Ultimate Cheesy Garlic Bread Appetizer
The Story of Garlic Bread
Garlic bread, in its simplest form, is bread topped with garlic and olive oil or butter and may include additional herbs. While its exact origins are murky, it's widely believed to be an Italian-American innovation, born from the desire to use up leftover bread and infuse it with flavor. The popularity of garlic bread soared in the mid-20th century alongside the rise of Italian-American cuisine.
A Culinary Staple
Today, garlic bread is a beloved appetizer found in restaurants and homes worldwide. Its versatility allows for countless variations, from simple garlic butter to elaborate combinations with herbs, cheeses, and spices. This recipe focuses on creating a classic, cheesy garlic bread that's easy to make and guaranteed to satisfy.
Mastering the Technique
The key to great garlic bread lies in the quality of the bread and the balance of flavors. Using a good quality loaf, such as a baguette or Italian bread, is essential. The garlic butter should be rich but not overpowering, and the cheese should melt beautifully to create a gooey, irresistible topping. Baking the bread to a golden-brown perfection ensures a crispy crust and a soft, flavorful interior.
Ingredients
- 1 baguette, sliced lengthwise
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- 1.
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- 2.
In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, Parmesan cheese, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- 3.
Spread the garlic butter evenly over the cut sides of the baguette halves.
- 4.
Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese evenly over the garlic butter.
- 5.
Place the baguette halves on a baking sheet and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the bread is golden brown.
- 6.
Remove from oven and let cool slightly before slicing and serving.
Nutritional Information
Equipment
- Baking sheet
- Small bowl
- Knife
Tips
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter.
- Use fresh herbs like parsley or basil for a brighter flavor.
- If you don't have a baguette, use Italian bread or a French loaf.
- For a crispier crust, broil the bread for the last minute or two of baking, watching carefully to prevent burning.
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