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Ah, cheesy garlic bread! Just the thought of it brings back warm memories of cozy family dinners gathered around the table with laughter filling the room. I first stumbled upon this delightful concoction while helping my mom bake in our snug kitchen one chilly Saturday afternoon. The aroma of toasting, garlicky goodness mingling with the buttery richness wafted through our little home, wrapping us in a comforting embrace. It was like a warm hug on a plate! The first bite sent waves of flavor crashing over me—melty cheese, fragrant garlic, and a hint of freshness from the parsley. I was instantly hooked! And I promise, dear friends, you will be too.
Imagine, as you make this Best Cheesy Garlic Bread, how it will fill your kitchen with that delightful aroma, drawing your loved ones to gather in anticipation. Whether it graces a casual weeknight dinner or a festive gathering, it’s bound to become a cherished favorite in your home, just as it has in mine!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Prep time is a breeze, making it a perfect last-minute addition to any meal!
- Crowd-Pleasing: Everyone loves cheesy garlic bread! It’s a guaranteed hit at gatherings.
- Incredibly Flavorful: With roasted garlic and mozzarella, each bite is bursting with rich flavors.
- Versatile: Perfect as a side dish to any Italian meal, or just on its own for a cozy snack.
- Comfort Food: Warm, cheesy bread never fails to bring comfort on a chilly evening!
- Fun to Make: Kids and adults alike will love getting involved in the assembly!
Ingredients
- 8–10 garlic cloves: Fresh is best! This will give your bread that irresistible aromatic flavor.
- 2 tbsp olive oil: Adds richness and helps the garlic roast beautifully.
- Pinch of salt: Enhances the flavor of the garlic and balances the dish.
- Roasted garlic from above: The star of our cheesy show—sweet and mellow!
- ½ cup butter, melted (113g): Because everything’s better with butter! It lends a luscious texture.
- 1 egg: Ensures the perfect custard-like consistency for our garlic spread.
- ¼ cup milk (60g): Moisture makes everything better, trust me!
- ½ tsp salt: For seasoning, don’t be shy!
- ½ tsp paprika: Adds a touch of warmth and color to your bread.
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley: A pop of freshness and color—plus it’s beautiful!
- 12 King’s Hawaiian Original Hawaiian Sheet Rolls: These are super soft and sweet! Alternatively, you can use a French baguette for that classic crunch.
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Melty, gooey, cheesy goodness that holds it all together.
- Chopped parsley and chili flakes for serving: For that extra flair and a kick of heat!
Full recipe card is below.
How to Make It
Roasted Garlic
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Slice off the top of the whole garlic bulb, exposing the individual cloves. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with a pinch of salt.
- Wrap in foil and roast for about 30 minutes until caramelized and soft. The aroma will be simply divine!
Garlic Butter Custard
- In a bowl, combine the roasted garlic cloves with melted butter, egg, milk, and seasonings (salt and paprika). Mix until smooth and creamy, like a hug in a bowl!
- Feel free to taste and adjust the seasoning if you wish. Add a bit more salt or paprika for a touch more flavor!
Assembly
- Cut the King’s Hawaiian rolls in half while keeping them attached in a sheet. If using a baguette, slice it down the middle.
- Generously slather the garlic butter custard on each half—go big or go home, right?
- Top with a heap of shredded mozzarella cheese. It’s cheesy bread—let’s make it cheesy!
- Sprinkle the chopped parsley over the top for a beautiful touch, and finish with chili flakes if you’re in the mood for a kick.
- Bake in the oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown and wonderfully cheesy! When you take it out, let it be known that it’s going to be hard to resist the glorious smell wafting through your kitchen!
Pro Tips for Success
- Don’t rush the roasting: Roasted garlic is the secret gem in this dish, so make sure to let it get nice and caramelized!
- Choose fresh herbs: They make a noticeable difference in flavor—don’t skip the parsley!
- Experiment with cheeses: Feel free to mix in provolone or cheddar with the mozzarella for a unique flavor twist.
- Keep an eye on your bread: Ovens vary, and you want the bread to be golden, not burnt.
Flavor Variations
- Add spinach or artichokes for a cheesy garlic spinach dip-inspired twist.
- Swap out parsley for basil for a refreshing, aromatic bite perfect for summer.
- Kick it up a notch with some jalapeños or red pepper flakes for those who adore heat.
Serving Suggestions
This cheesy garlic bread pairs beautifully with a rich pasta dish, like spaghetti marinara or alfredo. Plating it on a charming wooden board adds a rustic touch. For drinks, try serving it with a light white wine or a refreshing sparkling water with lemon slices. Your guests will love the spread!
Make-Ahead & Storage
For prep ahead: you can prepare the garlic butter custard and roast the garlic a day in advance. Store them in the fridge until you’re ready to assemble the bread. Once baked, garlic bread is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for about 2-3 days.
Leftovers
If you find yourself with extra cheesy garlic bread (doubtful, but just in case!), they make a fabulous addition to breakfast. Think French toast but savory! Just dip the slices in an egg-milk mixture and fry them up in a skillet for a delightful morning treat.
Freezing
Absolutely! You can freeze the unbaked garlic bread for up to 3 months. Wrap it tightly in foil and place it in a ziplock bag. When you’re ready for a treat, just pop it straight from the freezer into the oven and add a few extra minutes to the bake time.
Reheating
For the best results, reheat your cheesy garlic bread in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. This method keeps it crispy! If you’re in a rush, the microwave works, but keep an eye on it to avoid a soggy result.
FAQs
What can I substitute for garlic if I don’t have any on hand?
You could use garlic powder, but the fresh roasted garlic really adds depth to the flavor!
Can I use other types of bread for this recipe?
Absolutely! Ciabatta or sourdough would also work beautifully!
How do I know when the garlic bread is done?
Look for a golden-brown top and bubbling cheese. Your nose will tell you before your eyes!
Can I add meat to this recipe?
Why not? Adding some cooked bacon or diced ham can turn this into a hearty treat!
Final Thoughts
As you dive into this Best Cheesy Garlic Bread Recipe, remember, cooking is not just about the food; it’s about the love you put into it. Gather your loved ones, let the aroma of garlic and cheese fill your kitchen, and share in the joy of good food together. I can’t wait for you all to create these cozy memories at home. Happy cooking, my friends! 💖
Best Cheesy Garlic Bread
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Slice off the top of the whole garlic bulb, exposing the individual cloves. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with a pinch of salt.
- Wrap in foil and roast for about 30 minutes until caramelized and soft.
- In a bowl, combine the roasted garlic cloves with melted butter, egg, milk, and seasonings (salt and paprika). Mix until smooth and creamy.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed, adding more salt or paprika for flavor.
- Cut the King’s Hawaiian rolls in half while keeping them attached in a sheet.
- Generously slather the garlic butter custard on each half.
- Top with a heap of shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Sprinkle chopped parsley over the top and finish with chili flakes if desired.
- Bake in the oven for about 15-20 minutes or until golden brown and cheesy.