Description
This Epic Stuffed Garlic Bread recipe transforms a classic favorite into a flavorful, cheesy masterpiece. Featuring a crusty ciabatta loaf loaded with a garlic-parsley butter blend, Parmesan cheese, and a hint of cayenne for warmth, this recipe delivers a perfect balance of savory flavors and a satisfyingly crispy texture. Ideal for parties, family dinners, or as a delicious side, it takes about 40 minutes total from prep to serving and yields 10 generous servings.
Ingredients
Scale
Garlic Butter Mixture
- 4 – 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/2 cup room temperature butter, cut into pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- Optional: 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Bread
- 1 large loaf Ciabatta bread
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it reaches the perfect baking temperature for a golden, crispy crust.
- Prepare Garlic Butter Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the minced garlic, chopped parsley, room temperature butter pieces, olive oil, kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, and cayenne pepper if using. Stir thoroughly to create a smooth, well-blended garlic butter spread.
- Slice the Bread: Using a serrated knife, carefully slice the ciabatta loaf horizontally, creating two even halves. Alternatively, slice into thick individual pieces for more servings.
- Spread the Butter Mixture: Generously spread the prepared garlic butter mixture onto the cut sides of the bread, ensuring an even coating over the entire surface.
- Add Parmesan Cheese: Sprinkle the freshly grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the buttered bread halves to add a rich, savory layer of flavor and help create a melty crust.
- Assemble and Wrap: For a soft interior crust, place the two halves together and wrap the loaf tightly in aluminum foil. For a crispier crust, you can leave it unwrapped.
- Bake the Bread: Place the wrapped or unwrapped bread on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the butter is melted and the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Final Crisp (Optional): If you wrapped the bread, unwrap and bake for an additional 5 minutes to crisp up the crust further.
- Serve Warm: Remove from the oven, let it cool slightly, then slice into portions and serve warm for the best flavor and texture experience.
Notes
- Using room temperature butter ensures easier mixing and better absorption into the bread.
- Add cayenne pepper according to your spice preference for a subtle kick.
- For a cheesier bread, add extra grated Parmesan or mozzarella before baking.
- Wrap bread in foil for softer crust, leave uncovered for crispier crust.
- Serve alongside pasta dishes, soups, or salads for a delightful accompaniment.
