Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Enhanced Garlic Flavor: Roasting the garlic brings out a deep, caramelized sweetness that elevates the overall taste.
Flavor-Infused Bread: Dipping the bread into a garlic butter custard ensures the rich flavors permeate every bite.
Triple Baking Technique: This method achieves a crispy exterior and a soft, cheesy interior, providing the perfect texture balance.

Ingredients

Roasted Garlic:

8-10 garlic cloves
2 tablespoons olive oil
Pinch of salt

Garlic Butter Custard:

Roasted garlic (from above)
½ cup melted butter (113g)
1 egg
¼ cup milk (60g)
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon paprika
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Assembly:

1 loaf of bread (e.g., French baguette or Hawaiian sweet rolls)
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Roast the Garlic: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Place peeled garlic cloves on a baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle with a pinch of salt. Cover with foil and roast for about 20 minutes until golden and soft.
Prepare the Bread: Slice the loaf in half lengthwise. Place the halves on a baking sheet and bake for 5-7 minutes until lightly crispy.
Make the Garlic Butter Custard: Mash the roasted garlic into a paste. In a bowl, combine the mashed garlic, melted butter, egg, milk, salt, paprika, and chopped parsley, whisking until smooth.
Dip the Bread: Reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C). Dip each bread half into the garlic butter custard, ensuring even coverage. Place the dipped bread back on the baking sheet.
Second Bake: Bake the dipped bread for 10-12 minutes until the custard is set and the bread is golden.
Add Cheese and Final Bake: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan evenly over the bread halves. Switch the oven to broil and place the bread back in for 2-3 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serve: Let the cheesy garlic bread cool for a minute, then slice and serve warm.

Servings and Timing

Servings: Approximately 12 pieces
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes

Variations

Herb Infusion: Add fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to the garlic butter custard for an aromatic twist.
Spicy Kick: Incorporate red pepper flakes into the custard for a subtle heat.
Cheese Blend: Mix different cheeses such as cheddar or gouda with mozzarella for varied flavors.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
Reheating: Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes until warmed through and crispy.

FAQs

Can I use pre-minced garlic instead of roasting fresh cloves?

Roasting fresh garlic imparts a sweeter, more nuanced flavor that pre-minced garlic lacks. For best results, use fresh roasted garlic.

Is the egg necessary in the garlic butter custard?

The egg helps bind the custard and gives the bread a rich texture. However, if you prefer to omit it, the recipe will still work, though the texture may be slightly different.

Can I prepare the garlic butter custard ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the custard in advance and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Bring it to room temperature before using to ensure easy application.

What type of bread works best for this recipe?

A sturdy loaf like French baguette or Italian bread works well. For a sweeter note, Hawaiian sweet rolls are a great alternative.

How can I make the bread extra crispy?

To achieve extra crispiness, ensure the initial bake crisps up the bread before adding the custard. Additionally, broiling at the end helps crisp the cheese topping.

Can I freeze the prepared garlic bread?

Yes, after the second bake (before adding cheese), let the bread cool completely, wrap it tightly, and freeze. When ready to serve, thaw, add cheese, and broil until bubbly.

What can I serve alongside this cheesy garlic bread?

It pairs well with pasta dishes, soups, or salads, making it a versatile side.

Can I use a different cheese besides mozzarella?

Absolutely! Cheddar, gouda, or a blend of your favorite cheeses can be used to customize the flavor.

How do I prevent the bread from becoming too soggy?

Ensure you don’t oversaturate the bread with the custard and bake it until the custard is fully set to prevent sogginess.

Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?

Yes, you can substitute the butter with vegan butter, use plant-based milk, and omit the egg. For cheese, opt for a dairy-free alternative.

Conclusion

This Cheesy Garlic Bread takes the classic side dish to the next level with its deep, rich flavor and perfect texture. Whether served alongside your favorite Italian meal or enjoyed as a snack, this triple-baked method ensures a crispy crust and a gooey, cheesy center every time. Once you try this recipe, it’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen!