Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Slice the loaf of bread in half horizontally, creating two long halves.
In a small bowl, mix the softened butter with minced garlic, chopped parsley, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir until well combined.
Spread the garlic butter mixture generously over the cut side of each bread half.
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese evenly on top of the buttered bread halves.
Place the bread halves on a baking sheet, cut side up, and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the edges of the bread are golden and crispy.
Once done, remove the bread from the oven and allow it to cool slightly before slicing into individual pieces.
Serving and Storage Tips:
Serve your cheesy garlic bread hot, paired with your favorite pasta dishes, soups, or as a stand-alone appetizer.
For a crispier texture, broil the bread for an additional 1-2 minutes at the end of baking.
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for 1-2 days. To reheat, place the slices in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes, or until crispy and warm.
For longer storage, wrap the garlic bread tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 1 month. Reheat in the oven from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Variations:
Herb Infusion: Add dried herbs like oregano, basil, or thyme to the butter mixture for an aromatic twist.
Cheese Lovers: Mix in other cheeses such as cheddar, gouda, or even a sprinkle of feta for a more complex flavor.
Spicy Kick: For a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or some sliced jalapeños before baking.
Gluten-Free: Substitute the regular loaf of bread with a gluten-free variety for a delicious, gluten-free version of this dish.
Vegan: Swap the butter for a plant-based alternative and use dairy-free cheese to make it vegan-friendly.
FAQs:
Q: Can I use a different type of bread?
A: Absolutely! While Italian or French bread is traditional, you can use any kind of bread you prefer. Baguettes, sourdough, or even a thick slice of whole wheat bread can work well.
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the garlic butter mixture and assemble the bread up to 24 hours in advance. Cover the unbaked bread with plastic wrap and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake.
Q: Can I freeze cheesy garlic bread?
A: Yes, cheesy garlic bread freezes beautifully. Just slice it before freezing, and you can bake individual pieces straight from the freezer whenever you crave it.
Q: How do I prevent the bread from becoming soggy?
A: To prevent sogginess, make sure to use fresh bread and avoid overloading the garlic butter. Baking at a high temperature for a short time ensures a crisp, crunchy texture without the sogginess.
Q: Can I make this recipe without cheese?
A: While cheese is the star of this dish, you can absolutely make a garlic bread with just the garlic butter and herbs for a lighter version. It’ll still be delicious!
