If you are craving something irresistibly flavorful, crisp on the outside yet soft and cheesy inside, you have to try this Garlic Parmesan Cheese Bread Recipe. It’s a perfect blend of rich butter, sharp Parmesan, and aromatic garlic, all nestled in a crusty loaf of bread. This recipe is straightforward enough to whip up any day of the week but special enough to impress at gatherings, making every bite a comforting celebration of simple yet bold flavors.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Garlic Parmesan Cheese Bread Recipe plays an essential role, creating a harmonious balance of taste, texture, and color. The straightforward list lets the fresh and bold flavors shine through beautifully.
- French bread (1 loaf): Choose a large, crusty loaf to hold all the buttery, cheesy goodness without getting soggy.
- Salted butter (1 cup, softened): Brings creamy richness and helps the garlic infuse deeply into the bread.
- Mayonnaise (6 tbsp): Adds moisture and helps create a smooth, spreadable mixture with a subtle tang.
- Parmesan cheese (6 tbsp, grated): The key to delivering that signature sharp and nutty flavor.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced or grated): The star player that infuses this bread with its irresistible aroma and kick.
- Scallions (3, chopped): Adds freshness and a mild onion flavor to balance the richness.
- Paprika (for dusting): Provides a hint of smoky warmth and a lovely pop of color on top.
- Parsley (1 sprig, finely chopped): For a fresh, vibrant finish that brightens each bite.
How to Make Garlic Parmesan Cheese Bread Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prep the Bread
Start by preheating your oven to 350℉. Then slice your loaf of French bread lengthwise, aiming for even thickness on both halves. This ensures each slice will hold the butter and cheese mixture evenly, giving you that perfect crunch-to-soft ratio.
Step 2: Make the Garlic Parmesan Spread
In a medium bowl, combine your softened butter and mayonnaise until smooth and creamy. Don’t worry if the butter isn’t perfectly softened; just mix it as thoroughly as you can. Next, stir in the grated Parmesan, minced garlic, and chopped scallions until everything is well incorporated. This mixture will be the rich, savory heart of your bread, bursting with flavor.
Step 3: Spread and Season
Generously spread the prepared mixture over each half of bread, making sure to cover every inch. Sprinkle a dusting of paprika on top, which not only adds a subtle smoky note but also makes the bread visually inviting. Then, create two foil boats around the bread halves and tent loosely with foil on top. This technique keeps the bread moist while baking.
Step 4: Bake and Broil
Place the foil-wrapped bread halves on a baking sheet and bake at 350℉ for about 10 minutes. After this initial bake, remove the top foil to reveal your bread and switch your oven to the Broil setting. Broil for 2 to 4 minutes until the topping bubbles and develops a golden, slightly crispy edge. Keep a close eye here to avoid burning, focusing mainly on the bread’s edges for that perfect toasted finish.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Once out of the oven, sprinkle the finely chopped parsley over the top for a dash of color and fresh flavor. Transfer the bread to a cutting board and slice to your desired thickness. Your Garlic Parmesan Cheese Bread is now ready to share and enjoy!
How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Cheese Bread Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley sprinkled on top adds vibrant color and brightness that livens up each bite. For an extra touch, a light drizzle of olive oil or a sprinkle of finely grated extra Parmesan just before serving can elevate the flavors even more!
Side Dishes
This Garlic Parmesan Cheese Bread Recipe pairs wonderfully with soups like tomato basil or creamy mushroom, making your meal feel cozy and complete. It also complements fresh salads, grilled chicken, or pasta dishes, adding an irresistible carb element that’s always a crowd-pleaser.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, slice the bread into small, bite-sized pieces and arrange them on a platter with dipping sauces such as marinara, garlic aioli, or pesto. You can also serve it alongside a cheese board or as a base under bruschetta toppings to impress guests with its versatility.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap any leftover Garlic Parmesan Cheese Bread Recipe tightly in foil or plastic wrap and store it at room temperature for up to 2 days. This keeps the bread soft while preserving its rich flavor.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy this treat later, wrap the bread halves well in foil and place them in a sealed freezer bag. Store in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To revive your leftovers, reheat the bread in an oven preheated to 350℉ for 10 minutes, uncovered to regain the crispiness. You can also briefly broil for a couple of minutes to refresh the golden cheese topping—just watch it closely to avoid burning.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of bread?
Absolutely! While a crusty French loaf works best for texture and structure, you can also try Italian bread, sourdough, or even a large baguette. Just choose a bread with a sturdy crust that can hold up to the rich topping.
Is there a way to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute the butter with a dairy-free margarine and use a dairy-free Parmesan alternative or nutritional yeast for the cheesy flavor. Just keep in mind that the texture and taste may vary slightly.
Can I prepare the topping mixture ahead of time?
Yes, you can mix the butter, mayonnaise, Parmesan, garlic, and scallions up to a day before and keep it refrigerated. Bring it to room temperature before spreading to make it easier to work with.
How important is the broiling step?
The broiling step is key to achieving that bubbly, golden finish on top which adds texture and flavor contrast. If you skip it, the bread will still be delicious but missing that signature toasty, slightly crispy edge.
Can I add other herbs or spices?
Definitely! Fresh herbs like oregano, thyme, or basil can be mixed in with the parsley for different flavor profiles. A pinch of red pepper flakes also adds a nice little kick if you like a bit of heat.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Garlic Parmesan Cheese Bread Recipe enough for your next snack, side, or party appetizer. Its rich flavors, comforting texture, and eye-catching golden topping make it an absolute winner every time. So go ahead, grab a loaf, and treat yourself and your loved ones to this delightful homemade indulgence!
Print
Garlic Parmesan Cheese Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 8 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 23 minutes
- Yield: 14 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Garlic Parmesan Cheese Bread is a deliciously savory and easy-to-make appetizer featuring a crusty French bread loaf generously spread with a creamy mixture of butter, mayonnaise, Parmesan cheese, garlic, and scallions, baked to golden perfection with a hint of paprika and finished with fresh parsley.
Ingredients
Bread
- 1 loaf French bread (or other large, crusty loaf)
Spread Mixture
- 1 cup salted butter (softened)
- 6 tbsp mayonnaise
- 6 tbsp Parmesan cheese (grated)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced or grated)
- 3 scallions (white and green parts, chopped)
Garnish & Topping
- Paprika (for dusting)
- 1 sprig parsley (finely chopped)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350℉ (175℃) to prepare for baking the bread.
- Slice Bread: Slice the loaf of French bread in half lengthwise and, if possible, cut each half into equal thickness pieces. Set aside these bread halves.
- Prepare Spread Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the softened butter and mayonnaise and mix until smooth. Add the grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, and chopped scallions to the mixture, stirring until all ingredients are fully incorporated.
- Apply Mixture to Bread: Spread the prepared buttery mixture evenly across both halves of the bread. Lightly sprinkle paprika over the top according to your preference for a subtle smoky flavor and color.
- Wrap Bread in Foil: Create two aluminum foil boats to hold the bread halves and place each half inside. Tent the top with additional aluminum foil to prevent excessive browning during baking and place on a baking sheet.
- Bake Bread: Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 10 minutes to allow the spread to soften and meld with the bread.
- Broil for Finish: Remove the top foil tent, switch your oven to the Broil setting, and broil the bread for 2-4 minutes. Watch closely to avoid burning. The topping should become bubbly and edges of the bread should turn golden brown.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven, sprinkle the chopped parsley over the top for freshness and color, then slice the bread as desired. Serve warm for the best flavor.
Notes
- Use softened butter to ensure easy mixing of the spread mixture.
- Create foil boats by folding aluminum foil to comfortably hold the bread halves, which helps contain the spread and keeps the bread moist while baking.
- Watch closely during broiling since broiler temperatures vary and the bread can burn quickly.
- For an extra touch, you can add crushed red pepper flakes or Italian seasoning to the spread mixture.
- This recipe yields 14 servings and is perfect for parties or as a side dish.
