Imagine a bread so irresistible that it becomes the star of any meal – welcome to the world of Cheesy Garlic Bread, where every slice is a perfect combination of soft, fluffy dough, melted cheese, and aromatic garlic. This pull-apart marvel transforms an ordinary side dish into a show-stopping delicacy that will have everyone at the table fighting for the next piece.
Ingredients
For the Dough
- 1/2 cup (120ml) lukewarm milk
- 1 tbsp (12g) sugar
- 1 tsp instant dry yeast
- 2 tbsp (30g) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 3/4 cups (220g) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp salt
For the Topping
- 1 tbsp (15g) unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1 egg yolk (optional)
- 1/4 tsp sugar
- 1/8 tsp salt
- 1 garlic clove, crushed
- 1 tbsp green onions, finely chopped
- 4 oz (115g) mozzarella cheese, thinly sliced
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Activate the Yeast In a large mixing bowl, combine lukewarm milk, sugar, and instant dry yeast. Let the mixture sit for a few minutes until it becomes slightly frothy, indicating the yeast is active.
- Prepare the Dough Add melted butter to the yeast mixture. Gradually incorporate flour and salt, stirring until a soft dough begins to form.
- Knead to Perfection Transfer the dough to a clean surface and knead for 15 minutes. The goal is a smooth, elastic dough that springs back when touched. This develops the gluten and ensures a tender bread.
- First Rise Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm, draft-free area for 1 hour. The dough should double in size.
- Prepare the Garlic Butter In a small bowl, mix room temperature butter, egg yolk (if using), sugar, salt, crushed garlic, and finely chopped green onions. This mixture will be the flavor bomb of your bread.
- Shape the Bread Punch down the risen dough and flatten it into an 8-inch round, about 1-inch thick. Using a sharp knife, score the surface with a diamond pattern, creating deep cuts that will later be filled with cheese and garlic butter.
- Add Flavor Spread the garlic butter mixture generously over the dough, ensuring it seeps into the scored lines. This guarantees flavor in every bite.
- Cheese Layer Carefully tuck thin slices of mozzarella cheese into the scored lines, creating pockets of melty goodness.
- Bake to Golden Perfection Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the bread for 15 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the cheese is bubbling and melted.
Recipe Details
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes
- Rise Time: 1 hour
- Cooking Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
- Servings: 4-6
- Difficulty: Moderate
Nutritional Information (Approximate, per serving)
- Calories: 250-300
- Protein: 8-10g
- Carbohydrates: 30-35g
- Fat: 12-15g
- Fiber: 1-2g
Serving Suggestions
- Perfect alongside pasta dishes
- Great as an appetizer
- Wonderful with soups and salads
- Ideal for game day or movie night snacking
Pro Tips
- Ensure milk is lukewarm, not hot, to avoid killing the yeast
- Let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free area
- For extra shine, brush with egg wash before baking
- Can be prepared ahead and reheated gently
Variations
- Add herbs like rosemary or thyme
- Use different cheese varieties
- Sprinkle with parmesan for extra flavor
This Cheesy Garlic Bread is more than just a side dish – it’s a culinary experience that brings comfort, flavor, and joy to any meal. Pull, share, and savor every delicious bite!