Cheesy Garlic Bread

Cheesy garlic bread is such a comfort food and this garlic bread recipe is definitely a classic at the dinner table. A warm slice of bread slathered in garlic butter and topped with freshly grated cheese is my favourite side dish to serve alongside a bowl of pasta or to dip in a bowl of marinara. What’s great about this homemade garlic bread recipe is that it only requires a few simple ingredients and easy steps.

• French loaf: Choose any fresh loaf of bread that is available. I have also tested the garlic butter on a plain baguette and slices of toast so definitely use whatever you prefer.
• Butter: Plain or flavoured butter works really well. In this recipe, I opted for using butter flavoured with garlic, but a plain stick of butter is perfect. Vegan butter and margarine are also great alternatives.
• Garlic: For good garlic bread, you need lots of garlic or else it may as well just be butter bread with cheese. Choose fresh garlic bulbs or you can substitute the fresh garlic for garlic powder.
• Parsley: Use dried parsley for the garlic butter mixture and fresh finely chopped parsley for garnish.
• Cheese: Load your garlic bread with your favourite cheese. I always love using a combination of mozzarella and cheddar cheese. Avoid using pre-grated cheese since the wax prevents it from melting.

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400 Fahrenheit (200 °C). Slice the top part of the garlic off to expose the individual cloves and place it on foil paper. Drizzle oil over the garlic bulbs, close the foil tightly and place it in the oven for around 35 to 45 minutes or until the garlic has softened.

Step 2: Once the garlic is cooked allow it to cool and then squeeze out the garlic into a bowl and dispose of the skin. To the same bowl add butter, garlic powder, salt, and dried parsley. Stir until combined. (Optional- you can add some grated cheese to the mixture but I prefer adding it on top of the garlic butter).

Step 3: Preheat the oven to 380 Fahrenheit (190°C) and line a baking tray with parchment. Slice the fresh loaf in half and place it onto the parchment. Spread the garlic mixture evenly over the loaves and top with shredded cheese. Bake for 6 to 8 minutes or until it reaches your desired level of crispness. Broil for 1 to 2 minutes on high.

Step 4: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.