Description
This Epic Stuffed Garlic Bread Recipe combines crusty French or Italian bread with a flavorful garlic herb butter and a gooey blend of mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan cheeses. Baked to golden perfection, it’s a crowd-pleasing appetizer or side dish perfect for parties or family meals.
Ingredients
Scale
Bread and Butter Mixture
- 1 large loaf of crusty French or Italian bread
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried basil)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cheese Filling
- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it reaches the ideal temperature for baking the bread.
- Prepare Bread: Using a sharp bread knife, make deep diagonal cuts about 1 inch apart into the bread without cutting all the way through. Turn the loaf and make similar diagonal cuts in the opposite direction, creating a crosshatch pattern for stuffing.
- Make Garlic Butter: In a small bowl, mix the softened butter with minced garlic, chopped parsley, chopped basil, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until well combined, creating a flavorful spread.
- Stuff Bread: Gently spoon the garlic butter mixture deep into all cuts and crevices of the bread. Then evenly stuff the shredded mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan cheeses into the slits.
- Wrap and Bake: Wrap the loaf tightly in aluminum foil and place it on a baking sheet. Bake for 15 minutes to allow the butter to melt and flavors to meld.
- Broil Cheese: Unwrap the top of the foil and bake the bread for an additional 5–7 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and the top is golden brown.
- Cool and Serve: Let the stuffed garlic bread cool slightly before slicing to serve warm as a delicious appetizer or side.
Notes
- Add cooked crumbled bacon, chopped pepperoni, or sautéed mushrooms to the cheese mixture for a heartier version.
- For extra crispness, broil the unwrapped loaf for 1–2 minutes at the end of baking.
- Best served warm to enjoy the gooey melted cheese and crispy bread texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, Italian-Inspired
