Description
This Easy Cheesy Bread recipe is a perfect appetizer or quick side dish featuring a crusty loaf of French or Italian bread loaded with a flavorful garlic butter spread and topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Baked until bubbly and golden, it’s simple to make and always a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
Scale
Bread
- 1 loaf of French bread or Italian bread (about 16 inches), sliced in half lengthwise
Garlic Butter Spread
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- pinch of salt
Cheese Topping
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Garnish
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and position the rack to the middle level.
- Prepare Bread: Slice the loaf of bread lengthwise into two halves and place them cut-side up on a baking sheet, ready for topping.
- Make Garlic Butter: In a small bowl, combine softened unsalted butter, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt. Mix thoroughly until smooth and well blended.
- Apply Butter Spread: Evenly spread the garlic butter mixture over the cut sides of both bread halves, ensuring full coverage for maximum flavor.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over both halves, then top with the grated Parmesan cheese for a rich, cheesy layer.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the cheeses have melted completely and are bubbly.
- Broil for Golden Finish: For a beautifully golden and slightly crisp top, switch the oven to broil and broil the bread for an additional 1 to 2 minutes. Watch closely to avoid burning.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven, sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley if desired, let it cool for a couple of minutes, then slice and serve warm for best taste.
Notes
- You can substitute mozzarella with a blend of Italian cheeses such as provolone, fontina, or asiago for extra flavor complexity.
- Add red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños to the garlic butter for a spicy kick.
- Make sure to watch the bread closely when broiling to prevent burning, as broil times can vary by oven.
- Use fresh garlic for best flavor rather than garlic powder.
