Garlic-garlic Bread Recipe

Bread & Topping

1. 1

   Preheat and prepare

   Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.

2. 2

   Prepare garlic butter

   In a small microwave-safe bowl or saucepan, combine the unsalted butter and olive oil. Warm gently until butter is melted and just warm (about 20–30 seconds in microwave or 1–2 minutes on low heat). Add the minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt, and black pepper to the warm butter mixture. Stir and let sit for 5 minutes so the garlic melds into the butter.

3. 3

   Slice the bread

   Using a serrated knife, slice the baguette in half lengthwise to create two flat surfaces. If you prefer pull-apart garlic bread, instead slice the loaf crosswise into 1 to 1.25-inch thick slices without cutting all the way through (make crisscross cuts), but the recipe directions below assume halved loaf.

4. 4

   Brush with garlic butter

   Place the cut halves, cut-sides up, on the prepared baking sheet. Using a pastry brush or spoon, evenly brush about three-quarters of the garlic butter mixture over the cut surfaces. Reserve the remainder for later use or for extra brushing during baking.

5. 5

   Add mozzarella and finish

   Evenly distribute the shredded or sliced mozzarella over the buttered cut surfaces. If using, sprinkle the grated Parmesan and a light dusting of red pepper flakes over the cheese.

6. 6

   Bake until bubbly and golden

   Bake in the preheated oven for 10–14 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbling. For a browned, slightly crisp top, switch the oven to broil on high for 1–2 minutes, watching closely so it does not burn.

7. 7

   Rest and serve

   Remove the garlic-garlic bread from the oven. Let rest for 2–3 minutes so the cheese sets slightly. If desired, brush the exposed crust with any reserved garlic butter for extra shine and flavor. Slice into portions (if halved, cut into 6–8 pieces) and serve hot.