Description
This easy cheesy bread recipe combines a crispy Italian or French bread loaf with a flavorful garlic butter spread topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Perfect as an appetizer or side dish, it’s baked to golden perfection with a bubbly cheesy crust that everyone will love.
Ingredients
Scale
Bread and Butter Mix
- 1 loaf (1 pound) Italian bread, or French bread
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 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
Instructions
- Prepare the Garlic Butter: In a medium bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix well until evenly distributed. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it is ready when you assemble the bread.
- Slice the Bread: Using a serrated bread knife, carefully slice the loaf of bread lengthwise into two long halves to create flat surfaces for the toppings.
- Score the Bread (Optional): Make shallow diagonal cuts across the surface of each half of the bread, being careful not to cut all the way through, to help flavors penetrate and for presentation.
- Spread Garlic Butter: Generously spread the prepared garlic butter mixture evenly over the cut surfaces of both halves of the bread.
- Add Mozzarella Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the garlic butter on both halves of the bread to create a melty cheesy layer.
- Add Parmesan Cheese: Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the mozzarella cheese to add a sharp, nutty flavor and a slightly crispy top.
- Bake: Place the two halves of the bread on a baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and the bread edges turn golden brown.
- Broil (Optional): For an extra golden and bubbly top, broil the bread for the last 1-2 minutes. Watch carefully to avoid burning the cheese.
- Cool and Slice: Remove from the oven and let the bread cool for a few minutes to set before slicing into servings.
- Serve: Slice into individual portions and serve immediately. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired for added color and freshness.
Notes
- Use day-old bread if possible for a firmer texture that crisps better.
- Adjust the amount of garlic to your taste preference for milder or stronger flavor.
- Feel free to add other herbs like basil or thyme for variety.
- Can be reheated in the oven to maintain crispiness; avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess.
- For a spicier kick, sprinkle some red pepper flakes onto the cheese before baking.
