Best Cheesy Garlic Bread Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Cheesy Garlic Bread recipe is the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The garlic is roasted to bring out its sweet, mellow flavor, and combined with the creamy garlic butter custard, it’s a decadent spread for the bread. The mozzarella cheese adds the perfect melty finish, and the bread crisps up beautifully in the oven without being too heavy. Every bite is buttery, cheesy, and garlicky – a comforting combination that will have everyone reaching for seconds.

Ingredients

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For Roasted Garlic:

• 8-10 garlic cloves

• 2 tablespoon olive oil

• Pinch of salt

For Garlic Butter Custard:

• Roasted garlic (from above)

• ½ cup butter, melted (113g)

• 1 egg

• ¼ cup milk (60g)

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon paprika

• 2 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley

For Assembly:

• 12 King's Hawaiian Original Hawaiian Sheet Rolls (or a French baguette of similar size)

• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

• Chopped parsley and chili flakes for garnish

Directions

1. Roasted Garlic:

   • Preheat the oven to 400°F.

   • Toss the peeled garlic cloves with olive oil and a pinch of salt. Place them in a small oven-safe dish with a lid (or cover with foil). Bake for about 20 minutes until the garlic is soft and golden.

   • Mash the roasted garlic with a fork and set aside.

2. Garlic Butter Custard:

   • In a bowl, combine the mashed roasted garlic, melted butter, egg, milk, salt, paprika, and parsley.

   • Whisk everything together until smooth and well-combined.

3. Assembly:

   • Lower the oven temperature to 350°F.

   • Slice the sheet of bread rolls into two halves and place them on a large baking sheet. Bake for 8-10 minutes until the bread is lightly golden and crispy.

   • Pour the garlic butter custard into a larger pan. Dip the baked bread halves into the custard, making sure to coat them thoroughly on all sides.

   • Return the bread to the baking sheet and bake for another 15-18 minutes at 350°F until the bread is golden.

   • Top with shredded mozzarella cheese, then switch the oven setting to broil and broil for about 5 minutes until the cheese is melted and golden.

   • Garnish with chopped parsley and chili flakes. Slice, serve, and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 12

• Prep Time: 20 minutes

• Cook Time: 1 hour

• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes

Variations

• Herbed Garlic Butter: Add extra herbs like thyme, rosemary, or basil to the garlic butter custard for a fresh twist.

• Spicy Version: Add extra chili flakes into the custard or sprinkle them over the top for a spicier kick.

• Vegan Version: Use dairy-free butter and plant-based cheese to make this recipe vegan-friendly.

• Garlic Parmesan: Top the cheesy garlic bread with grated Parmesan for an extra cheesy and savory finish.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftover garlic bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in foil and refrigerate for up to 5 days.

• Reheating: To reheat, place the bread in the oven at 350°F for 5-10 minutes or until warm. For a crispy crust, broil for an additional 1-2 minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I use regular garlic instead of roasted garlic?

While roasted garlic adds a mellow, sweet flavor, you can use fresh garlic if you prefer. Just sauté it gently in butter to mellow out its sharpness before making the custard.

2. Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the garlic butter custard and roasted garlic in advance. Just store them separately in the fridge and assemble the bread when you're ready to bake.

3. Can I use a different type of bread?

Absolutely! You can swap the Hawaiian rolls with French baguette, ciabatta, or any bread of your choice. Just make sure it's a soft yet sturdy bread that will hold up when dipped in the garlic butter custard.

4. How do I prevent the bread from getting soggy?

To avoid sogginess, make sure you bake the bread halves until they’re lightly golden before dipping them in the custard. This will create a crispy base that holds up well.

5. Can I make the garlic butter custard without egg?

Yes, you can leave out the egg or replace it with a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed in a little milk to help thicken the custard.

6. How can I make this spicier?

If you love spicy food, you can add extra chili flakes to the custard or sprinkle them on top of the bread just before broiling. You can also use spicy cheese for added heat.

7. Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes! While mozzarella gives a wonderful meltiness, you can use other cheeses like cheddar, provolone, or gouda for a different flavor profile.

8. Can I freeze this cheesy garlic bread?

Yes, you can freeze the prepared bread before baking. Wrap it tightly in foil or plastic wrap and freeze for up to a month. When ready to bake, thaw in the fridge overnight and bake as directed.

9. Can I use store-bought roasted garlic?

If you're short on time, you can use store-bought roasted garlic or garlic paste as a substitute for freshly roasted garlic.

10. Can I use less cheese?

Yes, you can reduce the amount of cheese to suit your preference. The bread will still taste delicious with the flavorful garlic butter custard.

Conclusion

This Cheesy Garlic Bread recipe is a game-changer for anyone who loves rich, flavorful bread with the perfect balance of butter, garlic, and cheese. It’s easy to make, customizable, and perfect for any meal or gathering. Whether served as an appetizer, side dish, or snack, it’s guaranteed to be a hit with everyone at the table. Happy baking!

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