Description
Crispy cheesy garlic bread brings comfort and indulgence to any meal, offering a golden-brown symphony of melted cheese and aromatic herbs. Delightful slices promise warm, buttery satisfaction that will elevate your dining experience with irresistible flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 pound (454 grams) fresh French bread, halved vertically
- 3 cups (340 grams) shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1/3 cup (40 grams) freshly grated Parmesan cheese, divided
Flavor Enhancers:
- 1/2 cup (113 grams) unsalted butter, melted
- 45 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, basil, or oregano (optional)
Instructions
- Craft a pristine baking surface by lining a sheet with parchment paper, positioning the oven rack to its middle setting, and heating the environment to a precise 400°F for optimal bread transformation.
- Transform the French bread into twin longitudinal segments, ensuring each half rests evenly and stable on the prepared baking surface. Trim edges if necessary to guarantee a level foundation.
- Liberate butter’s potential through gentle microwave heating, creating a luxurious base for flavor infusion. Incorporate minced garlic and aromatic Italian seasoning, whisking until harmoniously blended.
- Artfully distribute the herbed butter across the bread’s exposed interior, ensuring comprehensive and uniform coverage that penetrates every crevice.
- Cascade Parmesan cheese as a foundational layer, followed by a generous cascade of mozzarella, creating a cascading landscape of dairy decadence across the bread’s surface.
- Nestle the prepared bread into the preheated oven, allowing approximately 12 minutes for cheese to transform into a molten, interconnected blanket.
- For those desiring additional caramelization, activate the broiler’s intense heat for 2-3 minutes, watching vigilantly to achieve a golden, bubbling cheese crown without risking charring.
- Elevate the presentation by adorning with fresh herb confetti and an optional Parmesan dusting, serving immediately to capture the pinnacle of textural and flavor brilliance.
Notes
- Bread Selection Matters: Choose a crusty French bread with sturdy structure to prevent sogginess and ensure crispy, golden edges.
- Garlic Intensity Control: Adjust garlic quantity based on personal preference, using fresh minced garlic for more robust flavor or roasted garlic for mellow sweetness.
- Cheese Flexibility: Experiment with different cheese combinations like sharp cheddar, gruyère, or fontina to create unique flavor profiles.
- Dietary Modifications: Swap regular butter with olive oil for a lighter version, use gluten-free bread for celiac-friendly option, and select dairy-free cheese alternatives for vegan adaptation.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Snacks, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 470 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 23 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 9 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg