The Best Cheeses To Pair With Garlic Bread

There are many types of cheese that can be used for garlic bread, including mozzarella, parmesan, cheddar, Monterey Jack, and provolone. The best cheese for garlic bread depends on personal preference, as different cheeses offer varying levels of stretch, flavour, and creaminess. For instance, mozzarella is known for its stretch, while cheddar provides a good balance of flavour. For a creamier texture, one can substitute butter and oil with mayonnaise.

Mozzarella and parmesan

The Perfect Partnership

Preparation and Cooking

When preparing garlic bread with mozzarella and parmesan, it's essential to grate the cheeses yourself. Pre-shredded cheeses often contain anti-caking agents that can impact their melting ability. By grating the cheeses yourself, you'll ensure a smoother melt and achieve that irresistible stretchiness that makes garlic bread so appealing.

To make garlic bread, start by slicing a French loaf or Italian bread in half horizontally. Prepare a garlic butter mixture by combining softened butter with minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. You can also add fresh or dried parsley for an extra flavour boost. Spread this garlic butter mixture generously onto the bread halves.

Now, it's time for the cheese! Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded mozzarella and parmesan over the garlic butter. You can also mix the cheeses together before sprinkling to ensure an even distribution of flavours. Once your bread is cheesed up, it's ready for the oven.

Baking Tips

For the best results, bake your garlic bread uncovered in a preheated oven at around 400°F (200°C) for about 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Keep a close eye on it, as you want the top to turn golden and crispy without burning. If you prefer your bread softer, you can wrap it in foil before baking, but this will affect the crispness of the final product.

Serving Suggestions

Cheddar and mozzarella

Mozzarella and cheddar are two of the most popular cheeses for garlic bread. Here's how to make the perfect garlic bread with these two cheeses.

Ingredients

• French or Italian bread
• Butter (unsalted or salted)
• Olive oil
• Garlic (fresh or minced)
• Salt
• Red pepper flakes
• Italian seasoning
• Shredded mozzarella cheese
• Shredded or grated cheddar cheese
• Fresh parsley

Method

• Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
• Slice your bread in half lengthwise.
• Combine butter, olive oil, garlic, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes in a pan on medium-low heat. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the garlic becomes fragrant.
• Spread the garlic butter mixture over the bread, covering the entire surface.
• Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese on top.
• Bake for 10-20 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
• Broil for 1-2 minutes for a golden, crispy top.
• Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.

Tips:

• For a softer bread, wrap the garlic bread in foil before baking.
• If you prefer a crispier bread, broil it for the last 1-2 minutes of baking.
• You can also add parsley to the garlic butter mixture for extra flavour.
• Try experimenting with different types of bread, such as sourdough or baguette.

Parmesan, Monterey Jack or Italian blend

Parmesan, Monterey Jack, or Italian Blend Cheese for Garlic Bread

Parmesan, Monterey Jack, and Italian blend cheeses are all excellent choices for making delicious garlic bread. Each of these options offers a unique flavour and texture that can enhance the overall taste of the dish. Here's a detailed guide to help you decide which of these cheeses to use for your next batch of garlic bread.

Parmesan Cheese

Parmesan is a popular choice for garlic bread due to its distinct and robust flavour. It adds a savoury, nutty, and salty taste that pairs exceptionally well with garlic. When using Parmesan, it's best to grate it finely so that it melts evenly and creates a nice, crispy texture on top of the bread. Parmesan also provides a deeper, more intense flavour that can stand up to the strong taste of garlic.

Monterey Jack Cheese

Monterey Jack is another excellent option for garlic bread. It has a mild, creamy, and buttery flavour with a hint of tanginess. This cheese melts beautifully, creating a smooth and stretchy texture that is ideal for garlic bread. The mildness of Monterey Jack also allows the garlic flavour to shine through while adding a delightful creaminess to the dish.

Italian Blend Cheese

An Italian blend cheese typically combines several varieties of Italian cheeses, such as mozzarella, Colby Jack, provolone, Parmesan, and Asiago. This blend creates a well-rounded flavour profile that complements garlic bread perfectly. The mix of cheeses adds a combination of sharpness, sweetness, and creaminess to the bread. Italian blend cheese also melts well, ensuring a gooey and indulgent texture.

Tips for Using These Cheeses in Garlic Bread

When using Parmesan, Monterey Jack, or Italian blend cheese for garlic bread, consider the following tips:

• Preheat your oven to the appropriate temperature, typically around 350-400 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Combine the cheese with softened butter, fresh garlic, and herbs like parsley, rosemary, or Italian seasoning to create a flavourful spread.
• Spread the mixture generously onto your bread of choice, such as French bread or Italian bread, and bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
• For an extra crispy topping, broil the garlic bread for an additional minute or two, keeping a close eye on it to avoid burning.
• Serve the garlic bread warm to ensure the best texture and flavour.

In conclusion, Parmesan, Monterey Jack, or Italian blend cheese can elevate your garlic bread to new heights. Each of these cheeses brings its unique characteristics to the dish, whether it's the robust flavour of Parmesan, the creamy texture of Monterey Jack, or the well-rounded taste of Italian blend. By following the tips provided, you can create mouthwatering garlic bread that will be the star side dish at any meal.

Bread options: Italian, French, baguette or sourdough

When it comes to making garlic bread, the type of bread you use can make or break the crispiness and the absorbability of the garlic butter. Here are some bread options to consider:

Italian Bread

Italian bread is a great option for garlic bread as it has a wider, flatter shape that works well and a more even crumb with fewer holes. It's dense enough to be a little chewy, but not too dense, making it the perfect middle ground!

French Bread

French bread is another good choice for garlic bread. It has a light, fluffy texture that can still get crunchy and chewy when baked with garlic butter. It also works well for soaking up sauces and soups.

Baguette

A crusty, fresh-baked baguette is often considered the optimal choice for garlic bread. Its thick, stable structure can hold up to the weight of the garlic butter, and it has a nice chewy texture. However, it may have too many holes and nooks to get an even spread of butter.

Sourdough

Using sourdough bread for garlic bread will give it a chewy and tangy flavour. It's a less conventional choice but can bring your homemade garlic bread to another level. Sourdough also works well if you want to slice the bread and place it on a baking sheet, as the slices hold their shape well.

How to make garlic bread

Ingredients:

• Bread ( French bread, sourdough, baguette, Italian bread, ciabatta, focaccia, brioche, or English muffins)
• Butter (unsalted or salted)
• Garlic (freshly minced or garlic powder)
• Cheese ( mozzarella, parmesan, cheddar, Monterey Jack, Colby, Colby Jack, Swiss, or Italian blend)
• Olive oil (optional)
• Italian seasoning (optional)
• Red pepper flakes (optional)
• Parsley (optional)
• Salt (optional)

Instructions:

• Preheat your oven to a temperature between 370-425°F (190-220°C).
• Cut your chosen bread in half lengthwise and place it on a baking sheet, cut-side up.
• If you want to add olive oil, heat it in a pan over medium-low heat with butter, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using). Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the garlic becomes fragrant.
• Mix softened butter with garlic, and salt (if using) in a small bowl. You can also add Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes to this mixture if you didn't use them in the previous step.
• Spread the garlic butter mixture over the bread halves, covering the entire surface, including the edges.
• Sprinkle your chosen cheese over the buttered bread. You can use a single type of cheese or a combination of cheeses.
• Bake the garlic bread in the oven for 9-20 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly. If you want a crispier top, you can broil it for an additional 1-2 minutes.
• Remove the garlic bread from the oven and garnish with fresh parsley (if using).
• Slice and serve warm.

Tips:

• For a softer bread, wrap the garlic bread in foil before baking. For a crispier bread, do not wrap it in foil.
• You can make the garlic butter mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• If you want to add more spices, try adding fresh thyme, oregano, or parsley to the butter mixture.
• You can also add red pepper flakes, paprika, or jalapeños to the butter mixture for a spicier bread.

Frequently asked questions