Super cheesy garlic bread is not just for spaghetti and meatballs! This is the perfect toasty bread to serve summertime alongside salads, grilled meats or to top with fresh tomatoes and basil!
I think we all imagine garlic bread as being served with hearty Italian pasta dishes during the winter months, but I think it is a great accompaniment to many lite summer dishes. When I make BIG salads, like my Italian Chopped Salad, they are loaded with vegetables, meats and cheeses and are considered a meal in itself. A side dish is not necessary, yet sometimes I feel like I need a little something extra. Having a warm chunk of super cheesy garlic bread is great way to balance that out.
Another great way to serve this garlic bread in the summer is to grill a Marinated London Broil, slice it thinly and place it on top of the bread. It is also the perfect vehicle for making an Italian bruschetta or a Caprese Toast. Switch out the mozzarella cheese for fresh mozzarella then top with fresh vine ripened heirloom tomatoes, fresh basil and a drizzle of baslamic vinegar!
This super cheesy garlic bread is soft on the inside, crisp on the outside and oozing with flavor! I prefer a loaf of French bread because the texture lends itself best for this. The crust holds up to everything being piled on without becoming soggy. The garlic butter is savory without being overpowering and the cheeses add a nice bite of saltiness.
The Method of Super Cheesy Garlic Bread
ingredients:
- French or Italian Bread
- garlic butter (recipe is on the recipe card)
- extra virgin olive oil
- shredded parmesan cheese
- shredded mozzarella cheese
- grated parmesan cheese
basic directions:
To begin making your super cheesy garlic bread, start mixing the butter with it’s ingredients. (the recipe is in the recipe card). Next, cut the bread in half. Wrap up 1/2 for another use. Slice in half lengthwise the half that is being used. Smear each slice with garlic butter. Drizzle oil on top of the butter. Pile high the shredded cheeses and top with the grated cheese.
Bake at 350 degrees for 10 minutes then broil until bubbly and golden brown.
Cook’s Notes:
Tips for success:
Don’t skimp on the butter! It needs to melt down into all the nooks and crannies of the bread.
If you have a baking sheet with a cooling rack. I suggest placing the bread directly on the cooling rack while cooking. This will allow the bottom of the bread to get nice and crisp.
Let the bread rest for a few minutes after removing from the broiler. This will help the bread to crisp up even more.
recipe variations:
Try mixing up the cheeses. Provolone, fresh mozzarella, or any melty cheese would work great.
Sprinkle on some chopped fresh Italian herbs just before serving.
Like a little spice? Add some hot pepper flakes on top of the butter.
serving suggestions:
This bread is perfect for dunking into soups and stews.
Top it with Meatballs or Chicken Parmesan then drench in marinara sauce!
Try serving it with my Baked Spaghetti Casserole or Baked Tortellini.
The Essentials:
If you make this Super Cheesy Garlic Bread, or any of it’s variations, and love it, I would love for you to come back and leave a comment!
Super Cheesy Garlic Bread
This bread is not just for spaghetti and meatballs! It is the perfect toasty bread to serve alongside salads, soups, stews, grilled meats or to top with fresh tomatoes and basil!
- baking sheet
- small mixing bowl To make the butter)
- fork (for mixing butter ingredients)
- Cutting Board
- serrated knife
- 1 loaf French or Italian Bread (cut in half. wrap up 2nd half for later use. Slice remaining half lengthwise in half.)
- 8 tbsp garlic butter
- extra virgin olive oil, drizzle
- parmesan cheese, shredded (as much as you want)
- mozzarella cheese, shredded (as much as you want)
- parmesan cheese, grated (as much as you want)
Garlic Butter
- 8 tbsp butter, softened
- 1 lemon, zested
- pinch kosher salt
- 1 tsp fresh ground pepper
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Pre-heat the oven to 350 degrees.
Place the bread on a baking sheet with the cut side facing up. (Line the sheet with foil for easy clean up!)
Make the butter by combining all ingredients and mixing thoroughly. Divide it into 2 equal portions, placing one portion on each slice of bread. Slather the butter all over the bread.
Drizzle the oil over the butter.
Top each bread half with the shredded parmesan and mozzarella cheeses.
Sprinkle the grated parmesan on top and bake for 10 minutes.
Place the bread under the broiler until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melty and bubbling.
Let the bread sit for a few minutes before cutting it into individual portions.
Tips: Top the bread with chopped fresh herbs or red pepper flakes before serving.
    Shred your own cheese instead of buying it pre-packaged (it melts better).
    Try making a Bruschetta or Caprese Toast with this bread!
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