread cool slightly for a few minutes. Slice into servings and serve warm for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- You can use any crusty bread like Italian, French, or sourdough based on your preference.
- The garlic butter can be prepared a day ahead and refrigerated to enhance flavor.
- To add heat, sprinkle red pepper flakes before baking.
- Optional toppings can be customized to your liking, including meats, vegetables, or extra herbs.
- Keep an eye during broiling to avoid burning as cheese can brown quickly.
- Serve immediately after baking for best texture; reheating may make bread less crispy.
