Description
This Easy Cheesy Bread recipe is a quick and delicious way to enjoy a flavorful garlic butter spread smothered in melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses on crusty Italian or French bread. Perfect as an appetizer, side dish, or snack, it’s baked to golden brown perfection in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Bread
- 1 loaf (1 pound) Italian bread, or French bread
Garlic Butter Spread
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the Garlic Butter: In a medium bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix well until evenly distributed. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Slice the Bread: Using a serrated bread knife, carefully slice the loaf of bread lengthwise into two long halves.
- Score the Bread (Optional): Make shallow diagonal cuts across the surface of each half of the bread, being careful not to cut all the way through.
- Spread Garlic Butter: Generously spread the garlic butter mixture evenly over the cut surfaces of both halves of the bread.
- Add Mozzarella Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the garlic butter on both halves of the bread.
- Add Parmesan Cheese: Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the mozzarella cheese.
- Bake: Place the two halves of the bread on a baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the bread is golden brown.
- Broil (Optional): For an extra golden and bubbly top, you can broil the bread for the last 1-2 minutes. Watch it very carefully to prevent burning.
- Cool and Slice: Remove from oven and let cool for a few minutes before slicing.
- Serve: Slice into individual portions and serve immediately. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.
Notes
- To enhance the garlic flavor, let the garlic butter rest for a few minutes before spreading.
- You can add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Using fresh mozzarella can give a creamier texture but adjust the quantity as needed.
- Store leftovers wrapped in foil to keep bread soft, and reheat in the oven for best results.
- Broiling is optional but recommended for a bubbly, golden crust.
