Picture this: a cozy evening where the comforting aroma of freshly baked bread mingles with the irresistible scent of garlic – that’s exactly what you’ll get when I guide you through creating the most heavenly garlic cheese bread your taste buds have ever encountered. Let’s dig in!
How fast and simple it is to create this 10-minute cheesy garlic bread. A loaf of French baguette or Italian bread swathed with some softened butter and minced garlic quickly becomes something no one can resist with the addition of mozzarella and Parmesan.
A sprinkle of fresh parsley and oregano makes it fancy!
Ingredients
- French Baguette: Rich in carbohydrates, it provides a crunchy base for the garlic bread.
- Butter: Adds richness and a creamy texture, enhancing flavor with healthy fats.
- Garlic: Packed with antioxidants, it offers bold flavor and numerous health benefits.
- Mozzarella Cheese: High in protein and calcium, it gives a gooey, cheesy texture.
- Parmesan Cheese: Adds a savory, nutty flavor with a good source of protein.
- Parsley: Provides freshness and is rich in vitamins A, C, and K.
- Dried Oregano: Offers a hint of earthy warmth and has antibacterial properties.
Ingredient Quantities
- 1 loaf of French baguette or Italian bread
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika (optional)
How to Make this
1. Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) to begin the cooking process.
2. Cut a French baguette or Italian bread in half lengthwise.
3. In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt, and oregano. Mix until the ingredients are well combined.
4. Distribute the garlic butter mixture evenly across the sliced, open surfaces of the bread.
5. Generously sprinkle the surface of each half of the bread that has been buttered with shredded mozzarella cheese.
6. Top the mozzarella with grated Parmesan cheese for a taste enhancement.
7. To add some zing, if using, sprinkle the cheese with paprika.
8. Set the baking sheet with the bread halves on it, with the cheese side facing upwards.
9. Place in the oven that has been heated to the proper temperature for baking. Let them cook for a little less than an hour and a half and a little more than an hour.
10. Take it out of the oven, let it cool a bit, cut it into pieces, and present them while they are still warm.
Equipment Needed
1. Oven
2. Bread knife
3. Cutting board
4. Small mixing bowl
5. Spoon or spatula (for mixing and spreading)
6. Tablespoon and teaspoon (for measuring)
7. Baking sheet
FAQ
- Can I use a different type of bread?You can indeed use any crusty bread, like ciabatta or sourdough, but ensure that it’s sturdy enough to hold the toppings.
- Is it necessary to use unsalted butter?For controlling salt levels, unsalted butter is the better choice, but you can use salted butter as long as you adjust the recipe to account for the added salt.
- Can I use pre-minced garlic from a jar?The best flavor comes from garlic that has been minced fresh, but in an emergency, you can use garlic that has been minced and jarred.
- What cheese alternatives can I use?Mozzarella can be swapped for either cheddar or fontina while substituting for different flavors. If you prefer, you can always use Pecorino Romano in place of Parmesan.
- How do I store leftover garlic bread?Cover it with foil and keep it in the fridge for no longer than 2 days. Reheat in the oven to restore crispness before you serve it.
- Can I make this recipe ahead of time?Indeed, make ready the mixture of garlic and butter beforehand and apply it to the bread immediately before baking to make certain of its splendor.
- Is the paprika necessary?Adding smoky flavor optional.
Paprika.
Adds slight smoky flavor, but can be omitted without affecting overall taste.
10 Minute Cheesy Garlic Bread Recipe Substitutions and Variations
For butter that is not salted: Use olive oil or margarine as a substitute.
For mozzarella cheese: Use cheddar cheese or provolone instead.
For Parmesan cheese:
Pecorino Romano or Grana Padano can be used as alternatives.
For fresh parsley: Use fresh basil or cilantro instead.
To replace dried oregano, use either Italian seasoning or dried basil.
Pro Tips
1. Watch the Baking Time: The recipe indicates an unusually long baking time—more than an hour. Instead, typically bake garlic bread for about 10-15 minutes in a 400°F (200°C) oven to avoid overcooking and drying out the bread.
2. Broil for Extra Crispiness: For a perfect golden crust on top, switch the oven to broil for the last 1-2 minutes of baking. Keep a close eye to prevent burning.
3. Infuse the Butter: Before combining, gently heat the butter with the minced garlic and parsley on low for a couple of minutes to infuse the flavors, then allow it to cool slightly before spreading on the bread.
4. Experiment with Cheese Blends: Try mixing in a bit of provolone or Asiago cheese with the mozzarella for a richer flavor profile.
5. Add Fresh Herbs After Baking: Reserve some fresh parsley to sprinkle over the bread after baking for a burst of freshness and color.
10 Minute Cheesy Garlic Bread Recipe
My favorite 10 Minute Cheesy Garlic Bread Recipe
Equipment Needed:
1. Oven
2. Bread knife
3. Cutting board
4. Small mixing bowl
5. Spoon or spatula (for mixing and spreading)
6. Tablespoon and teaspoon (for measuring)
7. Baking sheet
Ingredients:
- 1 loaf of French baguette or Italian bread
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika (optional)
Instructions:
1. Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) to begin the cooking process.
2. Cut a French baguette or Italian bread in half lengthwise.
3. In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt, and oregano. Mix until the ingredients are well combined.
4. Distribute the garlic butter mixture evenly across the sliced, open surfaces of the bread.
5. Generously sprinkle the surface of each half of the bread that has been buttered with shredded mozzarella cheese.
6. Top the mozzarella with grated Parmesan cheese for a taste enhancement.
7. To add some zing, if using, sprinkle the cheese with paprika.
8. Set the baking sheet with the bread halves on it, with the cheese side facing upwards.
9. Place in the oven that has been heated to the proper temperature for baking. Let them cook for a little less than an hour and a half and a little more than an hour.
10. Take it out of the oven, let it cool a bit, cut it into pieces, and present them while they are still warm.