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Ingredients
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Bread & Cheese
Marinara Dipping Sauce
Method
Bread & Cheese
- 1
Prep and preheat
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
- 2
Make garlic-herb butter
In a small bowl, combine the softened unsalted butter, minced garlic (3 cloves), finely chopped parsley, salt (1/2 tsp), black pepper (1/4 tsp), and red pepper flakes (1/2 tsp). Mix until smooth and well combined.
- 3
Prepare the loaf
Slice the baguette in half lengthwise. If you prefer pull-apart pieces, cut crosswise into 1-inch thick slices without cutting all the way through the base, keeping the loaf intact. Spread the garlic-herb butter evenly over the cut sides of the bread, making sure butter reaches the edges.
- 4
Add cheeses
Evenly sprinkle the shredded mozzarella (2 cups) over the buttered bread, then evenly scatter the grated Parmesan (1/2 cup) on top. If you made crosswise cuts, work the cheese into the slices so every piece gets cheese.
- 5
Bake
Place the prepared bread on the baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbling. For a golden-brown top, switch the oven to broil and broil 1–2 minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning.
- 6
Finish and serve
Remove from oven and let rest 2 minutes. Sprinkle a bit more fresh parsley (if available) and a light pinch of red pepper flakes if desired. Slice (if you left whole) and transfer to a serving plate.
Marinara Dipping Sauce
- 7
Cook aromatics
While the oven preheats or during the bread bake, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the finely diced half onion and cook 3–4 minutes until translucent. Add the minced garlic (2 cloves) and cook 30 seconds until fragrant, stirring to avoid browning.
- 8
Simmer the sauce
Stir in the tomato paste and cook 30 seconds. Add the can of crushed tomatoes (14 oz), dried oregano (1 tsp), dried basil (1 tsp), sugar (1/2 tsp, optional), salt (1/2 tsp) and black pepper (1/4 tsp). Bring to a gentle simmer, reduce heat to low, and simmer uncovered 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened.
- 9
Finish the marinara
Taste and adjust seasoning. Stir in the fresh basil chiffonade (2 tbsp) if using. Keep warm until ready to serve alongside the cheesy bread.