Description
This Cheesy Bread recipe is a quick and easy way to enjoy a delicious, gooey, and flavorful appetizer or snack. Featuring garlic butter, fresh herbs, and a generous blend of mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, this bread is baked to perfection with a crispy crust and melty cheese topping. Perfect for parties, gatherings, or any time you crave a savory treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Bread
- 1 loaf (1 pound) Italian bread, French bread, or sourdough bread
Garlic Butter Mixture
- 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
Cheese Toppings
- 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 toppings
Instructions
- Prepare Garlic Butter: In a medium bowl, combine softened butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated. Taste the mixture and adjust the seasonings to your preference for the best flavor.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it reaches the perfect temperature by the time the bread is prepared.
- Slice Bread: Take the loaf of bread and slice it lengthwise into two even halves. This provides a flat surface for spreading and topping.
- Score Bread (Optional): Make shallow diagonal cuts across the cut sides of each bread half. Scoring helps the garlic butter and cheese penetrate deeper, enhancing flavor and texture.
- Spread Garlic Butter: Generously spread the prepared garlic butter mixture over the cut sides of both bread halves, covering every inch for maximum flavor.
- Add Cheese: Evenly sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the buttered sides, followed by an even layer of grated Parmesan cheese to add sharpness and depth.
- Optional Toppings: Add any desired toppings such as sliced tomatoes, olives, or pepperoni for a customized cheesy bread experience.
- Bake: Place the bread halves on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown on top.
- Broil (Optional): For an extra golden and slightly crispy cheese topping, switch the oven to broil and cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes, keeping a close eye to avoid burning.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from the oven and let the cheesy bread cool slightly to allow the cheese to set a bit. Slice and serve warm to enjoy the gooey, flavorful bread at its finest.
Notes
- You can use any type of crusty bread like Italian, French, or sourdough based on your preference.
- Adjust the amount of garlic and herbs to your taste for a milder or stronger flavor.
- Optional toppings like red pepper flakes add a nice heat if desired.
- If you prefer a crispier crust, you may toast the bread halves slightly before adding the toppings.
- For a lower-fat version, use less butter or substitute with a butter alternative.
