Cheese and garlic bread is a popular and comforting dish that combines the savory flavors of garlic and cheese with the satisfying crunch of toasted bread. Typically, a loaf of bread is sliced and spread with a mixture of butter, minced garlic, and herbs. Grated cheese, often mozzarella or Parmesan, is then sprinkled on top before baking. The result is a deliciously crispy and cheesy treat, perfect as an appetizer, side dish, or snack. The combination of garlic’s robust flavor with the melt-in-your-mouth cheese makes it a favorite for many.
Ingredients:
1 pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
Directions:
Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
Roll out the pizza dough on a lightly floured surface into a rectangular shape.
Transfer the dough to a parchment-lined baking sheet.
In a small bowl, mix the melted butter and minced garlic.
Brush the garlic butter mixture over the entire surface of the dough.
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the dough.
Sprinkle the chopped parsley, dried oregano, garlic powder, and salt over the cheese.
Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the breadsticks are golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and melted.
Variations
- Cheese Types:
- Mozzarella: Classic choice for a gooey, melty texture.
- Parmesan: Adds a sharp, nutty flavor.
- Cheddar: Offers a rich, tangy taste.
- Gruyère: Provides a more complex, nutty flavor.
- Add-Ins:
- Herbs: Incorporate fresh parsley, basil, or thyme for added freshness.
- Spices: Experiment with red pepper flakes or paprika for a bit of heat.
- Vegetables: Try adding sautéed mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, or caramelized onions.
- Bread Variations:
- Baguette: For a crusty, more elegant option.
- Ciabatta: Adds a slightly chewy texture.
- Sourdough: Offers a tangy flavor and hearty texture.
- Toppings:
- Pesto: Spread a layer of pesto before adding cheese for a basil-infused twist.
- Tomato Slices: Add fresh tomato slices on top for a juicy contrast.
Tips
- Butter Consistency: Ensure the butter is softened to room temperature for easy mixing with garlic and herbs.
- Garlic Preparation: Mince the garlic finely or use a garlic press to avoid large chunks, which can burn during baking.
- Cheese Distribution: Sprinkle cheese evenly over the bread to ensure a uniform melt and golden crust.
- Baking: Bake in a preheated oven at around 375°F (190°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until the bread is crispy and the cheese is bubbling and golden.
- Broiling: For extra crispiness, switch to the broiler for the last minute of baking, but watch closely to prevent burning.
- Cooling: Let the bread cool slightly before cutting to avoid the cheese oozing out too much.
These variations and tips can help you customize your cheese and garlic bread to suit your preferences and make it even more delicious.
To store cheese and garlic bread effectively, follow these guidelines:
- Cooling: Allow the bread to cool to room temperature before storing. This prevents condensation, which can make the bread soggy.
- Wrapping:
- Short-Term Storage: For up to 2 days, wrap the bread tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap to keep it from drying out.
- Long-Term Storage: For longer storage, place the wrapped bread in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag. You can also freeze the bread for up to 3 months.
- Freezing: To freeze, slice the bread before wrapping to make it easier to reheat individual portions. Wrap each slice in plastic wrap or foil, and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
- Reheating:
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and place the bread on a baking sheet. Heat for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through and crispy.
- Toaster Oven: Ideal for reheating individual slices, it crisps up the bread nicely. Set it to toast or bake at a moderate temperature.
By following these steps, you can keep your cheese and garlic bread fresh and delicious for future enjoyment.
The nutritional content of cheese and garlic bread can vary based on the recipe and portion size, but here’s a general idea for a standard serving:
Typical Nutritional Information (Per Slice, approximately 1/8 of a loaf):
- Calories: 150-200 kcal
- Total Fat: 8-12 grams
- Saturated Fat: 3-6 grams
- Trans Fat: 0 grams (if made with butter or margarine without trans fats)
- Cholesterol: 20-30 mg
- Sodium: 250-400 mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 15-25 grams
- Dietary Fiber: 1-2 grams
- Sugars: 1-3 grams
- Protein: 6-10 grams
Key Nutritional Factors:
- Fat: The cheese and butter contribute to the fat content, with most being saturated fat from cheese.
- Calories: Can add up quickly due to the high fat content, especially if consuming multiple slices.
- Sodium: Both cheese and garlic contribute to the sodium content, which can be significant.
- Carbohydrates: Primarily from the bread, providing energy but minimal fiber.
To get more precise nutritional information, consider the specific ingredients and quantities used in your recipe and use a nutritional calculator or food database.