Cheesy Garlic Bread Extravaganza
Hey, if you’re looking for the side dish that’ll make everyone at your table swoon, this Cheesy Garlic Bread Extravaganza is it. Picture this: warm, crusty bread slathered with a garlicky, buttery blend, topped with ooey-gooey mozzarella and a sprinkle of parmesan that gets all golden and bubbly in the oven. The Italian herbs add that cushy, familiar taste, and the tiny rush of red pepper keeps things gripping. It’s the sort of straightforward, feel-good food that pivots any dinner into something extraordinary. Whether you’re making a weeknight pasta or hosting a dinner with friends, this garlic bread has your back and then some.
16 Servings
Ingredients
- 1 loaf of Italian or French bread about 400 grams, cut in half lengthwise
- 1/2 c melted salted butter
- 6 cloves of garlic minced
- 1 1/2 c shredded mozzarella
- 3/4 c mayonnaise
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped (a small handful or more, to taste)
- 1 c freshly grated parmesan
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F.
- Grab your loaf of bread and slice it in half lengthwise to create two open-faced pieces.
- Lay out a long sheet of tin foil (around 24 inches) on a cookie sheet and place the bread halves on top, cut side up.
- Melt the salted butter in the microwave, then stir in the minced garlic, red pepper flakes, and Italian seasoning. Set this mixture aside.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, shredded mozzarella, and chopped fresh parsley. Mix it well until everything is nicely combined, then put it aside for now.
- Using a brush or spoon, generously spread the melted butter mixture over both halves of the bread.
- Next, take a spatula or spoon and spread the cheesy mayonnaise mixture evenly over the bread. Make sure to get it right to the edges—nobody wants burnt edges!
- Fold up the foil loosely over the bread to cover it.
- Bake for 10 minutes.
- Take the bread out of the oven and open up the foil.
- Sprinkle the grated parmesan cheese over the top.
- Put the bread back in the oven, uncovered, and bake for another 5 minutes or until the cheese is golden and bubbly. For an extra crispy top, broil for the last minute or two—but watch it carefully so it doesn’t burn.
- Let it rest for a few minutes, then slice it up and serve warm.
Notes
Want to make this recipe gluten-free? No problem! Just swap out the regular Italian or French bread for your favorite gluten-free baguette or loaf. Double-check that your other ingredients, like the mayonnaise and cheeses, are certified gluten-free as well. The texture may vary slightly, but you’ll still have that amazing, cheesy, garlicky bread everyone loves. Your gluten-free version will be just as delicious and satisfying!