Description
Homemade cheesy bread combines classic comfort with irresistible flavor from Italian herbs and melted cheese. Warm slices promise a delightful experience that invites you to savor each delectable bite.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 loaf French bread or Italian bread, halved lengthwise
- 2 cups (16 oz) shredded cheese (mozzarella, cheddar, or a blend)
- ¼ cup (4 tbsps) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
- 2 tbsps grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsps fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Oven Preparation: Calibrate the oven to 375F (190C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for seamless bread transformation.
- Flavor Fusion: Whip softened butter with minced garlic and Italian seasoning into a harmonious, aromatic spread that promises depth and complexity.
- Bread Enhancement: Lavishly coat bread halves with the garlic-butter mixture, then create a luxurious cheese landscape by layering shredded cheese and Parmesan across the surface, ensuring complete coverage.
- Baking Process: Transfer cheese-topped bread to the prepared baking sheet and slide into the preheated oven. Allow 10-12 minutes for the cheese to melt into a bubbling, golden masterpiece.
- Final Refinement: Activate the broiler momentarily to caramelize the top, watching intently to achieve a perfectly bronzed finish without burning. Remove from oven when cheese reaches a tempting, molten state.
- Presentation: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the bread, slice into elegant segments, and serve while the cheese remains irresistibly warm and stretchy.
Notes
- Butter Softening Technique: Ensure butter is at room temperature for smooth, even mixing with garlic and herbs, preventing lumpy or uneven spread.
- Cheese Selection Strategy: Choose high-moisture cheeses like mozzarella for maximum meltability and stretch, avoiding dry or aged varieties that won’t create that perfect gooey texture.
- Broiler Monitoring Mastery: Watch carefully during the final broiling stage – mere seconds can transform golden-brown cheese into burnt disaster, so stay close and attentive.
- Freshness Preservation Hack: Serve immediately after baking to maintain the crisp exterior and molten cheese interior, as the dish loses its magical texture within minutes of cooling.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 10 g
- Cholesterol: 50 mg