Description
This Easy Cheesy Bread recipe delivers a perfect blend of buttery garlic, fresh herbs, and a crispy golden crust topped with gooey melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Ready in just 30 minutes, this irresistible appetizer or snack brings ultimate comfort and flavor to your table with simple ingredients and straightforward steps.
Ingredients
Scale
Bread and Butter Mixture
- 1 loaf (1 pound) Italian bread or French bread
- 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
Cheeses
- 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 black pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly incorporated. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed to ensure a balanced flavor.
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to preheat at 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking your cheesy bread.
- Slice the Bread: Using a serrated bread knife, carefully cut the loaf lengthwise into two long halves to create a base for the toppings.
- Score the Bread (Optional): Lightly make diagonal shallow cuts across the surface of each bread half without cutting through the bread completely. This allows easier slicing and better heat penetration.
- Spread Garlic Butter: Generously and evenly spread the prepared garlic butter mixture over the cut surfaces of both bread halves, ensuring full coverage.
- Add Mozzarella Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly over the garlic butter on both halves to create a melty and stringy cheese layer.
- Add Parmesan Cheese: Evenly sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the mozzarella to add depth and a slightly nutty flavor.
- Bake: Place the two bread halves on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and the edges of the bread turn a golden brown.
- Broil (Optional): For a beautifully golden and bubbly top, broil the bread for an additional 1-2 minutes. Watch closely to prevent burning.
- Cool and Slice: Remove the bread from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes to set the cheese before slicing.
- Serve: Slice into individual portions and serve immediately. Optionally, garnish with additional fresh parsley for a fresh herbal touch.
Notes
- Use a serrated knife for clean, even bread slicing.
- Fresh parsley enhances flavor but can be replaced with dried if unavailable; adjust quantity accordingly.
- Baking times may vary depending on oven; keep an eye on the bread to avoid burning.
- For extra garlic flavor, increase garlic cloves, but balance with butter to prevent overpowering.
- Optional broiling provides a crispier top but requires close attention to avoid burning.
- Serve warm for best texture and flavor experience.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
