This recipe delivers a warm, gooey, and irresistible cheese bread that’s perfect for appetizers, snacks, or even as a side with your favorite pasta dish. It’s easy to make and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients:
- 1 loaf (1 pound) Italian or French bread
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese (optional, for extra flavor)
- Optional toppings: red pepper flakes, everything bagel seasoning, chopped chives
Instructions:
- Prepare the Bread:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Using a serrated knife, make diagonal cuts across the top of the bread, about 1 inch apart, going almost but not all the way through the bottom crust. Then, make diagonal cuts in the opposite direction, creating a diamond pattern. This will create pockets for the cheese and butter.
- Make the Butter Mixture:
- In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, dried parsley, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix well until evenly combined.
- Fill the Bread:
- Spread the butter mixture evenly over the top of the bread, making sure to get it down into the cuts.
- Stuff the shredded mozzarella cheese (and Parmesan, if using) into the cuts, ensuring each pocket is filled.
- Bake:
- Wrap the bread in aluminum foil.
- Place the wrapped bread on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 15 minutes.
- Unwrap the foil and bake for another 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden brown.
- Cool and Serve:
- Let the bread cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
- Optional: sprinkle with red pepper flakes, everything bagel seasoning, or chopped chives before serving.
Tips and Variations:
- For extra garlic flavor, roast the garlic before mincing.
- Use different types of cheese, such as cheddar, Monterey Jack, or provolone.
- Add cooked crumbled bacon or diced pepperoni for a meaty twist.
- Brush the top of the bread with olive oil before baking for a crispier crust.
- For a spicy kick, add some cayenne pepper to the butter mixture.
- For a fresher taste, use fresh herbs instead of dried herbs, simply use about 3 times the amount of fresh herbs than you would dried.