Garlic Cheese Bread

🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Mix the Garlic Butter

1. Combine: In a small bowl, mix the softened butter, olive oil, minced garlic, garlic powder, and chopped parsley together until smooth and creamy.
2. Preheat: Turn your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil.

2. Assemble the Loaf

1. Spread: Place both halves of the bread cut-side up on the baking sheet. Use a spatula to spread the garlic butter mixture evenly across the entire surface of both halves, making sure to get all the way to the edges.
2. Cheese: Mix the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses together in a bowl. Sprinkle the cheese blend generously over the buttered bread.

3. Bake and Broil

1. Bake: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the cheese is completely melted and bubbling.
2. Broil: Turn the oven to BROIL for 1 to 2 minutes. Watch it closely! Remove the bread as soon as the cheese develops beautiful, golden-brown toasted spots.
3. Slice: Let it cool for 2 minutes, sprinkle with optional red pepper flakes, slice into thick pieces, and serve hot.

💡 Cooking Secrets

• The Twin Garlic Trick: Using both fresh minced garlic and garlic powder gives you the perfect balance of fresh pungency and deep, roasted garlic flavor.
• Keep It Crispy: If you prefer an extra-crunchy crust, bake the bread directly on the oven rack instead of a baking sheet (put a piece of foil on the rack below to catch any dripping cheese).

Would you like to try turning this into a Cheesy Garlic Pull-Apart Bread using a whole sourdough loaf? I can also show you how to add a twist like bacon bits or a basil pesto swirl.