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Delicious homemade garlic cheese bread topped with melted cheese

Garlic Cheese Bread

A delightful combination of crispy French bread topped with rich melted cheese and fragrant garlic, this Garlic Cheese Bread is the perfect side dish to any meal.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 14 minutes
Total Time 24 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Appetizer, Side Dish
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 200

Ingredients
  

Bread and Base
  • 14 to 16 ounces loaf of French bread Italian bread can be used as a substitute.
  • 8 tablespoons softened butter Can be substituted with olive oil for a healthier option.
Flavor Enhancers
  • 1/3 cup finely chopped parsley Basil is a delightful substitute.
  • 4 cloves garlic, finely minced or grated Freshness is key; use less garlic powder if substituting.
  • Kosher salt Kosher salt Regular salt can be used, but measure cautiously.
Cheese
  • 8 ounces shredded whole milk mozzarella cheese For a sharper flavor, a mix with sharp cheddar can be used.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
  2. In a medium bowl, mix together the softened butter, chopped parsley, minced garlic, and a generous pinch of salt until well blended.
  3. Slice the loaf of French bread into 3/4 to 1-inch thick pieces, placing them cut side up on a baking sheet.
  4. Spread the garlic butter mixture evenly across the cut sides of each piece.
  5. Generously top each slice with the shredded mozzarella cheese.
Baking
  1. Bake for 12 to 14 minutes, or until the edges are dark golden brown and crispy. For an extra crispy texture, you can switch to broil for the last minute or two, keeping a close watch to prevent burning.

Notes

Serve warm with your favorite pasta or enjoy on its own! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Freezing is possible; prepare the bread but do not bake, and wrap tightly before freezing.