The Perfect Cheese Pairing For Roasted Garlic

Roasted garlic is a fantastic ingredient to add to a variety of dishes, and its sweet and nutty flavour pairs exceptionally well with cheese. When garlic is roasted, its flavour and texture transform completely. It becomes milder and sweeter, with a nutty and buttery taste that is perfect for spreading on bread or using as a base for dips and sauces.

When it comes to cheese, roasted garlic is a versatile ingredient that can be paired with a range of cheeses, including mozzarella, cheddar, gruyere, and parmesan. These cheeses complement the roasted garlic's flavour profile, adding a punch of flavour or a nice cheese pull to your dish.

One popular way to enjoy roasted garlic and cheese is in a grilled cheese sandwich, where the combination of cheeses ensures a gooey and flavourful bite. Another classic is cheesy garlic bread, where roasted garlic can be mixed with butter and spread on bread before being topped with shredded cheese and baked to perfection.

So, whether you're looking for a savoury sandwich or a side dish to accompany your pasta, roasted garlic and cheese are a match made in culinary heaven.

Roasted garlic grilled cheese sandwich

This sandwich is a delicious and comforting meal, perfect for a simple lunch or as a side to a soup or salad. The key to this sandwich is roasting the garlic, which transforms its flavour and texture. When roasted, garlic takes on a sweet and nutty flavour and becomes soft and sticky, making it perfect for spreading.

Ingredients:

• 2 large bulbs of garlic
• 8 medium slices of bread (e.g. Tiger bread, Sourdough)
• 1 cup/100g each of Cheddar, Gruyere, and Mozzarella cheese
• Olive oil
• Butter
• Salt

Optional Extras:

• Red pepper flakes
• Black or Kalamata olives

Method:

• Preheat your oven to 180C/350F.
• Prepare the garlic by slicing off the very tip of the bulbs to expose the cloves. Drizzle with olive oil and wrap each bulb individually in foil.
• Roast the garlic in the oven for 45-60 minutes, or until it is deep golden and caramelized.
• Once roasted, let the garlic cool down for a few minutes, then peel away the outer layers. Squeeze out the garlic cloves and mash them with a fork, adding a pinch of salt to smooth out any firm bits.
• Spread butter on one side of each slice of bread. Spread the roasted garlic on the other side of four slices.
• Top the garlic with cheese, using a combination of the three types. Place another slice of bread on top, butter-side up.
• Fry the sandwiches in a pan over medium heat until both sides are crisp and golden, and the cheese is gooey. You may need to do this in batches.

Serving Suggestions:

This sandwich is delicious on its own or dunked into a roasted red pepper or tomato soup. For extra flavour, add a few sliced black or Kalamata olives and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the sandwich.

Cheesy garlic bread

Ingredients:

• 1 Loaf French or Italian Bread
• 1/2 cup Salted Butter, softened
• 1/2 teaspoon Garlic Powder (or 2-3 Garlic Cloves, minced)
• Italian Seasoning
• 1 cup Colby Jack Cheese, shredded
• 1 cup Mozzarella Cheese, shredded
• Fresh Chopped Parsley for garnish (optional)

Optional Add-Ins:

• Red Pepper Flakes
• Paprika
• Jalapeños
• Mayonnaise
• Sugar
• Scallions

Instructions:

Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Take your loaf of bread and cut it in half lengthwise, placing it on a baking sheet with the cut side up. In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, garlic powder (or minced garlic cloves), Italian seasoning, and shredded Colby Jack cheese. Spread this mixture evenly on each half of the bread.

Now, it's time to add the cheese! Sprinkle the Colby Jack and mozzarella cheese generously on top of the butter and garlic layer. You can also add other cheeses like cheddar, provolone, or muenster for extra cheesiness. Pop the baking sheet into the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, until the butter is melted and bubbly.

For an extra crispy top, you can broil the bread for the last 1-2 minutes of baking. Let the garlic bread cool down for a few minutes before slicing and serving. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and added flavor.

Tips:

• Spray the baking sheet lightly before adding the bread to prevent sticking.
• If the bread is browning too quickly, cover it with a tent of aluminum foil to prevent over-baking.
• Serve the garlic bread warm, but be careful not to burn yourself!
• Get creative with your cheese and herb choices to make it your own.

Roasted garlic on bread

Choosing the Right Bread

For roasted garlic bread, it's best to use a crusty bread with a soft interior. French bread or Italian bread are excellent choices, as they have a crispy outer crust that can hold up well to the toppings and a soft interior that absorbs the flavours beautifully. Sourdough or Tiger Bread are also good options, providing a firm texture that complements the roasted garlic.

Preparing the Roasted Garlic

To prepare roasted garlic, start by peeling the outer layers from a head of garlic, exposing the individual cloves while leaving the skin on them. Cut off the top of the garlic, ensuring all cloves are exposed. Drizzle the garlic with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Wrap the garlic in foil and roast in the oven at 350°F/180°C for 45-60 minutes, or until tender and golden. Once roasted, squeeze the garlic cloves out of their peel and mash them with a fork, adding a pinch of salt to smooth out any firm bits.

Cheese Selection

When it comes to cheese, you have several options to pair with your roasted garlic. Here are some recommended choices:

• Mozzarella: A classic pairing for garlic bread, mozzarella provides a nice cheese pull and melts beautifully.
• Cheddar: Adds a punch of flavour to balance the mellow roasted garlic.
• Gruyere: Its sweet and nutty flavour complements the roasted garlic perfectly.
• Colby Jack: Colby Jack cheese has a wonderful Italian cheese blend taste and melts well under high temperatures.
• Parmesan: Grated or shredded Parmesan adds a delicious salty and nutty flavour to your garlic bread.

Putting It All Together

Now, it's time to assemble your roasted garlic bread! Here's a simple method:

• Start by preheating your oven to 400°F/200°C.
• Spread butter on one side of each slice of bread.
• On the other side, spread a generous amount of roasted garlic.
• Top four slices of bread (garlic side) with shredded cheese.
• Place another slice of bread on top, butter-side up.
• Add the sandwiches to a pan over medium heat and fry until both sides are crisp and golden, and the cheese is gooey.

Serving Suggestions

Roasted garlic bread is a versatile dish that can be served in various ways:

• Enjoy it as a snack or appetiser on its own.
• Serve it as a side dish with pasta, soup, or a hearty salad.
• For a comforting meal, pair it with a bowl of roasted tomato soup or roasted red pepper soup for dipping.
• For a more indulgent treat, dip your roasted garlic bread in warm marinara sauce.

Roasted garlic bread is a delightful creation, and with these tips and instructions, you can easily make it at home. Enjoy the wonderful flavours and aromas of roasted garlic paired with melted cheese on crusty bread!

Freezing garlic bread

Garlic bread is a delicious side dish, perfect for dipping in marinara sauce or serving alongside pasta, soup, or salad. While it's best served fresh from the oven, you can make it ahead of time and freeze it to enjoy later. Here's a guide on how to freeze garlic bread:

Preparing the Garlic Bread for Freezing

Start by preparing your garlic bread as you normally would. You can use your favourite recipe or a store-bought frozen option. If you're making it from scratch, simply combine softened butter, garlic powder, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and shredded cheese in a small bowl. Spread this mixture evenly over the halved bread, top with cheese, and bake until the butter is melted and bubbly.

Once your garlic bread is baked to perfection, let it cool completely. It's important that the bread is cooled to room temperature before freezing, as this will help prevent excess condensation and maintain the bread's texture.

Wrapping and Freezing

After the garlic bread has cooled, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. Make sure the bread is well-sealed and protected from air exposure. Place the wrapped garlic bread in a freezer bag or airtight container. Label the package with the date and contents, so you know what it is and when it was frozen.

Thawing and Reheating

When you're ready to enjoy your frozen garlic bread, simply remove it from the freezer and let it thaw at room temperature for about an hour. You can also reheat it directly from frozen, but it may take a bit longer. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and place the frozen garlic bread on a baking sheet. Cover the bread with aluminium foil to prevent it from drying out. Heat it for about 15-20 minutes, or until it's warmed through.

Alternatively, you can reheat the garlic bread in a toaster oven or regular oven without thawing. Remove the plastic wrap and rewrap the bread in aluminium foil. Heat it at 350°F (180°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through.

Tips for Freezing Garlic Bread

• If you're preparing the garlic bread specifically for freezing, it's best to underbake it slightly. That way, when you reheat it, it won't dry out or burn.
• If you plan to freeze the garlic bread for an extended period, consider double-wrapping it in plastic before placing it in a freezer bag. This will help prevent freezer burn and maintain freshness.
• For best results, consume the frozen garlic bread within 3-6 months.
• You can also freeze individual slices of garlic bread, which can be convenient for quick snacks or side dishes. Simply wrap each slice tightly in plastic and place them together in a freezer bag.

By following these steps, you can enjoy delicious garlic bread anytime, even if you don't have the time to prepare it from scratch. Freezing garlic bread is a great way to preserve this tasty treat for future meals!

Reheating garlic bread

Roasted garlic has a sweet and nutty flavour and a soft, spreadable texture. It pairs well with a variety of cheeses, including Gruyere, mozzarella, and cheddar.

Garlic bread is best stored at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. If you want to store it for longer, it is best to freeze it. To reheat garlic bread, there are several methods you can use:

• Oven: Wrap the bread in foil and warm it in the oven for 10-15 minutes at 350°F.
• Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 350°F and cook the bread for 2-3 minutes.
• Toaster Oven: Preheat the toaster oven to 450°F and wrap the bread in foil. Place it on a baking tray and bake for 10-15 minutes.
• Microwave: Place the bread on a microwave-safe plate and warm it in 10-second intervals until it is soft and heated through.
• Stove: Preheat a skillet on the stove over medium heat and add a thin layer of butter or olive oil. Place the slices of garlic bread cut-side down and heat for around 2 minutes.
• Toaster: Place the garlic bread in a toaster bag and insert it into the toaster slot. Toast for about 2-3 minutes.

Frequently asked questions