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Ingredients
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Bread & Cheese
Garlic Butter
Optional Finishes
Method
Bread & Cheese
- 1
Preheat and prepare loaf
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Using a sharp serrated knife, slice the baguette in half lengthwise to create two even open faces. If you prefer pull-apart-style, cut the loaf crosswise into 1–1.5-inch thick slices without cutting all the way through, then proceed similarly with topping each exposed surface.
- 2
Grate and distribute cheese
Shred or thinly slice the fresh mozzarella so it will melt evenly. Sprinkle an even layer of mozzarella over the cut surfaces (about 1.5 cups on the loaf halves; reserve the remaining 0.5 cup for a more golden top). Sprinkle the grated Parmesan evenly over the mozzarella to add saltiness and browning.
Garlic Butter
- 3
Make garlic butter
In a small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl, melt the unsalted butter with the olive oil until fully liquid (low heat on the stove or 20–30 seconds in microwave). Stir in the minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Let the mixture rest for 2–3 minutes so the garlic infuses the butter but does not brown.
- 4
Brush butter on bread
Using a pastry brush or spoon, evenly brush or spoon about half of the garlic butter over the exposed cheese surface and bread edges. Reserve the remaining butter to brush after the first bake for extra gloss and flavor.
Bake & Finish
- 5
Initial bake
Place the prepared loaf halves on a baking sheet lined with foil or parchment (cut side up). Bake in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbling.
- 6
Broil for golden top (optional)
If you want a browned, bubbly top, switch the oven to broil on high and broil the loaves 1–2 minutes, watching constantly to prevent burning, until the mozzarella and Parmesan are golden.
- 7
Final brush and garnish
Remove the bread from the oven. Immediately brush the reserved garlic butter over the top for extra shine and flavor. Sprinkle the dried oregano and scatter sliced fresh basil over the hot cheese if using. Let rest for 2–3 minutes so cheese sets slightly.
- 8
Slice and serve
Slice the loaf into serving pieces (if you kept it whole, cut into 1–2 inch pieces), serve warm. Provide tongs or a spatula to lift the cheesy slices.