Listen up – this isn't your regular garlic bread. Take it from someone who's made enough loaves to feed a small army: once you stuff that crusty bread with cheese, you'll never look back.
Plain old garlic bread's fine and dandy, but wait till you tear into one of these beauties, all stuffed with gooey mozzarella, cream cheese, and proper garlic butter. Dead simple to make, mind you.
Works a treat when you've got folks over, or just want to jazz up your spag bol. I've been making this for years, and I'll tell you straight – there's a knack to getting that cheese just right, so it stretches like nobody's business when you pull it apart.
Mind you don't burn your fingers though – that melted cheese can be mighty hot!
Let me show you exactly how it's done. No fancy tricks, just good honest cooking that'll make your kitchen smell like heaven and your dinner table the most popular spot in the house.
Recipe
Easy Cheesy Stuffed Garlic Bread is a mouthwatering combination of crusty bread filled with melted cheese, garlic, and herbs. This crowd-pleasing appetizer transforms a simple loaf of bread into an irresistible feast that's perfect for parties, game days, or as a side dish for pasta meals. For those looking for inspiration, this dish can pair nicely with other delicious appetizers like Chicken Bacon Ranch Wonton Cups that offer a mix of juicy, smoky, and creamy flavors.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility and simplicity. While ciabatta or sourdough bread works best due to their sturdy texture, any crusty bread can be used. The cheese mixture can be customized with different cheese varieties, and the intensity of garlic can be adjusted to personal preference.
- 1 large loaf of crusty bread
- 8 oz mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 6 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: red pepper flakes
Cut the bread diagonally in a crosshatch pattern, being careful not to slice all the way through. Mix the softened cream cheese, butter, minced garlic, and seasonings in a bowl until well combined. Fold in the shredded mozzarella cheese.
Using a butter knife or small spatula, stuff the cheese mixture into the cuts of the bread, ensuring it reaches deep into the crevices. Wrap the stuffed bread in foil, leaving the top partially open, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes until the cheese is melted. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes until golden brown.
For best results, allow cream cheese and butter to reach room temperature before mixing. If the bread is too fresh, it may be difficult to cut clean slices, so day-old bread works better. To prevent the bottom from burning, place the bread on a middle rack and avoid baking directly on the bottom rack. Leftover bread can be stored in the refrigerator and reheated in the oven, though it's best served fresh and warm.
Stuffed garlic bread transforms the classic side dish into a complete crowd-pleasing appetizer. This recipe takes inspiration from both Italian and American interpretations of garlic bread, adding a molten cheese filling that creates an indulgent pull-apart effect.
While traditional garlic bread dates back to the 1940s in the United States, stuffed variations began appearing in pizzerias and casual restaurants during the 1970s. The combination of warm bread, savory garlic, and melted cheese appeals to virtually everyone, making this dish a reliable choice for gatherings, game days, or alongside pasta meals.
Rather than using a baguette sliced lengthwise, this version uses strategic crosswise cuts to create perfect portions that allow the cheese and garlic butter to penetrate deeply into the loaf.
Conclusion
Just like my old copper pots, stuffed garlic bread never fails to deliver. Trust me, I've been baking this crowd-pleaser for longer than I care to remember. There's something wonderful about the way the cheese melts into those little nooks and crannies, and the butter-soaked garlic seeps right through to the crust. You don't need fancy ingredients or special skills – just good bread, real butter, proper garlic, and cheese that actually tastes like cheese.
Mind you, I still get a kick out of watching folks' faces when this comes to the table, all golden and bubbling. Makes no difference if it's just family on a Tuesday night or the whole neighborhood popping in – this bread has a way of making everything feel a bit special. The beauty is in the simplicity, and between you and me, it's almost impossible to mess up. Even when I'm not paying attention (happens more often these days), it turns out just fine.