Randy Chandler
Garlic bread is a delicious dish that can be made in a variety of ways. The type of cheese used on garlic bread can vary depending on personal preference and the desired taste. Some popular options include mozzarella, parmesan, Colby jack, provolone, muenster, and Monterey jack. The bread is typically sliced in half lengthwise, spread with a garlic butter mixture, and then topped with cheese before being baked until the cheese is melted and golden. This simple dish is a crowd-pleasing appetizer or side that pairs well with soups, pasta, and marinara sauce.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of Cheese | Mozzarella, Parmesan, Provolone, Muenster, Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, Romano, Asiago |
| Bread | French Bread, Italian Bread, Sourdough, Hamburger Buns |
| Herbs | Parsley, Basil, Chives, Rosemary |
| Other Ingredients | Butter, Olive Oil, Salt, Pepper, Garlic Powder, Mayo, Scallions, Red Pepper Flakes, Paprika, Jalapenos |
| Baking Instructions | Bake at 400-425°F for 10-15 minutes, broil for 1-2 minutes for a crispier texture |
| Reheating Instructions | Wrap in foil and bake at 350°F for 10 minutes, or reheat in the microwave at 40% power for 1 minute |
| Storage | Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 3 months |
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What You'll Learn
Mozzarella and Parmesan are the best cheeses for garlic bread
Mozzarella and Parmesan are the dynamic duo when it comes to crafting the perfect garlic bread. The key to achieving garlic bread greatness lies in the harmonious combination of these two cheeses. Here's why Mozzarella and Parmesan reign supreme for this mouthwatering side dish.
First and foremost, the blend of Mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses delivers a flavourful punch that transforms ordinary garlic bread into a decadent delight. Mozzarella, with its mild and creamy flavour, provides the perfect backdrop for the robust tang of Parmesan. This dynamic duo ensures that each bite is a tantalising balance of savoury notes, enhancing the garlicky goodness of the bread.
The textural contrast between these two cheeses also plays a pivotal role in their supremacy. Mozzarella, when melted, becomes deliciously stretchy and gooey, creating that irresistible cheese pull that garlic bread aficionados crave. On the other hand, Parmesan contributes a crispier, slightly harder texture that adds depth and contrast to the overall experience. Together, they offer a textural symphony that satisfies both the crunchy and chewy cravings.
In terms of versatility, Mozzarella and Parmesan are the dynamic duo that can adapt to various recipes and personal preferences. For those who savour a more subtle garlic flavour, using granulated garlic powder in the bread is the ideal solution. This blend of cheeses complements this milder approach beautifully. Additionally, these cheeses can be shredded or grated from a block, allowing for customisation based on individual tastes and texture preferences.
Lastly, the combination of Mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses provides a visually appealing finish to the garlic bread. The golden hue of melted Mozzarella, speckled with the darker spots of browned Parmesan, creates a visually enticing dish. This aesthetic appeal enhances the overall dining experience, making it a feast for both the eyes and the palate.
While other cheeses may be used in garlic bread, the classic duo of Mozzarella and Parmesan remains unmatched in their ability to elevate this side dish to new heights. Their harmonious blend of flavours, textures, and visual appeal ensures that they are the supreme cheeses for crafting the perfect garlic bread experience.
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Other cheeses to try include provolone, muenster, and Colby jack
While mozzarella and parmesan are the most popular cheeses for garlic bread, you can experiment with different cheeses to add your own twist. Other cheeses to try include provolone, muenster, and Colby jack. These cheeses can be used in place of mozzarella to add a different flavour profile to your garlic bread.
For example, provolone has a slightly sharp and tangy flavour, while muenster is a semi-soft cheese with a mild flavour. Colby jack, on the other hand, is a blend of Colby and Monterey jack cheeses, resulting in a mild, buttery, and slightly sweet taste. Using these alternative cheeses can create a unique and delicious take on the classic garlic bread.
When making garlic bread, it's important to note that freshly shredded or grated cheese from a block tends to taste and melt better than pre-grated cheese. Additionally, you can sprinkle the cheese on during the last few minutes of baking to prevent it from becoming too crispy.
Feel free to experiment with different combinations of cheeses and add herbs or spices to further enhance the flavour of your garlic bread. Remember, the key to great garlic bread is lots of cheese!
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How to get the best melt
The best melt for your garlic bread is achieved by using the right ingredients and applying the right techniques. Here are some tips to help you get that perfect, gooey melt:
Cheese
The type of cheese you use is crucial. It is best to use fresh, full-fat, block cheese and grate it yourself. Pre-grated cheese is often coated in anti-caking agents, which can make it take longer to melt and turn rubbery. Mozzarella is a popular choice for its stretch and melt, and it goes well with other cheeses like Parmesan, Cheddar, Colby Jack, Monterey Jack, or Swiss cheese. If you want to use Parmesan, opt for real imported Parmigiano Reggiano for the best flavour.
Bread
The bread you use should be of good quality and medium thickness. Thick slices won't melt the cheese properly, and thin slices can become too soft. French bread, sourdough, brioche, ciabatta, focaccia, and English muffins are all good options.
Butter
Use high-quality, salted butter for the best flavour. Unsalted butter can be used, but you may need to adjust the seasoning. Melt the butter and mix it with garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper to create a savoury spread. Generously spread this mixture on your bread slices, making sure to coat the edges to prevent burning.
Technique
After spreading the garlic butter, sprinkle the cheese evenly over the bread. You can also add herbs like parsley, chives, basil, rosemary, or Italian herbs for extra flavour. Wrap the bread in foil, leaving the top exposed, and bake at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and golden. For an even crispier result, broil the bread for the last minute or so, keeping a close eye on it to prevent burning.
Reheating
If you have leftover garlic bread, you can reheat it by wrapping it in foil and baking it at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10-20 minutes, depending on whether it's refrigerated or frozen. Alternatively, you can reheat it in the microwave at 40% power for about a minute, but be careful not to overheat it, as this will affect the texture of the bread.
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How to reheat garlic bread
There are several ways to reheat garlic bread, with the best method depending on the equipment you have available, the amount of garlic bread you want to reheat, and your desired texture.
Oven
The oven is the best method for reheating garlic bread, especially when reheating a large piece, loaf, thick slices, or many slices at once. This method helps to keep the texture of crispy garlic bread. To reheat garlic bread in the oven, preheat the oven to 350°F. Wrap the garlic bread in aluminum foil and place it on a baking sheet. If the bread is sliced, keep the slices in a single layer. Bake for 10-15 minutes for a large loaf, 5-7 minutes for smaller slices, 8-10 minutes for thicker or larger slices, or until the bread is heated through. If you are reheating a whole loaf, cook for 15-20 minutes. If you want the garlic bread to be crispier, remove the foil for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking time.
Microwave
Reheating garlic bread in the microwave is the quickest and easiest method, but it can change the texture of the bread, making it chewy, soggy, or soft. To reheat garlic bread in the microwave, place the sliced bread on a microwave-safe dish. If the bread is unsliced, cut it into slices of your desired thickness. Cover the bread with a damp paper towel to help trap moisture and keep it from drying out. Alternatively, place a glass half-filled with water in a microwave-safe cup instead of using a paper towel. Microwave on high for 10-20 seconds. If the bread needs more time, try 5-10 second intervals, but do not overdo it. Only put 1 or 2 slices or small pieces of garlic bread in the microwave at a time to avoid increasing cooking time and producing uneven cooking.
Air Fryer
Reheating garlic bread in an air fryer will produce crispier garlic bread with a fantastic flavor. This method is better for small quantities or instances where you don't want to preheat your oven. Place the garlic bread in the air fryer and check it after 2 minutes to see if it has reached your desired temperature. If it is not yet done, cook for another minute and check again. Avoid overcooking the garlic bread in the air fryer, as it will get too crispy very quickly. Put a couple of tablespoons of water into the bottom of the basket to prevent smokiness from dripping butter.
Toaster Oven
The toaster oven is a great way to reheat small portions of garlic bread without using your regular oven. Preheat your toaster oven to 450°F. Wrap the garlic bread slices in aluminum foil and place them on a baking tray. Bake for 10-15 minutes or until thoroughly heated. Alternatively, place the garlic bread in a single layer on the baking tray and turn on the "toast" function. This method will reheat the bread more quickly, but the result will be drier and more crispy. If you choose to toast your garlic bread, watch it closely as it will start to brown quickly.
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How to make garlic bread in a pan
Ingredients
To make garlic bread in a pan, you'll need bread, butter, olive oil, garlic, salt, pepper, and cheese. For the bread, French bread or Italian bread are good options, but you can also use sourdough or any other crusty bread. For the cheese, a combination of mozzarella and parmesan is a popular choice, but you can also use provolone, muenster, Monterey jack, or Colby jack.
Method
Start by slicing the bread in half lengthwise. In a mixing bowl, stir together softened butter, olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. You can also add Italian seasoning powder, chilli flakes, or other dried herbs and seasonings to the mixture. Spread this garlic butter mixture evenly over the surface of the bread, making sure to coat the edges as well to prevent burning.
Heat a griddle or cast-iron skillet over medium heat. Place the buttered bread slices on the pan, buttered side down, and toast until the bread is golden brown. Keep the heat at a low-medium level to prevent the garlic from burning. If using a cast-iron skillet, you can also toast the bread spread-side up for about 2 minutes, using tongs to check for doneness.
Once the bread is toasted, sprinkle the cheeses evenly over the garlic bread. Return the pan to the oven and bake until the cheese is melted and golden. You can also broil the bread for the last minute or so for a crispier texture, but keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.
Tips
- You can prepare the garlic butter mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- For the best flavour, grate the cheese from a block instead of using pre-grated cheese.
- If you want a milder garlic flavour, you can use granulated garlic powder instead of fresh garlic.
- To reheat garlic bread, wrap it in foil and bake at 350°F until heated through, about 10 minutes. You can also reheat it in the microwave at 40% power for about 1 minute, but be careful not to overheat it, as this will affect the texture.
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Frequently asked questions
The best cheeses for garlic bread are mozzarella and parmesan. You can also use Colby jack, provolone, muenster, Monterey jack, Romano, or Asiago cheese.
French bread is the best type of bread to use for garlic bread. Other large loaves of bread, such as Italian bread, will also work.
To make garlic bread, you will also need butter, olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper.
Garlic bread typically takes around 10-15 minutes to cook in an oven preheated to around 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
To make garlic bread crispy, you can broil it for the last few minutes of cooking. Keep a close eye on it to ensure it doesn't burn.
