Is there anything more comforting than the smell of super tasty cheesy garlic bread fresh out of the oven? Imagine buttery, garlicky ciabatta topped with gooey, melty cheese and just a hint of spice. It’s the perfect companion to soups, salads, or pasta, and it’s just as satisfying as a standalone snack. Whether you’re planning a cozy dinner or entertaining guests, this cheesy garlic bread is guaranteed to be a hit.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Irresistibly Cheesy: Pecorino romano and mozzarella create the ultimate cheesy combination.
- Rich Garlic Flavor: Slow-cooked garlic confit adds a mellow, sweet depth.
- Perfectly Crispy: The ciabatta bread toasts beautifully for a golden, crunchy texture.
- Easy to Make: Just a handful of ingredients and 30 minutes stand between you and deliciousness.
- Customizable: Adjust the spice or add extra herbs to make it your own.
Ingredients for Super Tasty Cheesy Garlic Bread
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Salted butter | 250g (softened) |
| Garlic confit cloves | 24-30 (soft, slow-cooked garlic) |
| Garlic confit olive oil | 1 tbsp |
| Fresh parsley (chopped) | 1 large handful (plus extra for garnish) |
| Pecorino romano (grated) | 1 cup (plus extra for garnish) |
| Mozzarella (shredded) | 50g |
| Ciabatta loaf | 1 (cut in half lengthways) |
| Honey | 1 tbsp |
| Chili flakes | 1 tsp |
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Garlic Butter
- In a bowl, mash the garlic confit cloves with a fork until smooth.
- Add softened salted butter, garlic confit olive oil, chopped parsley, pecorino romano, mozzarella, honey, and chili flakes.
- Mix thoroughly until the ingredients form a smooth, spreadable consistency.
2. Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
3. Prepare the Bread
- Cut the ciabatta loaf in half lengthways.
- Place the bread halves cut side up on a baking sheet.
- Generously spread the garlic butter mixture over the entire surface of each half, ensuring even coverage.
4. Bake the Bread
- Place the prepared bread in the preheated oven.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbling, and slightly golden.
- Check that the edges of the ciabatta are crispy and toasted.
5. Finish and Serve
- Remove the bread from the oven and sprinkle extra pecorino romano and chopped parsley on top for added flavor and presentation.
- Slice the bread into pieces and serve immediately while warm and gooey.
Tips for Perfect Cheesy Garlic Bread
- Use Fresh Bread: A fresh ciabatta loaf ensures a crisp outside and soft inside.
- Room Temperature Butter: Soft butter mixes easily with the other ingredients for a smooth spread.
- Garlic Confit for Rich Flavor: If you don’t have garlic confit, roast garlic cloves for a similar mellow sweetness.
- Control the Spice: Add more or less chili flakes depending on your heat tolerance.
- Add a Twist: Experiment with additional herbs like basil, thyme, or oregano for a unique flavor profile.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
Note: Calculations are approximate and depend on portion size.
- Calories: 290
- Protein: 7g
- Carbohydrates: 21g
- Fats: 20g
- Sodium: 340mg
- Sugar: 3g
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use a different type of bread?
Yes! French baguette, sourdough, or even dinner rolls work well for this recipe. Adjust baking time as needed for different bread types.
2. What is garlic confit, and can I make it at home?
Garlic confit is slow-cooked garlic in olive oil, resulting in soft, sweet, and aromatic cloves. You can make it at home by simmering peeled garlic cloves in olive oil over low heat for about 30 minutes.
3. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes. Prepare the garlic butter in advance and store it in the fridge. Spread it on the bread just before baking.
4. What can I serve with cheesy garlic bread?
Pair it with soups, salads, pasta dishes, or use it as a side for roasted meats or vegetables.
5. How do I store leftovers?
Wrap leftover bread in aluminum foil and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) to regain crispiness.
6. Can I freeze cheesy garlic bread?
Absolutely! Spread the butter mixture on the bread, wrap it tightly in foil, and freeze it. Bake straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Conclusion
Super Tasty Cheesy Garlic Bread is a quick, crowd-pleasing recipe that’s easy to whip up and impossible to resist. Whether it’s for a family dinner, a cozy movie night, or a last-minute party snack, this recipe is a surefire winner. With its buttery garlic spread, cheesy topping, and crisp ciabatta base, every bite will leave you wanting more.
So, grab your ingredients and preheat your oven—your ultimate cheesy garlic bread experience awaits!
