Cheesy Bread is a deliciously simple dish that’s perfect as a side for pasta, soups, or just as a snack on its own. With a golden, cheesy crust and soft, buttery center, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser! Here’s a quick and easy recipe for cheesy bread.
Ingredients:
- 1 loaf of French bread or Italian bread (or any bread of your choice)
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (or a mix of mozzarella and cheddar)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2-3 cloves garlic, minced (or 1 tablespoon garlic powder)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Prepare the Bread:
- Slice the loaf of bread in half lengthwise to create two open halves. If you prefer smaller pieces, you can cut it into slices (just be sure not to slice all the way through the bread if you prefer to keep it whole).
- Place the bread halves on a baking sheet, cut side up.
3. Make the Garlic Butter:
- In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic (or garlic powder), salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Spread the garlic butter evenly over the cut sides of the bread, making sure to cover all the surface.
4. Add the Cheese:
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the buttered bread. Then, sprinkle the Parmesan cheese on top of the mozzarella.
- If you like, you can also sprinkle a little fresh parsley over the cheese for extra flavor and color.
5. Bake the Cheesy Bread:
- Place the baking sheet with the bread in the preheated oven.
- Bake for about 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden. If you like a crispier top, you can broil it for the last 1-2 minutes, but be sure to watch it closely so it doesn’t burn.
6. Serve:
- Remove the cheesy bread from the oven and let it cool for a couple of minutes before slicing (if you kept it whole) and serving.
Tips:
- You can add other toppings like red pepper flakes for a spicy kick or dried Italian herbs for extra flavor.
- To make it even cheesier, add more mozzarella or use a blend of different cheeses like gouda or provolone.
- For a twist, you can stuff the bread with pepperoni or cooked bacon bits before adding the cheese.
Enjoy:
This Cheesy Bread is a warm, gooey treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether as a side dish, snack, or appetizer, it’s sure to be a favorite!