Italian Breads > Garlic Breads > Cheesy Garlic Breads

Basket of Cheesy Garlic Bread Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 loaf of French bread
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

Special equipment needed:
- Bread knife
- Mixing bowl
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Pastry brush

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.

2. Cut the French bread into 1-inch slices, but do not cut all the way through. Leave the bottom of the bread intact to create a "basket."

3. In a mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, Parmesan cheese, mozzarella cheese, cheddar cheese, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly combined.

4. Use a pastry brush to generously spread the garlic butter mixture between each slice of bread.

5. Wrap the bread in a sheet of parchment paper and place it on a baking sheet.

6. Bake the bread for 15-20 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

7. Remove the bread from the oven and sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top.

8. Serve the basket of cheesy garlic bread hot and enjoy!


Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 15-20 minutes
Temperature:
375°F
Serving size:
This recipe serves 4-6 people.

Nutritional information:
Calories: 450
Fat: 25g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 12g
Sodium: 700mg
Sugar: 2g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- Instead of French bread, you can use Italian bread or a baguette.
- You can substitute the cheeses with any other type of cheese you prefer.
- If you don't have fresh parsley, you can use dried parsley flakes.

Variations:
- Add sliced tomatoes, olives, or jalapeños to the garlic butter mixture for added flavor.
- Substitute the garlic butter mixture with a pesto sauce for a different flavor profile.
- Add cooked bacon or ham to the bread for a heartier dish.

Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to not cut all the way through the bread when slicing it to create the basket.
- Use a pastry brush to evenly distribute the garlic butter mixture between each slice of bread.
- Wrap the bread in parchment paper to prevent the cheese from sticking to the baking sheet.
- Use a bread knife to cut the bread into slices for serving.

Storage instructions:
Store any leftover bread in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating instructions:
To reheat the bread, wrap it in foil and place it in a preheated 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes or until heated through.

Presentation ideas:
Serve the basket of cheesy garlic bread on a wooden cutting board or in a bread basket for a rustic presentation.

Garnishes:
Garnish the bread with chopped fresh parsley or basil for added color and flavor.

Pairings:
This bread pairs well with pasta dishes, soups, or salads.

Suggested side dishes:
Serve the bread with a side of marinara sauce for dipping or a side salad.

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the cheese is not melted and bubbly after 15-20 minutes, you can broil the bread for 1-2 minutes to brown the cheese.
- If the bread is too hard to slice, you can microwave it for 10-15 seconds to soften it up.

Food safety advice:
Make sure to store any leftover bread in the refrigerator and consume it within 3 days.

Food history:
Garlic bread originated in Italy and has become a popular side dish in many countries around the world.

Flavor profiles:
This bread has a savory and cheesy flavor with a hint of garlic and parsley.

Serving suggestions:
Serve the bread as an appetizer or side dish with your favorite meal.

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Region: Italian

Taste: Savory, Cheesy, Garlicky, Buttery, Crunchy