Description
This Epic Stuffed Garlic Bread Recipe combines a crusty French baguette loaded with a flavorful garlic butter mixture and a blend of melted mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan cheeses. Baked to golden perfection, this pull-apart bread is perfect as a savory appetizer or party snack that’s cheesy, garlicky, and delightfully indulgent.
Ingredients
Scale
Bread and Butter Mixture
- 1 large French baguette or Italian loaf
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil, finely chopped (or 1 tsp dried)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Olive oil or additional melted butter for brushing
Cheese Filling
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the bread.
- Slice Bread: Using a serrated knife, carefully cut the loaf into thick 1-inch sections, making sure not to slice all the way through the bottom so the bread stays intact as one piece.
- Prepare Garlic Butter: In a bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, basil, salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Mix well to create a flavorful garlic butter spread.
- Spread Butter Mixture: Gently spread the garlic butter between each sliced section of the bread, ensuring the mixture seeps into all the crevices for maximum flavor.
- Stuff with Cheese: In another bowl, mix together the shredded mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan cheeses. Stuff generous amounts of this cheese blend between each slice of the bread, pressing lightly so it stays in place.
- Wrap and Bake: Wrap the stuffed loaf tightly in aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 15–20 minutes to let the flavors meld and cheese melt thoroughly.
- Unwrap and Brown: Carefully unwrap the foil and return the bread to the oven for an additional 5–7 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the cheese is bubbling.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from the oven, let cool slightly to avoid burns, and serve the stuffed garlic bread warm as a delicious appetizer or party treat.
Notes
- For a meaty variation, add cooked crumbled bacon or finely chopped pepperoni between the slices along with the cheese.
- Pre-shredded Italian cheese blends can be used for convenience without sacrificing flavor.
- Brush the top with olive oil or melted butter before baking if you prefer a crispier crust.
- Adjust red pepper flakes quantity to suit your preferred spice level or omit for milder flavor.
