Garlic Bread Cheese Herbs (Printable)
Crusty bread layered with garlic butter, melted cheese, and fresh herbs for a flavorful bite.
# What You'll Need:
→ Bread
01 - 1 large baguette or Italian loaf
→ Garlic Butter
02 - 7 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
03 - 3 large garlic cloves, finely minced
04 - 2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
05 - 1 tbsp fresh chives, finely chopped (optional)
06 - 1/4 tsp salt
07 - 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
→ Cheese
08 - 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
09 - 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
# How-to Steps:
01 - Preheat the oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
02 - Slice the baguette lengthwise in half, then cut each half into 4 pieces to yield 8 slices total.
03 - Combine softened butter, minced garlic, parsley, chives if using, salt, and black pepper in a bowl until thoroughly mixed.
04 - Spread the prepared garlic butter evenly over the cut sides of each bread slice.
05 - Sprinkle shredded mozzarella evenly over each slice, then top with grated Parmesan cheese.
06 - Place the bread slices cut side up on the lined baking sheet.
07 - Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until cheese is melted and lightly golden. For extra crispiness, broil for 1 to 2 minutes at the end, watching carefully.
08 - Remove from oven, allow to cool slightly, and serve warm.
# Expert Pointers:
01 -
- It comes together in minutes but tastes like you spent hours planning dinner.
- The combination of two cheeses creates layers of flavor that one cheese alone just can't match.
- Fresh herbs make all the difference, turning what could be basic into something genuinely delicious.
02 -
- Mincing your garlic finely is essential—chunks will burn and taste bitter, ruining the whole thing.
- Don't skip softening the butter first; cold butter won't spread evenly and will tear the bread as you try to work it in.
03 -
- Prep your garlic butter the night before and store it in the fridge; it actually tastes better after the flavors have time to meld together.
- Use a serrated bread knife for clean, even slices that won't compress the bread and squeeze out all the air.