Randy Chandler
Italian toast, or bruschetta, is a delicious and quick-to-make snack that can be made in a variety of ways. For a simple Italian toast with parmesan cheese, you'll need to spread butter on one side of your bread slices and top with parmesan cheese, pressing it lightly into the butter. Then, toast the bread in a hot pan, griddle, or skillet until golden brown. You can also add other ingredients like garlic, black pepper, or Italian seasoning to enhance the flavor. If you're feeling extra cheesy, sprinkle some mozzarella or fontina on top and broil for a few minutes until the cheese is slightly brown and melted.
How to Toast Italian Bread with Parmesan Cheese
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Oven Temperature | 425°F |
| Baking Time | 10-15 minutes |
| Bread | Italian, preferably thick-cut |
| Bread Preparation | Slice bread in half lengthwise and place on a large baking sheet, cut sides up |
| Butter | Soften at room temperature |
| Garlic | Mince 2 cloves of garlic and add to softened butter |
| Cheese | Parmesan, shredded |
| Seasoning | Parsley, salt, black pepper |
| Baking Instructions | Spread the garlic butter on the bread slices. Add shredded Parmesan cheese and seasoning. Bake for 10-15 minutes until slightly golden brown on the edges. |
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What You'll Learn
Bread type: Italian bread, sourdough, or French bread
When it comes to choosing the right bread for toasting with Parmesan cheese, Italian bread, sourdough, or French bread are all excellent options. Here's a detailed guide to help you achieve the perfect toasted bread with Parmesan cheese using these bread types:
Italian Bread:
For a classic Italian toast, opt for a sturdy Italian bread, such as a baguette. Start by thinly slicing the bread. Brush both sides of the slices with olive oil and arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake at 400°F until golden and crisp, which should take around 10 to 12 minutes. Once toasted, sprinkle the bread with flaky sea salt. At this point, you can add Parmesan cheese shavings or grated Parmesan on top. You can also create a more complex flavor profile by adding other toppings like fresh herbs, spices, or even a creamy spread.
Sourdough:
Sourdough bread is another fantastic option for toasting with Parmesan cheese. Its slightly sour flavor and sturdy texture make it a great choice. Follow a similar process as with Italian bread. Slice the sourdough into moderately thick pieces, as sourdough tends to be denser. Brush both sides with olive oil and bake until golden and crisp. You can also toast sourdough in a toaster or skillet for a quicker option. Once toasted, sprinkle on the Parmesan cheese and any additional toppings of your choice.
French Bread:
French bread, known for its crispy crust and soft interior, also pairs well with Parmesan cheese. You can use a loaf of French bread and slice it into moderately thick pieces. Spread a blend of butter and Parmesan cheese on one side of the slices. Then, place the bread in a hot pan, griddle, or skillet with the buttered side down. Toast until golden brown. For an extra indulgent treat, you can lightly toast the underside of the bread as well. This method is reminiscent of the famous Sizzler Steakhouse Cheese Toast.
General Tips:
- If you want to add fresh herbs like parsley or chives, sprinkle them on top of the bread before baking or after toasting.
- For a more intense cheese flavor, add the Parmesan cheese in the last 2 minutes of baking or toasting.
- If you prefer softer garlic bread, wrap the bread in aluminum foil before baking.
- You can also experiment with different types of cheese, such as Fontina, mozzarella, or cheddar, to create your own unique flavor combinations.
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Cheese: freshly grated parmesan, or substitute with cheddar
When making garlic bread, you can add freshly grated Parmesan cheese or shredded mozzarella in the last 2 minutes of baking. This will ensure that the cheese doesn't get too crispy on top. You can also substitute Parmesan with cheddar, or use Fontina, a traditional Italian semi-hard cheese that tastes great on toast.
For a simple Parmesan cheese toast, spread a butter-cheese blend on one side of the bread and toast it on a skillet, griddle, or flat top. You can use any kind of bread, but thicker-cut bread, such as Texas toast or Artesano bread, is recommended. If you want to add some garlic, mince 2 cloves of garlic and add them to softened butter, then spread the mixture on the bread before adding the cheese.
For a more elaborate Italian garlic toast, split the bread lengthwise and place it cut-side up on a large baking sheet. In a small bowl, combine butter, cheese, garlic, and oregano, then brush the mixture onto the cut surfaces of the bread. Sprinkle with paprika and broil 4 inches from the heat for 2-3 minutes or until lightly toasted.
If you want to make crostini, thinly slice a baguette, brush the slices with olive oil, and toast them in the oven until they are crisp and golden. Once toasted, you can add any toppings you like, including cheese.
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Seasoning: Italian seasoning, parsley, salt, and pepper
Seasoning is a key component of any dish, and when it comes to toasting Italian bread with Parmesan cheese, you can elevate the flavours with Italian seasoning, parsley, salt, and pepper.
Italian seasoning is a blend of herbs that can add a burst of flavour to your dish. It typically includes basil, oregano, rosemary, thyme, and marjoram. You can either purchase a pre-made Italian seasoning blend or create your own by mixing these dried herbs in equal parts. This seasoning blend is a versatile addition to your pantry, perfect for sprinkling on bread, pasta, or even roasted vegetables.
Parsley is a fresh herb that not only adds flavour but also brings a vibrant pop of colour to your dish. When combined with Italian seasoning, it provides a refreshing taste and a beautiful green hue. You can chop it finely and mix it with softened butter, creating a delicious herb butter to spread on your bread before toasting. Alternatively, you can use it as a garnish, sprinkling it on top of your toasted bread for an extra burst of freshness.
Salt is a seasoning that enhances the flavours of all the other ingredients in your dish. When using salt, it's important to consider the type of salt and the size of its crystals. Flaky sea salt, for example, has larger crystals and a milder flavour, so you can generously sprinkle it on your toasted bread to add a subtle salty note. On the other hand, fine table salt has smaller crystals and a stronger, more concentrated flavour, so a little goes a long way.
Lastly, pepper adds a kick of spice and warmth to your dish. When using pepper, you have the option of using whole peppercorns or ground pepper. Whole peppercorns need to be crushed or ground before use, and they offer a more intense flavour and a slight crunch. Ground pepper, on the other hand, is convenient and easily sprinkled on your dish. Black pepper is the most commonly used variety, but you can also explore other types like white pepper or green peppercorns for subtle differences in flavour and appearance.
When toasting Italian bread with Parmesan cheese, feel free to experiment with these seasonings to find the perfect combination for your taste preferences. You can mix and match Italian seasoning, parsley, salt, and pepper in various ratios until you discover your signature blend that makes your toasted bread truly exceptional.
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Butter: softened and mixed with garlic
To make Italian toast with softened butter mixed with garlic, you'll first need to soften the butter. To do this, simply leave the desired amount of butter at room temperature until it has softened. You can speed up this process by heating up some water in a glass for 1-2 minutes, discarding the water, and then covering the butter with the warm glass. Next, mince 2 cloves of garlic and add them to the softened butter, whisking the mixture with a fork until well combined.
Once your garlic butter is ready, you'll need to choose your bread. Ideally, you want a sturdy white bread like sourdough, but any bread will work as long as it's sturdy. If you're serving this as a side for an Italian meal, consider using Italian bread. For a more snack-sized portion, thinly slice a baguette.
When you've chosen and sliced your bread, spread the garlic butter onto the slices. Be generous—this garlic butter is what will give your toast its delicious flavor. If you're using a baguette, brush the slices with olive oil instead of spreading them with garlic butter.
Finally, toast your bread. If you're using a baguette, arrange the slices in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake at 400°F until golden and crisp, about 10-12 minutes. For other breads, place the slices in a skillet, on a griddle, or on a flat top, toasting until golden brown. If you're making multiple slices, you may need to toast them in batches. Enjoy your garlic Italian toast!
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Cooking method: bake in the oven or toast in a skillet
Bake in the oven
First, preheat your oven's broiler and set an oven rack about 6 inches from the heat source. Next, slice your bread in half lengthwise and place the bread cut-side up on a large baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil. In a bowl, mix butter, garlic, oil, oregano, salt, and pepper. You can also add parsley and Italian seasoning. Spread the butter mixture on one side of each slice of bread and arrange the slices, butter-side up, in a single layer on the baking sheet. Broil for 2-3 minutes or until the bread is lightly toasted. Then, top the bread slices with Parmesan cheese and broil for another 2-3 minutes or until the cheese is slightly brown and melted.
Toast in a skillet
First, preheat a large non-stick skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. In a bowl, mix together softened butter, minced garlic, and Italian seasoning. Spread the butter blend evenly on one side of the slices of bread. Top with Parmesan cheese, pressing lightly into the butter. Place the bread on the skillet and cook uncovered for 4 minutes on one side. Then, carefully flip the bread and cook uncovered for another 2 to 3 minutes or until the cheese is fully melted.
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Frequently asked questions
You can use any type of bread, but thicker, sturdy bread is better. Try sourdough, Texas toast, Artesano bread, or French bread.
Sprinkle parmesan cheese lightly on top of the bread. If you are using shredded parmesan, about half a cup should be enough.
You can add butter, garlic, parsley, oregano, paprika, and black pepper to taste. If you want to add another type of cheese, Fontina or mozzarella are good options.
You can cook the toast in an oven, on a skillet or griddle, or in a toaster. If using an oven, bake the toast at 400°F for 10-15 minutes, adding the cheese during the last 2 minutes. If using a skillet or griddle, toast the bread until golden brown on one side, then flip and lightly brown the other side.
