Absolutely Outrageous Garlic Bread

This outrageous garlic cheese bread transforms an ordinary loaf of sourdough into a spectacular appetizer that makes any dinner feel like a special occasion. The combination of butter-soaked bread with melty cheese and aromatic garlic creates that irresistible pull-apart texture that has everyone reaching for seconds before the main course even arrives.

I first made this bread for a casual game night with friends, and it disappeared faster than anything else on the table. Now it's my go-to contribution for potlucks, and the recipe card in my kitchen has more butter stains than any other recipe I own.

Ingredients

• Large sourdough loaf: The tangy flavor and sturdy texture make sourdough ideal as it holds up to all the toppings without getting soggy
• Unsalted butter: Always use unsalted so you can control the salt level yourself
• Fresh garlic cloves: Freshly minced garlic provides the most vibrant flavor for this bread; use a garlic press for quickest results
• Fresh parsley: The bright color and fresh flavor cut through the richness of the cheese and butter
• Garlic powder: It may seem redundant with fresh garlic, but the powder adds a different dimension of flavor that's worth including
• Sea salt: Flaky sea salt works best as it provides little bursts of flavor throughout the bread
• Red pepper flakes: These add a pleasant heat that balances the richness; look for bright red flakes for the freshest flavor
• Mozzarella cheese: Use low moisture mozzarella for that perfect stretch factor without making the bread soggy
• Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan provides the best flavor; avoid the shelf-stable, pre-grated variety if possible
• Italian seasoning: This herb blend ties everything together with classic Mediterranean flavors

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat Oven:

Set your oven to 375°F and position a rack in the middle. This temperature allows the bread to crisp properly while giving the cheese enough time to melt completely without burning. If your oven runs hot, consider dropping the temperature to 350°F.

Create Compound Butter:

In a mixing bowl, combine the softened butter with minced garlic, parsley, garlic powder, salt, and pepper flakes. Take your time working these ingredients together until completely homogeneous. The butter should be very soft but not melted for easiest spreading. If the butter is too firm, let it sit at room temperature longer rather than microwaving.

Prepare Bread:

Slice your sourdough loaf horizontally to create two equal halves. For extra butter and cheese penetration, make diagonal cuts about 1 inch apart across the top without cutting all the way through. This creates more surface area for the butter to seep into while baking and provides more crispy edges.

Apply Garlic Butter:

Use a silicone spatula or knife to spread the compound butter generously across both bread halves. Work the butter into all the crevices and make sure to reach the edges. The butter will melt and soak into the bread during baking, so be generous with your application.

Add Cheese Layer:

Sprinkle both mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses evenly over the buttered surfaces. Press the cheese gently into the butter to help it adhere. Distribute the cheese all the way to the edges for maximum coverage and those desirable crispy cheese bits around the perimeter.

Season And Bake:

Dust the Italian seasoning over the cheese layer and place the bread on a baking sheet. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, watching carefully toward the end. The bread is ready when the cheese has fully melted and is beginning to bubble and brown in spots, and the edges of the bread have turned golden.

Optional Broil Finish:

For a beautiful golden top with spots of caramelized cheese, switch your oven to broil for the final 2 minutes. Watch continuously during this step as the bread can go from perfect to burnt very quickly.

Serve And Enjoy:

Let the bread cool for just 2 to 3 minutes before slicing to allow the cheese to set slightly. Garnish with additional fresh parsley and serve while still warm for the best eating experience.

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The first time I served this bread at a family gathering, my normally reserved uncle asked for the recipe before he even finished his first piece. The secret is definitely in the compound butter; the more you work those flavors together, the more they infuse into every bite of the finished bread.

Make Ahead Options

You can prepare this bread up to the point of baking, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, simply unwrap and bake as directed, adding an extra 3 to 5 minutes to the baking time to account for the chilled temperature. This is particularly helpful when entertaining; you can do all the prep work early and simply slide the bread into the oven when guests arrive.

Customization Ideas

This garlic bread recipe serves as an excellent base for numerous variations. Transform it into a complete meal by adding toppings before baking; thin slices of tomato and fresh basil create a margherita-style bread, while sliced olives and artichoke hearts give it a Mediterranean flair. For meat lovers, adding a layer of thinly sliced pepperoni or prosciutto under the cheese creates a pizza bread experience. Vegetarians might enjoy finely chopped spinach or roasted red peppers mixed into the butter.

Perfect Pairings

While this bread certainly stands on its own as an appetizer, it truly shines when paired with the right dishes. For a classic combination, serve alongside a hearty lasagna or spaghetti with marinara sauce; the bread is perfect for sopping up extra sauce. On cooler evenings, pair with a robust minestrone or tomato basil soup for dipping. For wine enthusiasts, the richness of the bread complements a medium-bodied red such as Chianti or Sangiovese, while the garlic notes work beautifully with a crisp Pinot Grigio if you prefer white.

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Serve this bread warm, and watch your guests marvel at its flavors—this is one recipe they won't forget!

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use a different type of bread?

Yes! While sourdough provides excellent structure and flavor, you can substitute with Italian bread, French baguette, or ciabatta. Just ensure the bread is sturdy enough to hold the toppings without becoming soggy.

→ How can I make this ahead of time?

Prepare the garlic butter mixture and slice the bread up to 24 hours ahead. Store separately in the refrigerator. Assemble and bake just before serving for the best texture and flavor.

→ What can I serve with garlic cheese bread?

This bread pairs wonderfully with pasta dishes, soups, stews, or salads. It's also perfect as an appetizer with marinara dipping sauce or as part of an antipasto spread.

→ Can I add other ingredients to the topping?

Absolutely! Consider adding caramelized onions, sun-dried tomatoes, crispy bacon bits, or different herbs like rosemary or thyme. You can also experiment with cheese varieties like provolone, fontina, or gouda.

→ How do I store and reheat leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 5-10 minutes until warm and crispy. Avoid microwaving as it can make the bread soggy.

→ Is there a way to make this with less garlic?

Yes, simply reduce the amount of fresh garlic and garlic powder to suit your taste preferences. You can use roasted garlic instead of fresh for a milder, sweeter garlic flavor.