Cheesy Garlic Bread Recipe
Indulge in the irresistible allure of homemade Cheesy Garlic Bread – a dish that transcends the boundaries of mere appetizers and ascends to the realm of culinary perfection. Crafted with love and expertise, this delectable recipe promises to tantalize your taste buds with its harmonious blend of garlic, herbs, and gooey cheese atop a base of freshly baked bread. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, gathering with friends for game day, or simply craving a comforting snack, Cheesy Garlic Bread is the ultimate crowd-pleaser that will leave everyone craving for more.
Why It’s Great
What sets this Cheesy Garlic Bread recipe apart is its unwavering commitment to quality and flavor. Furthermore, from the homemade dough infused with the richness of olive oil to the aromatic herb butter and generous layer of melted mozzarella cheese, every component is carefully crafted to perfection. As a result, the culmination is a culinary masterpiece that delights the senses and leaves a lasting impression on all who taste it. Moreover, with the option to customize the toppings and serve with marinara or donair sauce, this recipe offers endless possibilities for creativity and personalization.
Kitchen Equipment Needed
Before you embark on your culinary adventure, make sure you have the following kitchen equipment on hand:
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk or stand mixer with whisk and dough hook attachments
- Rolling pin
- Baking sheet or pizza stone
- Oven
How to Store Leftovers
If, by some miracle, you find yourself with leftovers of this irresistible Cheesy Garlic Bread, fear not! Simply store them in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag and refrigerate for up to 2-3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply reheat in the oven or toaster oven until warmed through and the cheese is gooey once more.
Recipe Tips and Variations
- Check Your Yeast: Ensure your yeast is alive and active by proofing it in warm water with sugar before adding it to the flour mixture. This step ensures a perfectly risen dough.
- Customize Your Toppings: Get creative with your toppings by adding cooked bacon, diced tomatoes, or even sliced jalapeños for an extra kick of flavor.
- Serve with Dipping Sauces: Enhance the experience by serving with marinara sauce for a classic pairing or donair sauce for a unique twist that’s sure to impress.
Food and Drink Pairings
To complement the rich and savory flavors of Cheesy Garlic Bread, consider pairing it with the following:
- Italian Antipasto Platter: Create a spread of cured meats, cheeses, olives, and roasted vegetables for a Mediterranean-inspired feast.
- Crisp White Wine: A chilled Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc provides the perfect balance to the richness of the cheese and garlic.
- Craft Beer: Opt for a light and refreshing beer like a pale ale or pilsner to cleanse the palate between bites.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use store-bought dough instead of homemade? A: Absolutely! While homemade dough adds a special touch, store-bought pizza dough works just as well and saves time in the kitchen.
Q: Can I freeze Cheesy Garlic Bread? A: Yes, you can freeze unbaked Cheesy Garlic Bread for up to 1 month. Simply assemble the bread on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a resealable plastic bag. When ready to bake, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking as directed.
Q: Can I make this recipe gluten-free? A: Yes, you can use gluten-free all-purpose flour and adjust the recipe accordingly. Keep in mind that the texture and consistency may vary slightly from the original recipe.
Share the Joy of Cheesy Garlic Bread
Now that you have the recipe for Cheesy Garlic Bread, it’s time to spread the joy of comfort food with your friends and family. Whether enjoyed as an appetizer, a side dish, or a midnight snack, this irresistible creation is sure to become a favorite in your culinary repertoire. So why wait? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to embark on a culinary adventure that’s guaranteed to satisfy your cravings and leave you craving for more. Don’t forget to share the recipe with your loved ones and subscribe to our blog for more mouthwatering recipes and cooking tips. Happy baking!
Cheesy Garlic Bread
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk or stand mixer with whisk and dough hook attachments
- Rolling pin
- Baking sheet or pizza stone
- Oven
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 2 cups All-Purpose Flour
- 1 tsp Garlic Salt or Salt
- 2 tsp Active Dry Yeast
- 2 tsp Granulated White Sugar
- 3/4-1 cup Warm Water between 105°F and 115°F
- 2 tbsp Olive Oil
For Toppings:
- 1/4 cup Salted Butter softened
- 4 Cloves Garlic minced
- 1/2 tsp Salt adjust to taste
- 2 tbsp Fresh Parsley finely chopped, plus more for garnish
- 2 cups Mozzarella Cheese shredded
- 1 tbsp Fresh Parmesan Cheese for garnish (optional)
- Marinara or Donair Sauce for serving (optional)
Instructions
Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer, add the flour, salt, and yeast. Whisk together until well combined on low speed. Remove the whisk attachment and add the dough hook.
- In a small bowl, combine the warm water and sugar (start with 3/4 cup water, add more if needed). Mix until the sugar has dissolved. Slowly pour the sugar water into the flour mixture.
- Add 1 tbsp of olive oil and continue mixing all ingredients together on low speed until the dough begins to stick together, forming a loose dough ball with a tacky, putty-like feel.
- Place the dough ball on a clean, lightly floured surface and knead for about a minute until a smooth dough ball forms, which bounces back quickly when poked.
- Place the dough in a large mixing bowl and drizzle with approximately 1 tbsp of olive oil, ensuring the surface is fully covered. Cover with a dish towel or shower cap and place in a warm area for an hour or until the dough has doubled in size.
Cheesy Garlic Bread:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Roll out the dough to your desired size on a pizza stone or baking sheet.
- In a small bowl, add the softened butter, minced garlic, salt, and fresh parsley. Mix together, then brush the mixture over the dough.
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the buttered dough, then sprinkle with additional chopped parsley.
- Bake for 15-17 minutes or until the edges have browned and the cheese is melty and golden in spots.
- Remove from the oven and cut the bread into rectangular sticks. Garnish with fresh parmesan cheese if desired, and serve with marinara sauce or donair sauce.
- Enjoy your homemade Cheesy Garlic Bread straight from the oven, and savor every cheesy, garlicky bite!
Notes
Check Your Yeast: Ensure your yeast is alive and active by proofing it in warm water with sugar before adding it to the flour mixture. This step ensures a perfectly risen dough.
Customize Your Toppings: Get creative with your toppings by adding cooked bacon, diced tomatoes, or even sliced jalapeños for an extra kick of flavor. Don’t forget to share the recipe with your loved ones and subscribe to our blog for more mouthwatering recipes and cooking tips. Happy baking!