Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Best Cheesy Garlic Bread recipe is nothing short of spectacular. It’s buttery, garlicky, cheesy, and crispy without being too heavy. What makes it truly unique is the method of dipping the bread in a garlic butter custard before baking it, allowing the flavor to seep all the way through. Roasting the garlic adds a golden, caramelized depth of flavor, and the triple-baking technique ensures a crispy, cheesy, and irresistible finish.
Ingredients
- 1 loaf of bread (King’s Hawaiian rolls or French baguette)
- 1 bulb of garlic (peeled)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 egg
- 2 tbsp milk
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Roast the Garlic: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Place peeled garlic cloves in olive oil and bake in a mini dutch oven or an oven-safe dish for about 20 minutes until golden and soft.
- Prepare the Bread: Slice the loaf of bread into halves. Place on a baking tray and bake for 5-10 minutes until lightly crispy.
- Make Garlic Butter Custard: In a bowl, mash the roasted garlic, then combine with melted butter, egg, milk, salt, paprika, and fresh parsley.
- Dip the Bread: Dip each half of the bread into the garlic butter custard to ensure it’s thoroughly coated.
- Bake Again: Place the coated bread halves back in the oven and bake for 15-18 minutes until golden.
- Top with Cheese: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the bread, then broil for 2-3 minutes until melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Slice, sprinkle with chopped parsley, and enjoy the cheesy goodness!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 12
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Variations
- Bread Choice: You can use any type of bread like French bread, baguettes, or even individual rolls.
- Cheese: Add a mix of mozzarella and cheddar for a more flavorful twist.
- Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or chili powder to the garlic butter custard for a spicy flavor.
Storage/Reheating
Cheesy garlic bread is best served fresh, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container for 1-2 days at room temperature. To reheat, place the bread back in the oven for 5-10 minutes until crispy again.
FAQs
Can I substitute the King’s Hawaiian Bread with another type of bread?
Yes, you can use any bread you like, such as a French loaf or even individual rolls.
Can I skip the egg in this recipe?
Yes, the egg is optional. You can omit it without compromising the flavor.
Can I make this recipe without roasting the garlic?
While roasting the garlic enhances the flavor, you can use raw minced garlic for a quicker alternative.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftover garlic bread in an airtight container for 1-2 days at room temperature.
Can I freeze the cheesy garlic bread?
You can freeze the garlic bread after it’s baked and broiled with cheese. Reheat in the oven for a crispy result.
How can I make this recipe vegan?
To make this vegan, use a dairy-free butter alternative and skip the egg or substitute with a flax egg.
Can I use pre-made garlic butter?
While pre-made garlic butter works in a pinch, freshly made garlic butter custard offers a richer and more flavorful result.
How do I know when the garlic bread is done?
When the cheese is melted and slightly charred, and the bread is crispy around the edges, it’s ready to be served.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, feel free to experiment with cheddar, parmesan, or a cheese blend for added flavor.
What bread is best for this recipe?
While any bread will work, a soft loaf like King’s Hawaiian or French baguettes will give the best results.
Conclusion
This cheesy garlic bread recipe is truly a game changer. With its perfect combination of crispy, cheesy, and garlicky goodness, it’s an absolute crowd-pleaser. The extra steps, like roasting the garlic and dipping the bread in garlic butter custard, make all the difference in flavor, and the triple-baked method ensures every bite is pure bliss. Try it once, and you’ll never go back to regular garlic bread again!
