Description
This Cheesy Bread Quick Easy recipe is the perfect go-to for a delicious, cheesy appetizer or side. Featuring a crispy crusty bread base topped with a flavorful garlic butter spread and a melty blend of mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, this recipe comes together in just 30 minutes. Ideal for sharing and customizable with optional toppings.
Ingredients
Scale
Bread
- 1 loaf (1 pound) Italian bread, French bread, or sourdough bread
Garlic Butter Spread
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Optional
- Red pepper flakes, for a touch of heat
- Sliced tomatoes, olives, pepperoni, or other toppings as desired
Instructions
- Prepare Garlic Butter: In a medium bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly to create a flavorful spread. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed to suit your preference.
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and allow it to fully heat while you prepare the bread.
- Slice Bread: Carefully slice the loaf lengthwise into two equal halves to form the base for your cheesy bread.
- Score Bread (Optional): For better cheese penetration and texture, make shallow diagonal cuts across the cut surfaces of each bread half, avoiding slicing through the crust.
- Spread Garlic Butter: Generously spread the prepared garlic butter mixture evenly over the cut sides of both halves, ensuring flavor throughout.
- Add Cheese: Evenly sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over both halves, then top with grated Parmesan to add depth and richness.
- Optional Toppings: Add any desired toppings like sliced tomatoes, olives, pepperoni, or red pepper flakes to customize your cheesy bread.
- Bake: Place the bread halves on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted, bubbly, and starts to turn golden brown.
- Broil (Optional): For an extra golden and crispy cheese topping, broil the bread for the last 1-2 minutes. Watch closely to prevent burning.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the cheesy bread from the oven, let it cool slightly to avoid burns, then slice and serve warm for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- You can use Italian, French, or sourdough bread depending on your preference for crustiness and flavor.
- Adjust garlic and herbs to taste for a milder or stronger flavor.
- Optional toppings like pepperoni or vegetables can be added before baking for a customized twist.
- Broiling at the end enhances cheese browning but requires careful attention to avoid burning.
- Leftover cheesy bread can be reheated in the oven to regain crispiness.
