NONNA’S GARLIC & CHEESY BREAD

Garlic bread is a classic Italian accompaniment, perfect for enhancing any dish.
This quick and easy recipe takes you step-by-step through the preparation of a fragrant bread enhanced with garlic butter, melted cheese and fresh parsley.
Ideal for serving warm, it is the perfect addition to soups, salads and main meals.
Discover how to bring this delicious garlic bread to the table and impress your guests with a touch of authentic Italian cuisine.

Why Nonna Suggests This Recipe

1. Quick and Easy: With just a few simple steps, you can make a crowd-pleasing dish in minutes.
2. Versatile Accompaniment: Nonna loves how garlic bread complements everything from pasta to soups and salads.
3. Rich, Authentic Flavor: The blend of garlic, butter, and parsley delivers a classic Italian aroma and taste.
4. Customizable: Add cheese, herbs, or olive oil to make it your own.
5. Perfect for Sharing: Garlic bread is a family favorite that’s ideal for gatherings, from casual lunches to elegant dinners.

Cooking Time

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cooking Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Servings: 3

Ingredients

For the Garlic Bread:

• 1 baguette or ciabatta bread
• ½ cup (1 stick or 100 g) butter, softened
• 4 cloves garlic, finely chopped
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tbsp grated Parmigiano Reggiano cheese (optional)
• Salt, to taste
• Extra virgin olive oil (optional, for crispness)

Step-by-Step Method

1. Prepare the Garlic Butter:

1. In a small bowl, mix the softened butter with minced garlic, parsley, and a pinch of salt.
2. For a richer flavor, stir in the grated Parmigiano Reggiano cheese. Mix until smooth and well-combined.

2. Prepare the Bread:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. Slice the baguette or ciabatta into 2 cm (¾ inch) thick slices, stopping short of cutting all the way through, so the loaf remains intact.

3. Add the Garlic Butter:

1. Using a butter knife, generously spread the garlic butter mixture between each slice.
2. Optionally, spread a thin layer on the top surface of the bread and drizzle lightly with olive oil for added flavor and crispness.

4. Bake the Garlic Bread:

1. Wrap the bread in aluminum foil, sealing it tightly, and place it on a baking sheet.
2. Bake in the preheated oven for 15–20 minutes, until the butter is melted and the bread is heated through.
3. For a crunchier texture, open the foil during the last 5 minutes of baking to allow the top to brown slightly.

5. Serve:

1. Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool slightly.
2. Serve warm as an accompaniment to pasta dishes, soups, or salads.

Nutritional Facts (Per Serving)

Tips by Nonna

1. Mild Garlic Flavor: For a gentler garlic flavor, lightly sauté the garlic in butter before mixing.
2. Experiment with Herbs: Add rosemary, thyme, or basil to the butter for a unique twist.
3. Bread Substitutes: If baguette or ciabatta isn’t available, use any crusty bread like a rustic loaf or artisan bread.
4. Cheese Lovers: Top the bread with mozzarella or shredded Parmigiano for an extra indulgent touch.
5. Crispy Finish: A drizzle of olive oil on top before baking gives a beautifully crisp crust.

Garlic & Cheese Bread

Garlic bread is the ultimate side dish, perfect for pairing with Italian meals, soups, or salads, or enjoying on its own. This quick and easy recipe combines buttery garlic goodness with the crisp texture of a toasted baguette, bringing the taste of Italy straight to your table.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 15 minutes mins

Course Bread

Cuisine Italian

Servings 3

Notes

Ingredients

For the Garlic Bread:

• 1 baguette or ciabatta bread
• ½ cup (1 stick or 100 g) butter, softened
• 4 cloves garlic, finely chopped
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
• Salt, to taste
• Extra virgin olive oil (optional, for crispness)

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Step-by-Step Method

1. Prepare the Garlic Butter:

1. In a small bowl, mix the softened butter with minced garlic, parsley, and a pinch of salt.
2. For a richer flavor, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Mix until smooth and well-combined.

2. Prepare the Bread:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. Slice the baguette or ciabatta into 2 cm (¾ inch) thick slices, stopping short of cutting all the way through, so the loaf remains intact.

3. Add the Garlic Butter:

1. Using a butter knife, generously spread the garlic butter mixture between each slice.
2. Optionally, spread a thin layer on the top surface of the bread and drizzle lightly with olive oil for added flavor and crispness.

4. Bake the Garlic Bread:

1. Wrap the bread in aluminum foil, sealing it tightly, and place it on a baking sheet.
2. Bake in the preheated oven for 15–20 minutes, until the butter is melted and the bread is heated through.
3. For a crunchier texture, open the foil during the last 5 minutes of baking to allow the top to brown slightly.

5. Serve:

1. Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool slightly.
2. Serve warm as an accompaniment to pasta dishes, soups, or salads.

Keyword garlic bread,

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