Herb and Cheese Garlic Bread

🕒 Prep: 10 min
🔥 Cook: 12 min
🍽 Serves: 6
★★★★★
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Garlic bread is a beloved classic, but this Herb and Cheese Garlic Bread takes things up a notch with fresh herbs and two types of cheese. It’s a perfect side for any Italian meal or as a decadent appetizer on its own.

Ingredients for Herb and Cheese Garlic Bread

French bread is the perfect base with its chewy texture and crisp crust. Butter adds richness and helps the herbs and cheese adhere to the bread. Garlic brings the essential pungent, warm flavor that makes garlic bread irresistible. Parsley and basil provide a fresh, aromatic lift that complements the rich cheeses: Parmesan for its salty, nutty flavor, and mozzarella for its creamy meltiness. A touch of salt and pepper balances out the flavors.

Tips & Tricks

  • For extra crispy bread, broil for a few minutes at the end, but watch closely to prevent burning.
  • If you prefer a stronger garlic flavor, add an extra clove or two.
  • Use a serrated knife to slice the bread—it's much easier and helps keep the loaf intact.

Serving Suggestions

This garlic bread pairs wonderfully with a hearty pasta dish like spaghetti bolognese or lasagna. It’s also excellent alongside a fresh green salad or a bowl of hot soup on a chilly day.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?
Yes, you can substitute with dried herbs, but use about one-third of the amount since dried herbs are more potent.
Can I make this ahead of time?
You can prepare the butter mixture a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just make sure to allow it to soften before spreading it on the bread.

Herb and Cheese Garlic Bread Recipe Walkthrough

First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that once your bread is ready, it can go straight into the oven. Next, take your French bread and cut it in half horizontally. Place both halves on a baking sheet with the cut sides facing up; this way, they’re ready for all the delicious toppings.

In a mixing bowl, combine your softened butter with the minced garlic, chopped parsley, and chopped basil. Toss in the salt and pepper, and mix it all together until it’s well combined. This step is where all the flavor comes together, so make sure everything is evenly distributed.

Now, spread this herb butter mixture generously over the cut sides of the bread. Don’t worry about being too precise—just make sure it’s covered evenly. Once that’s done, sprinkle the grated Parmesan and shredded mozzarella over the top. These cheeses will melt beautifully in the oven.

Slide the baking sheet into your preheated oven and let it bake for about 10-12 minutes. Keep an eye on it; you want the cheese to melt completely and the edges of the bread to turn a lovely golden brown. Once it’s done, pull it out of the oven and let it cool for a moment before slicing it into pieces. Serve it warm for the best experience.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy nights.
  • The combination of fresh herbs and cheeses creates a flavor explosion.
  • Versatile enough to complement a wide variety of dishes.

Ingredients

1 loaf of French bread
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
4 cloves of garlic, minced
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cut the French bread loaf in half horizontally and place it on a baking sheet, cut side up.
3. In a mixing bowl, combine softened butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, chopped basil, salt, and pepper.
4. Spread the butter mixture evenly over the cut sides of the bread.
5. Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese and shredded mozzarella cheese over the buttered bread.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes until the cheese is melted and the edges are golden brown.
7. Remove from oven, let it cool slightly, then slice into pieces and serve warm.

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