Description
A deliciously toasty and spicy cheesy garlic bread that combines a crispy Italian loaf with a flavorful garlic butter spread, melted provolone or mozzarella cheese, and zesty toppings for the perfect appetizer or side dish.
Ingredients
Bread and Butter Mixture
- 1 loaf Italian bread
- 8 tablespoons butter
- 8 garlic cloves, minced
- Kosher salt and pepper, to taste
- 3 tablespoons parmesan cheese, plus more for topping
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Cheese and Toppings
- 1 ½ cups shredded provolone or mozzarella cheese
- Crushed red pepper, for topping
- Chopped fresh parsley, for topping
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure it is hot enough to toast the bread perfectly and melt the cheese beautifully.
- Prepare the bread: Slice the Italian bread loaf in half lengthwise, creating two long halves ready to be spread with the garlic butter mixture.
- Make garlic butter mixture: In a bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, parmesan cheese, a pinch of kosher salt and pepper, dried basil, and dried oregano. Mash or mix well to create a flavorful, spreadable mixture.
- Spread mixture and oil bread: Evenly spread the garlic butter mixture over both cut sides of the bread halves. Then drizzle each side with olive oil to add extra richness and help with crisping.
- Bake the bread: Place the bread halves on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the bread turns golden and crispy on the edges.
- Add cheese and finish baking: Remove the bread from the oven, sprinkle the shredded provolone or mozzarella cheese evenly over the bread halves, and return to oven for an additional 2 to 3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and serve: Take the bread out of the oven, top with crushed red pepper flakes and chopped fresh parsley for a spicy and fresh finish, sprinkle extra parmesan cheese on top if desired, then slice and serve warm.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, you can broil the bread for the last 1-2 minutes instead of baking it under regular heat, but watch carefully to avoid burning.
- Use fresh garlic for the best flavor; garlic powder could be used in a pinch but won’t be as flavorful.
- Substitute mozzarella with provolone or a blend of both cheeses for different flavor profiles.
- Adjust the amount of crushed red pepper to control the spice level according to taste.
- Leftover garlic bread can be reheated in a toaster oven or oven to maintain crispiness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-18 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approximately 1/8 loaf)
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg
