Randy Chandler
Cheesy garlic bread is a delicious and easy-to-make snack or side dish. It's perfect for dipping in marinara sauce or serving with pasta, soup, or salad. The key to making great garlic bread is using a crusty loaf of bread, like French or Italian bread, and plenty of cheese. You can use a variety of cheeses, such as mozzarella, Parmesan, or Colby Jack, and add herbs and spices to taste. The bread is typically sliced in half lengthwise, spread with a garlic butter mixture, and then baked until the cheese is melted and bubbly. It's a simple yet satisfying dish that can be made in less than 30 minutes and is sure to be a crowd-pleaser!
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Bread | French bread, Italian bread, or any crusty bread |
| Butter | Salted or unsalted |
| Oil | Olive oil |
| Garlic | Fresh, minced, or powder |
| Cheese | Mozzarella, Parmesan, Colby Jack, or a blend |
| Herbs | Parsley, chives, or scallions |
| Seasoning | Salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, or sugar |
| Salad Dressing | Italian or Olive Garden |
| Mayonnaise | |
| Cooking Method | <co: 1,4,5,6,10,12,18,22,23>Bake in the oven |
| Temperature | 350°F to 425°F |
| Time | 10-15 minutes |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right bread
When it comes to choosing the right bread for your cheesy garlic bread, there are a few key factors to consider. Firstly, it's important to select a type of bread that has a crispy outer crust. This will ensure that your bread holds up well during the baking process and doesn't become soggy. French bread is a popular choice for this reason, as it has a crispy crust and a soft, chewy interior that is perfect for absorbing the garlic butter spread.
However, you don't have to limit yourself to French bread. Other types of bread, such as Italian bread, can also work well. Italian bread tends to have a crusty exterior and a light, fluffy interior, making it a great option for feeding a crowd. If you're looking for individual servings, you could even use French bread rolls instead of a loaf.
When selecting your bread, it's also important to consider the size of the loaf. A larger loaf will yield more slices of garlic bread, so choose a size that is appropriate for the number of people you plan to serve. A thicker loaf will also give you larger slices that can hold up better under the weight of the toppings.
Finally, the freshness of the bread is important. While you can use stale bread in a pinch, fresh bread will give you the best results in terms of taste and texture. If you're using fresh garlic, it's especially important to start with fresh bread to avoid any strange colours or flavours developing during baking.
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Preparing the garlic butter
To prepare the garlic butter, you will need butter, garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper. You can also add Italian seasoning, garlic powder, or scallions to enhance the flavour.
Start by letting the butter soften at room temperature. Then, mince or finely chop the garlic cloves. Fresh garlic is generally preferred over jarred or frozen garlic, as it provides a stronger flavour and is less likely to turn blueish-green when baked due to the acid in the Italian dressing. However, if you want a milder garlic flavour, you can use granulated garlic powder.
In a mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper. You can also add Italian seasoning or garlic powder at this stage. Mix the ingredients until they form a spreadable paste. If you want to add scallions, chop them finely and include them in the mixture.
For an extra creamy texture and to enhance the browning of the bread, you can add a couple of tablespoons of mayonnaise to the mixture. Additionally, a small amount of sugar and black pepper can be added to balance the flavours and provide a subtle sweetness.
Once the garlic butter is prepared, it can be spread generously onto the bread before topping it with cheese and baking it in the oven.
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Adding cheese
Cheese is a key ingredient in garlic bread, adding a stringy, melty texture and a savoury flavour. There are many types of cheese that can be used, depending on your preference. Mozzarella is a popular choice, as its stretchy texture is perfect for achieving the desired cheese pull. It also has a mild flavour that won't overpower the garlic. For the best results, shred or grate your own mozzarella from a block, rather than using pre-grated cheese.
Parmesan is another classic option, adding a sharper, saltier flavour. Again, it's best to grate this yourself, and look for real imported Parmigiano Reggiano for the best flavour. A blend of mozzarella and Parmesan is a great way to get the best of both worlds, creating a complex flavour profile and an irresistible stringy texture.
Other cheeses you could use include Colby Jack, which has a more intense flavour, or mild, soft cheeses like Havarti or Monterey Jack. You could also experiment with stronger cheeses like Cheddar or Gruyere, but use a lighter hand when sprinkling to avoid overwhelming the other flavours.
For a truly indulgent garlic bread, you can even add a combination of three or more cheeses. Just remember to taste as you go to ensure the flavours are balancing well.
No matter which cheese you choose, the key is to sprinkle it generously over the bread. Don't be shy—this is cheesy garlic bread, after all!
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Baking
Cheesy garlic bread is a delicious treat that can be made in under 30 minutes. It is a versatile dish that can be served as a side or an appetizer, and pairs well with pasta, soup, or salad. The key to good garlic bread is to use fresh, high-quality ingredients.
Ingredients
- French bread
- Butter (softened or melted)
- Olive oil
- Fresh garlic
- Salt
- Pepper
- Cheese (mozzarella, parmesan, Colby Jack, or a blend)
- Italian salad dressing (optional)
- Mayonnaise (optional)
- Sugar (optional)
- Scallions (optional)
Preheat your oven to between 350°F and 425°F. Slice the French bread in half lengthwise, or into quarters for smaller pieces. Place the bread cut-side up on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil.
In a small bowl, combine softened butter, olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. You can also add Italian salad dressing, mayonnaise, sugar, and scallions for extra flavour and creaminess. Spread this mixture evenly over the cut sides of the bread.
Sprinkle the bread generously with your chosen cheese. You can use a single type of cheese or a blend of different cheeses. Return the bread to the oven and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, golden, and bubbly. For a crispier top, broil the bread for the final 1-2 minutes of baking.
Let the garlic bread cool slightly before slicing and serving. Enjoy!
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Serving suggestions
Garlic bread with cheese is a versatile dish that can be served as a snack, appetizer, or side. It pairs well with a variety of dishes, especially Italian meals, and can be served alongside pasta, soup, or salad.
For a simple meal, serve the garlic bread with a bowl of your favourite soup. Some good soup options include tomato soup, mushroom soup, or minestrone. You could also serve the garlic bread with a salad, such as a classic Caesar salad or a fresh caprese salad.
Garlic bread with cheese is also a great side dish for pasta. It goes well with creamy pasta dishes like spinach artichoke mushroom pasta or classic baked spaghetti. It can also be served with pasta and meatballs or chicken parmesan casserole. For a lighter option, serve the garlic bread with a pasta salad.
If you're looking for a more substantial meal, garlic bread with cheese can be served as a side to chicken dishes. Try it with creamy chicken Alfredo or a simple grilled chicken breast. It would also pair well with a hearty beef stew or a plate of juicy beef meatballs.
Finally, don't forget that garlic bread with cheese can be enjoyed on its own as a snack or appetizer. It's perfect for dipping in marinara sauce or garlic olive oil dip. You can also freeze any leftovers and enjoy them later!
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Frequently asked questions
French bread is a popular option, as it has a crispy outer crust and a soft middle, which is perfect for absorbing the garlic butter. Other options include Italian bread and any other crusty loaf.
Mozzarella and Parmesan are the most popular options, but you can also use Colby Jack, or a blend of different cheeses.
You will need butter, olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper. You can also add herbs such as parsley or chives.
First, preheat your oven to around 400 degrees F. Slice your bread in half lengthwise and place it on a baking sheet. In a mixing bowl, combine butter, olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper. Spread this mixture over the bread and bake for about 10 minutes. Remove from the oven and sprinkle with cheese. Bake again until the cheese is melted and golden, for about 5-to-10 minutes.
You can store garlic bread with cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 3 months. To reheat, wrap it in foil and bake at 350 degrees F for about 10 minutes, or until heated through.
