Garlic Bread: Which Cheeses Melt And Taste The Best?

Garlic bread is a delicious side dish that can be made even better with the addition of cheese. But what type of cheese should you use? While there are many options, some of the most popular choices include mozzarella, parmesan, cheddar, Colby Jack, and provolone. These cheeses offer a range of flavours and melting abilities that can take your garlic bread to the next level.

Mozzarella and Parmesan

Mozzarella is a classic choice for garlic bread as it has a mild flavour and melts into a gooey, mouth-watering texture. It is a must-have for any garlic bread recipe and pairs perfectly with the strong flavours of garlic and butter. Parmesan, on the other hand, adds an extra kick of flavour to the mix. It has a stronger, more distinct taste that complements the mozzarella beautifully.

When preparing garlic bread with mozzarella and parmesan, it is best to use shredded or grated cheese. This ensures that the cheese melts evenly and creates a delightful, stringy texture. Freshly grating your own cheese from a block will result in the best taste and texture. While pre-shredded cheese can be convenient, it may not melt as smoothly or have the same depth of flavour.

To make garlic bread with mozzarella and parmesan, start by slicing a loaf of French or Italian bread in half lengthwise. Spread a mixture of softened butter, garlic, and any desired seasonings (such as Italian seasoning or garlic powder) on each half. Then, top the bread with shredded mozzarella and parmesan cheese.

Bake the garlic bread in the oven at a temperature between 350°F and 400°F for about 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. For an extra crispy texture, you can broil the bread for the last 1-2 minutes of cooking.

This delicious side dish is perfect for dipping in marinara sauce or serving alongside pasta, soup, or salad. It's a quick and easy recipe that your family and friends will surely enjoy!

Cheddar, Mozzarella and Parmesan

Cheddar, mozzarella, and parmesan are all popular choices for making delicious garlic bread. Here's a guide to help you make the most of these cheeses in your next garlic bread creation!

Cheddar

Cheddar is a versatile cheese that can add a sharp and tangy flavour to your garlic bread. It pairs well with other cheeses, so combining it with mozzarella and parmesan can create a unique and tasty blend. Cheddar melts well, making it ideal for creating a gooey and stringy texture. When using cheddar, consider the following:

• Type of Cheddar: Opt for a mature or sharp cheddar to really amp up the flavour.
• Amount: Use a moderate amount of cheddar in combination with the other cheeses to create a balanced blend.
• When to Add: Sprinkle the cheddar on top of the bread before baking, allowing it to melt and brown slightly.

Mozzarella

Mozzarella is a mild-flavoured cheese with excellent melting properties, making it a popular choice for garlic bread. It creates a stretchy, stringy texture that is perfect for pulling the bread apart. When using mozzarella:

• Type of Mozzarella: Whole milk mozzarella is recommended for the best melting and flavour.
• Amount: Use a generous amount of mozzarella to ensure a cheesy pull.
• When to Add: Add the mozzarella towards the end of the baking process to allow it to melt and become golden.

Parmesan

Parmesan adds a salty, nutty flavour to your garlic bread. It has a strong flavour, so a little goes a long way. Parmesan can add a nice crispy texture to your bread when baked. Here are some tips for using parmesan:

• Type of Parmesan: Look for freshly grated parmesan for the best flavour and melting.
• Amount: A light sprinkling of parmesan will add flavour without overwhelming the other cheeses.
• When to Add: Add parmesan towards the end of baking, allowing it to melt and crisp up slightly.

Putting it All Together

When using cheddar, mozzarella, and parmesan on your garlic bread, consider the following steps:

• Prepare the Bread: Start with a soft Italian loaf, cutting it in half lengthwise.
• Make the Spread: Combine softened butter, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and salt and pepper to taste in a bowl.
• Spread and Bake: Spread the garlic butter mixture evenly over the bread and bake for about 10 minutes.
• Add the Cheeses: Remove the bread from the oven and sprinkle with a mix of mozzarella and cheddar. Return to the oven and bake until the cheeses melt.
• Broil: For a crispy top, broil the bread for 1-2 minutes until golden.
• Garnish: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the bread for added colour and flavour.
• Serve: Allow the bread to cool slightly, then slice and serve warm.

Feel free to experiment with the amounts of each cheese to find your perfect blend. You can also try adding other ingredients, such as red pepper flakes or jalapeños, to the butter spread for a spicy kick. Enjoy your cheesy, garlicky creation!

Colby Jack and Mozzarella

Ingredients

To make garlic bread with Colby Jack and mozzarella, you will need the following ingredients:

• French bread
• Salted butter (softened)
• Garlic powder
• Garlic cloves (minced)
• Italian seasoning
• Colby Jack cheese (shredded)
• Mozzarella cheese (shredded)
• Freshly chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

• Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Cut a loaf of French bread lengthwise and place it on a baking sheet.
• In a small bowl, combine softened butter, garlic powder, minced garlic, and Italian seasoning. Mix well.
• Spread the butter mixture evenly on each side of the sliced garlic bread.
• Top the bread with shredded Colby Jack cheese and mozzarella cheese.
• Bake the garlic bread in the oven for 12 to 15 minutes, until the butter is melted and bubbly.
• For an optional extra crispy topping, broil the bread for an additional 1 to 2 minutes.
• Garnish the garlic bread with freshly chopped parsley, if desired.

Tips and Variations

• Spray the baking sheet lightly with cooking spray before placing the bread on it.
• Add spices like red pepper flakes, paprika, or jalapeños to the butter mixture for a spicier bread.
• If the bread is browning too quickly during baking, cover it with a tent of aluminium foil to prevent over-browning.
• For the best texture and taste, serve the garlic bread warm, but allow it to cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
• For a more robust garlic flavour, use fresh garlic cloves instead of garlic powder.

Serving Suggestions

Garlic bread with Colby Jack and mozzarella cheese makes a great side dish or appetiser and can be served with a variety of meals. Here are some serving suggestions:

• Serve it as a side with pasta dishes like spaghetti, chicken parmesan, or baked spaghetti.
• Pair it with soups, such as chicken soup, or a hearty chili.
• It also goes well with Italian recipes like chicken parmesan or classic baked spaghetti.
• For a fun party appetiser, serve strips of the cheesy garlic bread with BBQ chicken wings, dips, and salads.

Bread types

The best bread for garlic bread is French bread. It has a balance between a firm crust and a chewy, airy crumb, which makes it a prime candidate for making homemade garlic bread.

Other crusty breads like ciabatta, white bread, sourdough, and baguettes can also be used.

Spices and seasonings

The spices and seasonings you use in your garlic bread can make or break the dish. Here are some tips and suggestions to help you create the perfect blend of flavours:

Garlic

The star of the show when it comes to garlic bread is, of course, garlic. You can use fresh garlic cloves, minced or finely chopped, to give your bread a rich, pungent flavour. If you prefer a more mellow flavour, you can use granulated garlic or garlic powder. Using a combination of fresh and powdered garlic will give you the best of both worlds, with a strong garlic taste that's not overpowering.

Italian Seasoning

Italian seasoning is a must-have for garlic bread. It typically includes a blend of herbs such as oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary, which add depth and complexity to the dish. You can also play around with adding other fresh herbs to your garlic bread, such as rosemary, basil, oregano, or thyme.

Parsley

Parsley is often used as a garnish on garlic bread, adding a pop of colour and a fresh flavour. It also pairs well with the other ingredients, especially the cheese. You can use either fresh or dried parsley, depending on what you have on hand. If using dried parsley, you may need to use a smaller amount as it has a more concentrated flavour.

Red Pepper Flakes, Paprika, or Chilli Powder

If you like your garlic bread with a kick, consider adding some red pepper flakes, paprika, or chilli powder. These spices will give your bread a subtle heat that complements the other flavours. You can add them to the butter spread or sprinkle them on top of the cheese before baking.

Salt and Pepper

Don't forget the basics! Salt and pepper are essential for enhancing the flavours of your garlic bread. Be sure to season your butter spread generously with salt and pepper to taste. You can also add a pinch of salt to the butter if you're using unsalted butter.

Other Spices

Feel free to get creative and experiment with other spices and seasonings. For example, you could try adding some ground black pepper, garlic powder, or Italian salad dressing to your butter spread. Just be careful not to overwhelm the garlic flavour, which should be the star of the show.

Frequently asked questions