Homemade Cheesy Garlic Bread – The Perfect Side Dish

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Here’s a recipe for Homemade Cheesy Garlic Bread that’s crispy, buttery, and loaded with cheese—making it the ultimate side dish for any meal!

Ingredients:

For the Bread:

  • 1 loaf of French bread, Italian bread, or ciabatta (cut lengthwise)

For the Garlic Butter Spread:

  • ½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning or dried parsley
  • Salt to taste

For the Cheese Topping:

  • 1½ cups (150 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ½ cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
  • Optional: ¼ cup cheddar or provolone for a flavor boost
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the Oven:
    • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
    • Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
  2. Make the Garlic Butter Spread:
    • In a bowl, combine softened butter, minced garlic, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of salt. Mix until smooth and creamy.
  3. Prepare the Bread:
    • Place the bread halves cut side up on the prepared baking sheet.
    • Spread the garlic butter mixture evenly over the cut sides of the bread.
  4. Add the Cheese:
    • Sprinkle the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses generously over the top of the bread.
  5. Bake:
    • Bake the bread in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  6. Broil for Crispiness (Optional):
    • Turn the oven to the broil setting and broil for 1-2 minutes to achieve a golden-brown crust. Keep a close eye to avoid burning.
  7. Garnish and Serve:
    • Remove from the oven and sprinkle with fresh parsley for color and added flavor.
    • Slice into pieces and serve warm.

Serving Suggestions:

  • Pair with pasta dishes like spaghetti, lasagna, or Alfredo.
  • Serve as a side for soups, salads, or grilled meats.
  • Offer with marinara or ranch dipping sauce for an extra treat.

Tips:

  • For a spicy kick, add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter.
  • Make it extra garlicky by rubbing the cut bread with a raw garlic clove before adding the spread.
  • Leftovers? Wrap in foil and reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes.

This cheesy garlic bread is sure to steal the show at your next meal!

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