Description
This Italian Herbs Cheese Bread is a savory and aromatic twist on classic garlic bread, featuring a blend of Italian herbs, melted butter, and a generous topping of mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Perfect as a flavorful appetizer or a side dish to complement any Italian-inspired meal, this easy-to-make bread is baked until golden, cheesy, and irresistibly delicious.
Ingredients
Scale
Bread
- 1 loaf French bread
Herb Butter Mixture
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Cheese Topping
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or foil to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Prepare the Bread: Slice the French bread loaf horizontally into two halves and lay them cut side up on the prepared baking sheet, creating a base ready for the toppings.
- Mix the Herb Butter: In a small bowl, combine the melted unsalted butter with minced garlic and the dried Italian herbs—basil, oregano, parsley, thyme, and rosemary—along with salt and black pepper to create a flavorful butter mixture.
- Brush the Butter onto the Bread: Generously brush the herb butter mixture over the cut surfaces of both bread halves, ensuring even coverage to infuse the bread with rich flavor.
- Add the Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the herb-coated bread, followed by an even layering of grated Parmesan cheese to add depth and a cheesy crust.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and the bread edges become lightly toasted and golden brown.
- Serve: Remove the cheese bread from the oven and let it cool slightly for a few minutes. Slice into portions and serve warm to enjoy the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, broil for an additional 1-2 minutes after baking while watching closely to avoid burning.
- You can substitute the French bread with Italian bread or a baguette if preferred.
- Fresh herbs can be used instead of dried, but reduce quantity by half as they are more potent.
- To add a kick, sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes on top before baking.
- Store leftovers wrapped tightly in foil or plastic wrap; best eaten within 1-2 days and reheated in the oven to preserve texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
