French Loaf Cheesy Garlic Bread
Crispy, buttery French bread topped with fresh garlic, parsley, mozzarella, and Parmesan. Ready in about 20 minutes and perfect as a side for pasta, soup, or salad.
Equipment
- Sharp serrated knife
- cutting board
- medium mixing bowl
- Garlic press (optional)
- Rubber spatula or spoon
- Butter knife or pastry brush
- Baking sheet
- Aluminum foil (optional)
- Oven mitts
Ingredients
- 1 loaf French bread sliced lengthwise
- 1/2 cup salted butter softened (or unsalted, plus extra salt to taste)
- 4 cloves fresh garlic minced (or 2 tablespoons pre-minced garlic)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped
- 1 tablespoon olive oil optional, for extra richness
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil optional
- chives optional garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment if desired.
- In a medium bowl, mix softened butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, and optional basil (and optional olive oil) until evenly combined.
- Slice the French bread in half lengthwise. Spread the garlic butter evenly over both cut sides, all the way to the edges.
- Sprinkle mozzarella evenly over the buttered bread, then top with Parmesan.
- Place bread halves cheese-side up on the baking sheet. Bake 10–12 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbling.
- For a golden top, switch the oven to broil for 2–3 minutes. Watch closely to prevent burning.
- Remove from the oven and cool for 2 minutes. Slice and serve warm. Garnish with optional chives.
Notes
Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container up to 3 days.
Reheat: Warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5–7 minutes until hot and crisp again (microwaving softens the crust).
Cheese swaps: Try provolone, Monterey Jack, or Colby Jack. For extra flavor, add a little cheddar.
Broil tip: Don’t walk away—check every 30–60 seconds to avoid burnt cheese.
Nutrition
Calories: 280kcal | Protein: 10g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Cholesterol: 40mg | Sodium: 520mg