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Cheesy Garlic Bread

This irresistible Cheesy Garlic Bread combines a crunchy exterior with a soft, buttery interior, topped with stretchy mozzarella and savory Parmesan. Ready in just 15 minutes, it's the perfect crowd-pleasing side dish for pasta night or a hearty soup.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American, Italian
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 large loaf French bread or Italian bread sliced in half lengthwise
  • ½ cup unsalted butter softened (1 stick)
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 cups mozzarella cheese shredded
  • ½ cup Parmesan cheese grated
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped, plus more for garnish
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano optional
  • 1 pinch salt

Equipment

  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper or foil
  • Small mixing bowl
  • Knife

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
  2. In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, dried oregano (if using), and a pinch of salt. Stir until everything is incorporated into a smooth spread.
  3. Take your French or Italian bread that's been sliced in half lengthwise, and generously spread the garlic butter mixture evenly over both cut sides.
  4. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan evenly across the buttered surfaces.
  5. Bake uncovered for 12-15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  6. Optional: Switch your oven to broil for 1-2 minutes at the end for a golden finish, watching carefully so it doesn't burn.
  7. Slice into serving-sized pieces and garnish with extra fresh parsley. Serve warm.

Notes

For the best results, use bread with a crisp exterior but soft interior. While pre-shredded cheese works in a pinch, grating your own mozzarella from a block gives the best melt and flavor. This garlic bread can be customized with different cheeses like gouda or cheddar, or add toppings like pepperoni, sun-dried tomatoes, or caramelized onions to make it more substantial. It pairs perfectly with pasta dishes, soups, or a crisp Caesar salad.