Garlic Bread: Which Cheeses Melt And Taste The Best?

Garlic bread is a delicious side dish that can be served with pasta, soup, or salad. But what kind of cheese goes on garlic bread? The answer may vary depending on personal preference, but some common choices include mozzarella, parmesan, cheddar, Colby Jack, and provolone. For the best results, it is recommended to use a combination of cheeses, such as mozzarella and parmesan, or mozzarella, parmesan, and sharp cheddar. These combinations provide a balance of smooth creaminess and a sharp bite.

Mozzarella, Parmesan, and Cheddar

Mozzarella is a popular choice for garlic bread because of its melting properties and mild flavour. It pairs well with other cheeses and can be used as a base or as a topping. When baked, mozzarella becomes gooey and stretchy, making it perfect for pulling the garlic bread apart. It also has a mild, creamy taste that complements the garlic without overwhelming it.

Parmesan, or Parmigiano-Reggiano, is a hard Italian cheese with a strong, nutty flavour. It adds a savoury, salty note to garlic bread and is often used in combination with other cheeses. Parmesan can be grated or shredded and sprinkled on top of the bread before baking, adding a crispy, golden texture to the finished dish.

Cheddar, especially the sharp variety, adds a bold, tangy flavour to garlic bread. It melts well and can be used as a filling or topping. Cheddar has a more assertive taste than mozzarella, so a little goes a long way. It pairs well with herbs and spices, enhancing the overall flavour of the garlic bread.

When using these cheeses for garlic bread, consider the following combinations and techniques:

• Mozzarella, Parmesan, and Cheddar can be combined for a flavourful blend. The mildness of mozzarella balances the stronger flavours of Parmesan and Cheddar, resulting in a well-rounded taste.
• Fresh herbs like basil, oregano, or thyme can be added to enhance the flavour. These herbs complement the cheeses and add a depth of flavour to the garlic bread.
• For a more indulgent option, try a combination of mozzarella, Parmesan, and sharp cheddar, as suggested by Tieghan Gerard in her "Soft Garlic Herb Cheddar Cheese Bread" recipe. The sharpness of the cheddar adds a nice kick to the more subtle flavours of mozzarella and Parmesan.
• Play with textures by using a mix of shredded and grated cheeses. For example, sprinkle grated Parmesan on top of the garlic bread for a crispy coating, while using shredded mozzarella and cheddar inside the bread for a gooey, stretchy texture.

Fresh garlic

Some recipes suggest roasting the garlic in the oven to achieve a more robust flavour.

Bread type

The best type of bread for garlic bread is French bread, preferably a fresh loaf from a bakery. French bread has a crispy outer crust, which allows it to hold up well, and it's soft in the middle, which is perfect for absorbing the cheesy garlic butter spread. A thick loaf of French bread or a hearty Italian loaf will yield the best results, but in a pinch, even sliced sandwich bread, ciabatta, sourdough, or hot dog buns will work.

When preparing the bread, slice the loaf in half lengthwise. Place each half, cut side up, on a baking sheet. If you want your garlic bread to be crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, do not wrap it in foil. However, if you prefer softer bread all over, you can wrap it in foil before baking.

For an extra indulgent treat, you can also slice the full loaf into pieces and prep and freeze them for another meal. To do this, prepare the loaves and top them with cheese, then flash freeze on a baking sheet for 1-2 hours. Once frozen solid, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil and store in the freezer. When you're ready to enjoy your garlic bread, unwrap and place on a baking sheet, then bake as directed, adding 10 minutes to the cook time.

Butter

When making garlic bread, the butter is typically combined with other ingredients like garlic (fresh cloves or powder), Italian seasoning, and cheese. This mixture is then spread over the bread, which is then baked until the butter is melted and bubbly.

Some recipes suggest using softened butter to make it easier to spread, while others recommend melting the butter to create a garlic butter sauce that can be drizzled over the bread.

In addition to its role in the traditional garlic bread recipe, butter can also be used to make garlic butter, a delicious spread or topping for garlic bread and other dishes. To make garlic butter, softened butter is combined with ingredients like fresh garlic, parsley or chives, and salt. This mixture can then be spread on garlic bread or used in a variety of other applications, such as melting it over mashed potatoes, tossing it with pasta, or dotting it on a baked potato.

Herbs

To make garlic herb bread, combine butter, garlic, and herbs in a small bowl and stir. Then, slice a loaf of bread lengthwise, spread the herb butter over the bread, and bake for about 15 minutes, or until the butter has melted and the edges are toasted and golden. If you want a more deeply browned garlic herb bread, turn on the oven's broiler for about a minute at the end of the baking time.

If you're using dried herbs, you can try Italian seasoning, which has the perfect combination of herbs in one bottle. You can also add extra virgin olive oil to your garlic herb bread. This will give it a more authentic Italian taste.

Frequently asked questions