Frederic Melton
Cheesy garlic bread is a delicious snack and an easy-to-make comfort food. It is versatile and can be served as a side dish with pasta, soups, or even salads. The bread is usually made with French bread, butter, olive oil, garlic, herbs, and cheese. The key to achieving that perfect melt is to use block cheese and grate it yourself, as pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that affect its melting properties. The bread is sliced and buttered, then baked and topped with shredded cheese, and baked again until the cheese melts.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Bread | French bread, Italian bread, baguette |
| Butter | Salted, unsalted |
| Oil | Olive oil, refined olive oil, extra virgin |
| Garlic | Fresh, granulated garlic powder |
| Seasoning | Salt, pepper, parsley, oregano, Italian herbs, chilli flakes, chives |
| Cheese | Mozzarella, Parmesan, Cheddar, Colby Jack, Gouda, Swiss |
| Cooking Method | Oven, microwave, stovetop |
| Cooking Time | 10-20 minutes |
| Temperature | 375-430°F |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right bread
The type of bread you use for your cheesy garlic bread can make or break the final product. The bread forms the foundation of this dish, so it's important to select a loaf that will complement the other ingredients and create a harmonious flavour profile.
French bread is a popular choice for garlic bread, and for good reason. Its soft interior and crispy crust provide a delightful textural contrast. The airy crumb of French bread ensures that the butter, garlic, and cheese can permeate each bite, delivering a burst of flavour in every mouthful. French bread's thin crust also allows for even toasting, creating a pleasing golden exterior.
However, you are not limited to French bread alone. Italian bread, such as a baguette, can also be an excellent option for garlic bread. The crust of a baguette is slightly thicker and chewier, providing a heartier bite. This variety also absorbs flavours well, ensuring that each mouthful is packed with the delicious taste of garlic and butter.
When selecting your bread, it is important to consider the freshness and quality of the loaf. Ideally, opt for freshly baked bread from a local bakery. This will ensure that your garlic bread has a tender interior and a crisp exterior. Avoid bread that feels overly soft or seems stale, as it may not toast well and could detract from the overall texture of the dish.
In addition to the type and freshness of the bread, you should also consider its size. For garlic bread, a larger loaf is generally preferable. This allows for more surface area to be coated with the garlic butter and provides a more substantial base for the cheese to melt upon. A larger loaf also makes it easier to cut generous slices that can be enjoyed as a side dish or appetizer.
Lastly, when choosing your bread, consider the shape. A long, narrow loaf is ideal for garlic bread as it allows for even coating of the garlic butter and ensures that each slice has a good balance of crust and interior crumb. Whether you opt for a traditional French baguette or a rustic Italian loaf, ensure that the bread is fresh, of good quality, and sized appropriately for your needs.
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Preparing the garlic butter
Once you have your ingredients, you can start by melting the butter. This can be done in the microwave or on the stovetop. If using the microwave, be cautious as butter can get very hot and start spitting. The stovetop gives you more control over the heat and you can easily monitor the butter's progress.
Next, add your garlic, salt, and parsley to the melted butter. Mix these ingredients together until well combined. You can also add a little garlic powder at this stage for an extra garlic kick, but this is optional.
Now you have your garlic butter, you can either spread it on the bread or, if you want to get ahead, you can store it. To store, simply let the garlic butter cool and then transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep in the fridge for a couple of weeks. You can also freeze it for future use.
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Adding extra ingredients
While the classic combination of garlic bread and cheese is delicious on its own, you can take it to the next level by adding extra ingredients. Here are some ideas to elevate your cheesy garlic bread:
Herbs and Spices
Fresh or dried herbs like parsley, chives, oregano, or Italian herbs can add a burst of flavour to your garlic bread. You can also add chilli flakes for a mild heat or sprinkle some garlic powder for an extra garlic kick. If you're feeling creative, experiment with different herbs and spices to find your favourite combination.
Meat
For a heartier version, try adding some cured meats like salami, pepperoni, or prosciutto. Simply tuck thin slices into the crevices between the bread and cheese. This meaty addition can transform your garlic bread into a more substantial snack or even a main course.
Different Cheeses
While mozzarella and cheddar are popular choices for cheesy garlic bread, you can mix things up by using other cheeses. Parmesan, for example, offers a sharp and salty flavour, while other options include Swiss cheese, gouda, or Colby Jack. You can also get creative and combine different cheeses to find your perfect blend of flavours and textures.
Bread
While French bread is a classic choice for garlic bread, you can experiment with different types of bread. Italian bread, for instance, or a baguette (also known as a French stick) can make an excellent base for your cheesy creation. You might also try different varieties of French bread, such as softer or crustier loaves, to find your preferred texture.
Dipping Sauces
Cheesy garlic bread is delicious on its own, but you can enhance the experience by serving it with dipping sauces. Marinara sauce, for example, is a perfect pairing, especially if you're serving the bread with pasta. Experiment with different sauces to find the perfect complement to your cheesy creation.
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Melting the cheese
Melting cheese on garlic bread is a simple process, but there are a few key considerations to keep in mind. Firstly, the type of cheese you use is important. For the best melting results, opt for a block of cheese and grate it yourself. Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents and preservatives that can impact its melting ability and texture. A combination of mozzarella and cheddar or mozzarella and Parmesan is ideal for a good balance of stretch and flavour. You could also try Colby Jack and mozzarella or experiment with other cheeses like Parmesan, Swiss, or gouda.
Once you've selected your cheese, the next step is to prepare the bread. French bread, Italian bread, or a baguette are all excellent choices. Slice the bread in half lengthwise, creating two long pieces to work with. If you want to add extra flavour, you can mix butter with garlic, salt, and herbs like parsley, creating a garlic butter to spread on the bread. You can melt the butter on the stove or in a microwave, but be cautious if using the latter as it can get very hot and start spitting.
Now it's time to add the cheese. Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the bread, ensuring it's distributed across the entire surface. You can also try stuffing the cheese into small incisions in the bread for a truly indulgent treat. If you want a crispier texture, leave the bread open-faced at this point.
Finally, it's ready for baking. Cover the bread with foil, leaving the top partially uncovered. Place it in the oven at a temperature between 375°F and 430°F for 10 to 15 minutes. Keep a close eye on it during the last few minutes, as you may want to broil the bread for an additional 1 to 3 minutes to achieve the desired level of crispness. The garlic bread is ready when the cheese is melted, golden, and slightly blistered.
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Serving suggestions
Cheesy garlic bread is a versatile side dish that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some serving suggestions:
As a Side Dish
Cheesy garlic bread is a perfect side dish for many meals, especially those with an Italian flair. It pairs well with pasta dishes such as spaghetti, creamy garlic prawn pasta, or chicken parmesan. It can also be a tasty accompaniment to soups, including lasagna soup, or even salads. For a simple option, serve it with a bowl of warm marinara sauce for dipping.
As an Appetizer or Snack
Cheesy garlic bread can be a delicious appetizer or snack on its own. Serve it warm as a crowd-pleasing starter, or enjoy it as a cheesy treat alongside a cup of soup.
Jazz It Up
For an extra indulgent treat, stuff your cheesy garlic bread with cured meats such as salami, pepperoni, or prosciutto. You can also experiment with different types of cheeses. A combination of mozzarella and cheddar provides a good balance of stretch and flavour. Other options include Parmesan, Swiss, or Gouda. If you want to add some spice, include chilli flakes or black pepper. Fresh or dried herbs like parsley, chives, oregano, or Italian herbs can also enhance the flavour.
Reheating and Storage
If you have any leftover garlic bread, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When you're ready to enjoy it again, reheat it in the oven or air fryer for a few minutes until it's heated through.
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Frequently asked questions
French bread is a popular choice, but Italian bread works well too.
Mozzarella, Parmesan, and cheddar are all good options. Pre-shredded cheese doesn't melt as well, so it's best to grate the cheese yourself.
Different recipes recommend oven temperatures between 375 and 430 degrees Fahrenheit.
