Garlic Bread With Cheese Recipe

Prepare oven and loaf

Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it. Using a sharp bread knife, slice the baguette horizontally into two even halves lengthwise. If you prefer pull-apart slices, alternatively make 1–1.5 inch diagonal cuts about three-quarters through the loaf without cutting all the way through.

Make garlic butter

In a small bowl, combine the softened unsalted butter and olive oil until smooth. Add the minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly so the garlic and herbs are evenly distributed. Taste and adjust salt or garlic if needed. If you like heat, stir in the red pepper flakes.

Assemble

Spread about two-thirds of the garlic butter mixture evenly across the cut surface(s) of the bread (reserve the remainder for later). Sprinkle the grated mozzarella evenly over the buttered bread, then dust the Parmesan over the mozzarella to help browning and add flavor. If using the pull-apart method, gently push some butter mixture between the slices and stuff cheese into the gaps so each slice gets topping.

Bake

Place the prepared bread on the baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 8–12 minutes, until the cheese is fully melted. For a browned, bubbly top, switch the oven to broil (grill) for 1–2 minutes—watch continuously to prevent burning.

Finish and serve

Remove the garlic bread from the oven and brush the reserved garlic butter over any exposed crust for extra gloss and flavor. Let rest 1–2 minutes, then slice (if halved) into serving pieces or separate the pull-apart slices. Serve hot as a side or appetizer.