Description
This Easy Cheesy Bread recipe transforms a simple loaf of Italian or French bread into a mouthwatering, cheesy delight perfect for appetizers, snacks, or a side dish. Infused with garlic, herbs, and a blend of melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, this quick and delicious treat can be prepared in just 30 minutes.
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 well until evenly distributed. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it is ready for baking.
- Slice the Bread: Using a serrated bread knife, carefully slice the loaf lengthwise into two long halves.
- Score the Bread (Optional): Make shallow diagonal cuts across the surface of each bread half without cutting all the way through. This helps the flavors penetrate deeper.
- Spread Garlic Butter: Generously spread the prepared garlic butter mixture evenly over the cut surfaces of both bread halves.
- Add Mozzarella Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly over the garlic butter on both halves.
- Add Parmesan Cheese: Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese on top of the mozzarella layer.
- Bake: Place the two bread halves on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and the bread is golden brown.
- Broil (Optional): For an extra golden and bubbly crust, broil the bread for the last 1-2 minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning.
- Cool and Slice: Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes to set. Then slice into individual portions.
- Serve: Serve immediately, garnished with additional fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
- If fresh parsley is unavailable, dried parsley can be substituted but use less to avoid overpowering the flavor.
- Scoring the bread is optional but helps the garlic butter and cheese penetrate more evenly.
- Watch carefully if broiling to prevent the cheese from burning.
- For a crispier texture, you can toast the bread halves slightly before spreading the garlic butter.
- This bread is best enjoyed fresh but can be reheated in an oven to revive crispiness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
