Description
Stuffed Garlic Bread is a deliciously garlicky, buttery, and cheesy appetizer that’s easy to prepare with less than 10 minutes of prep time. Perfectly soft inside with a crispy crust, it’s made by stuffing an Italian bread loaf with a blend of garlic butter and mozzarella cheese, baked to gooey perfection.
Ingredients
For the Bread:
- 1 large Italian bread loaf
For the Garlic Butter Mixture:
- 1/2 cup salted butter, softened (1 stick)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 tablespoon fresh chopped parsley
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt, optional
For the Cheese:
- 12 slices full fat mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375℉ (190℃). Line a baking sheet with foil for easy cleanup and set aside.
- Slice the Bread: Cut 10-12 evenly spaced slits into the Italian bread loaf, being careful not to cut all the way through. Leave about ½ inch uncut at the bottom to keep the loaf intact.
- Prepare Garlic Butter: In a medium bowl, combine the softened salted butter, minced garlic, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, and Italian seasoning. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Spread Butter Mixture: Evenly divide and spread the garlic butter mixture between each slice of bread, ensuring to coat both sides inside each slit. Use approximately 2 teaspoons per slit. Spread any leftover garlic butter on the top of the loaf for extra flavor.
- Stuff with Cheese: Fold each slice of mozzarella cheese in half and carefully stuff it deep into each slit, pressing down into the bread pockets. Optionally, sprinkle lightly with salt.
- Wrap and Bake: Wrap the entire bread loaf tightly in foil and place it on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is melted and gooey.
- Crisp the Top: After baking, carefully unwrap the foil to expose the top of the loaf. Bake for an additional 5 minutes to crisp up the top crust.
- Rest and Serve: Remove from oven and let the stuffed garlic bread rest for 3-5 minutes to set before slicing and serving. Enjoy warm and cheesy!
Notes
- Use fresh garlic for the best flavor; garlic powder will change the taste and texture.
- For a spicier version, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter mixture.
- This bread is best eaten fresh out of the oven as the cheese is gooey and melted.
- Leftovers can be reheated in the oven wrapped in foil to retain moisture.
- Feel free to substitute mozzarella with provolone or cheddar cheese for a different flavor twist.
- Adjust salt according to taste, especially if your butter is salted.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-30 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
