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This stuffed cheesy garlic bread is the perfect side dish for any meal. It is loaded with melty mozzarella and parmesan cheese and bursting with fresh garlic flavor. Baking this bread fills your kitchen with an irresistible aroma that makes it hard to wait until it’s done. This recipe is easy to customize and always a crowd pleaser.
I first made this during a family dinner and everyone begged for seconds. Now it is a staple whenever I want to impress with minimal effort.
Ingredients
- Loaf of French bread: fluffy inside with a crisp crust is ideal for soaking up garlic butter
- Unsalted butter at room temperature: makes it easy to mix and control saltiness
- Fresh garlic cloves: the key to bold, fragrant garlic flavor
- Extra virgin olive oil: adds richness and depth
- Fresh parsley: brightens the garlic butter with a fresh herbal note
- Salt: enhances all the flavors
- Freshly ground black pepper: adds mild heat and complexity
- Mozzarella cheese shredded or sliced: for gooey, melty stretchiness
- Parmesan cheese freshly grated: brings salty, nutty flavor
- Optional Italian herbs: for an extra layer of flavor if you like
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Slicing the Bread:
- Cut the bread into thick slices about one and a half to two inches deep making sure not to cut all the way through so the loaf stays intact at the bottom. This allows you to stuff the bread without it falling apart.
- Mixing the Garlic Butter:
- In a bowl, combine softened butter with minced fresh garlic, chopped parsley, olive oil, salt, pepper, and the shredded parmesan cheese. Stir well until all ingredients are fully incorporated.
- Stuffing the Bread:
- Spread the garlic butter mixture generously between each slice of bread. If using sliced mozzarella, tuck a slice of cheese into each gap as well. This layering creates gooey pockets of cheese throughout the loaf.
- Baking the Bread:
- Wrap the stuffed bread tightly in foil and place on a baking sheet. Bake in a preheated oven at 425 degrees Fahrenheit for 15 minutes. Then unwrap and bake for an additional five minutes uncovered to allow the bread to turn golden and the cheese to bubble.
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My favorite part of this recipe is the combination of gooey mozzarella and sharp parmesan that melts perfectly between the bread slices. It reminds me of cozy family dinners when this bread was passed around the table and disappeared quickly.
Storage Tips
Store leftover bread at room temperature in an airtight container or a resealable bag for up to three days. Avoid refrigerating as it can dry out the bread. To freeze, wrap cooled bread tightly and freeze for up to three months. Reheat in the oven wrapped in foil to restore crispness.
Ingredient Substitutions
You can swap mozzarella for provolone or fontina for a different melt and flavor profile. Parmesan can be replaced with pecorino romano for a sharper taste. Fresh herbs such as basil or oregano work well if parsley is unavailable.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this cheesy garlic bread alongside hearty soups like tomato basil or minestrone. It pairs wonderfully with pasta dishes such as spaghetti marinara or creamy fettuccine Alfredo. It also makes a delicious snack on its own or with a dipping sauce like marinara or ranch.
Cultural Context
Garlic bread has roots in Italian-American cuisine and is often served as an accompaniment to pasta dishes. The idea of stuffing the bread with cheese and garlic butter elevates the traditional side into a satisfying and indulgent dish perfect for sharing.
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Pro Tips
- Use a garlic press to mince garlic quickly without peeling each clove
- Make sure butter is fully softened before mixing to achieve a smooth spread
- Avoid pre-shredded cheeses for best melting and flavor results
Frequently Asked Questions About Recipes
- → What type of bread works best?
French bread is ideal for its fluffy interior and crisp crust. Avoid thin baguettes—they can turn tough when baked.
- → Can I use different cheeses?
Yes, mozzarella and parmesan are classic, but cheddar, asiago, or pepper jack can add variety and spice.
- → How can I boost the garlic flavor?
Add garlic powder in addition to fresh garlic or increase the clove count for a bolder flavor.
- → Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the bread and refrigerate. Bake when ready. Leftovers can be reheated in the oven for best texture.
- → How should I store leftovers?
Cool completely, then store in an airtight container at room temperature for 2–3 days. Freeze for longer storage.
- → What can I serve this with?
Pair with soups, pasta dishes, grilled meats, or enjoy as a flavorful standalone snack.