If you’re looking for a recipe that combines simplicity with mouthwatering flavor, this Quick Cheesy Garlic Bread is the answer. Perfect as a side dish, appetizer, or even a snack, this recipe delivers crispy, buttery, garlicky bread topped with gooey, melty mozzarella cheese in just under 30 minutes. Whether you’re serving it alongside a hearty pasta dish, dipping it into your favorite soups and stews, or simply enjoying it on its own, this cheesy garlic bread is sure to be a hit with everyone at the table.
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 8 pieces
Calories: 267 kcal per serving
Ingredients:
- 1 bread loaf (approx. 30cm/12″ long):
The type of bread you choose will make a difference in the texture of your garlic bread. Ciabatta and Vienna loaves are ideal because they have a slightly crispy crust and a soft interior, making them perfect for absorbing the garlic butter. However, you can also use a softer bread loaf if you prefer a more tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture. - 100g (1/2 cup) unsalted butter, melted:
Butter is essential for giving the bread its rich, savory flavor. Using unsalted butter allows you to control the saltiness of the dish. Make sure the butter is fully melted so that it mixes evenly with the garlic and spreads easily over the bread. - 1/2 tsp salt:
Salt enhances all the flavors in the garlic butter. It balances the richness of the butter and the pungency of the garlic, ensuring each bite is perfectly seasoned. - 3 garlic cloves, minced (~3 tsp):
Fresh garlic is key to achieving that classic garlic bread flavor. Mince the garlic finely to ensure it spreads evenly across the bread. The garlic will infuse the butter with its aroma, creating a deliciously fragrant topping. - 2 – 2.5 cups (200 – 250g) mozzarella cheese, grated:
Mozzarella is the cheese of choice for this recipe because of its excellent melting properties. It becomes beautifully gooey and stretchy when baked, providing that satisfying cheese pull. You can adjust the amount of cheese based on how cheesy you want your bread to be. - Parsley, for sprinkling (optional):
Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and a hint of herbal freshness that complements the rich flavors of the garlic and cheese. While optional, it’s a great finishing touch that makes the bread look as good as it tastes.
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven:
- Begin by preheating your oven to 160°C (320°F). Preheating ensures that the oven is at the right temperature when you’re ready to bake, which is crucial for achieving that perfect balance of crispy edges and soft interior on the bread.
- Prepare the Garlic Butter:
- In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, and salt. Stir the mixture until the garlic and salt are evenly distributed throughout the butter. This garlic butter will be the base layer of flavor for your bread, infusing it with a rich, savory taste.
- Slice the Bread:
- Take your bread loaf and carefully cut it in half horizontally. You should have two large, flat pieces of bread that are ready to be topped with the garlic butter. Slicing the bread this way maximizes the surface area, allowing more of the garlic butter and cheese to cover the bread.
- Butter the Bread:
- Place the bread halves on a baking sheet, cut side up. Using a pastry brush or spoon, drizzle the garlic butter mixture evenly over both halves. Be sure to cover every nook and cranny of the bread so that each bite is full of garlic flavor. This step is crucial for ensuring that the bread soaks up all the buttery goodness.
- Bake the Bread:
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for about 20 minutes. During this time, the bread will start to crisp up around the edges while remaining soft in the center. Baking it first without the cheese ensures that the bread develops the perfect texture before the cheese is added.
- Add the Cheese:
- After 20 minutes, remove the bread from the oven. Increase the oven temperature to 200°C (390°F). Generously sprinkle the grated mozzarella cheese over the top of the bread halves. Make sure to spread the cheese evenly so that every bite has a gooey, cheesy topping.
- Melt the Cheese:
- Return the bread to the oven and bake for another 7-10 minutes. The cheese should melt completely, becoming bubbly and golden on top. This is the moment when your kitchen will start to smell absolutely irresistible, as the cheese browns and the garlic butter continues to infuse the bread.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Once the cheese is melted and golden, remove the bread from the oven. If you’re using parsley, sprinkle it over the top while the cheese is still hot. The parsley adds a fresh, vibrant contrast to the richness of the bread. Slice the bread into pieces and serve immediately while the cheese is still warm and stretchy.
Notes:
- Versatile Side Dish:
This cheesy garlic bread pairs perfectly with a variety of main dishes. Serve it alongside spaghetti Bolognese, lasagna, or any other pasta dish. It’s also a great companion to soups and stews, providing a satisfying crunch and cheesy indulgence. - Customizable Flavor:
Feel free to get creative with this recipe. You can mix pesto into the garlic butter for a basil-infused twist, add a sprinkle of dried herbs like oregano or thyme for extra flavor, or even use truffle butter to elevate the dish with a luxurious touch. A sprinkle of grated parmesan before adding the mozzarella can also add a sharp, salty contrast to the creamy cheese. - Serving Tips:
This bread is best served fresh out of the oven when the cheese is at its meltiest and the bread is still warm. If you have leftovers, you can reheat them by wrapping the bread in foil and warming it in the oven. This method will help maintain the crispy texture of the bread while reheating the cheese. - Make Ahead:
You can prepare the garlic butter and slice the bread ahead of time if you’re planning to serve this at a gathering. Simply store the prepared bread in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake it. When ready to serve, just follow the baking instructions and add the cheese as directed.
Conclusion:
This Quick Cheesy Garlic Bread is a simple yet incredibly satisfying dish that can elevate any meal. The combination of crispy bread, rich garlic butter, and gooey melted mozzarella cheese is a classic that never disappoints. Whether you’re whipping it up for a family dinner, a party, or just a cozy night in, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. Enjoy every cheesy, garlicky bite!