Oh, the aroma of fresh-baked bread, mingling with the sharp, rich scent of garlic and cheese—it’s like a warm hug on a rainy day. I stumbled upon this cheesy garlic bread recipe during a late-night Pinterest scroll, and let me tell you, it’s a game-changer. Imagine walking into a room where this bread is baking, and suddenly, the world outside just doesn’t matter.
Steps
- Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Slice the French bread loaf lengthwise and place the halves on a baking sheet.
- In a small bowl, mix softened butter with garlic powder, minced garlic, and Italian seasoning until well combined.
- Evenly spread the butter mixture on both cut sides of the bread. Sprinkle generously with Colby Jack and mozzarella cheese on top.
- Bake the bread in the oven for 12-15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Optionally, broil for 1-2 minutes to achieve a crispier top.
- Once baked, garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired. Allow to cool slightly before slicing and serving.
Ingredients
- 1 loaf French bread, halved lengthwise
- 1/2 cup salted butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 cup Colby Jack cheese, shredded
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Nutritional Values
Calories: 948kcal | Carbohydrates: 80g | Protein: 36g | Fat: 56g | Saturated Fat: 32g | Cholesterol: 152mg | Sodium: 1456mg | Potassium: 268mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 1636IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 572mg | Iron: 4mg
FAQ
- How can I make my cheesy garlic bread spicier?
- You can enhance the spiciness of your cheesy garlic bread by adding ingredients like red pepper flakes, paprika, or jalapeños to the butter spread.
- Is it necessary to cover the bread while baking?
- No, it’s not necessary to cover the bread when baking. However, if you notice it browning too quickly, you can tent it with aluminum foil to prevent over-baking.
- Can I achieve a crisper top on my garlic bread?
- Yes, for a crisper top, you can broil the cheesy garlic bread for an additional 1-2 minutes at the end of the baking time.
- What type of bread works best for this recipe?
- French bread from the grocery store bakery is ideal for this recipe. It provides a good base with a crunchy crust and soft inside.
- What is the recommended serving temperature for cheesy garlic bread?
- It is best served warm. However, allow it to cool for a few minutes after baking before slicing and serving.
Tips
- Lightly spray the baking sheet with cooking spray before placing the bread halves on it to prevent sticking.
- For a spicier kick, mix red pepper flakes, paprika, or jalapeños into the butter spread.
- Keep the bread uncovered while baking, but if it starts to brown too quickly, loosely cover it with aluminum foil to prevent over-baking.
- Allow the bread to cool for a few minutes after baking before slicing and serving to ensure the cheese sets slightly.
Equipment
- Baking Sheet: A durable and non-stick baking sheet would be beneficial for baking the bread evenly.
- Small Mixing Bowl: A small bowl for combining the butter spread thoroughly.
- Broiler Pan (optional): If you want to give the bread a crispier top by broiling, a broiler pan could be handy, although a regular baking sheet might suffice.
