Ingredients:
1 loaf of French bread or Italian bread (you can use baguette or ciabatta too)
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 cloves garlic, minced (or 1 teaspoon garlic powder)
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
Instructions:
Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Prepare the bread: Slice the loaf of bread in half lengthwise. If you prefer smaller pieces, you can cut the bread into individual slices, but halving the loaf gives a nice, thick base for the cheesy topping.
Make the garlic butter mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic (or garlic powder), salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir until everything is well-mixed.
Add the cheese: Add the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese to the butter mixture. Stir until evenly combined.
Spread the mixture: Spread the cheesy garlic butter evenly over the cut sides of the bread. Make sure to cover the entire surface.
Bake: Place the bread halves on a baking sheet, cut side up. Bake in the preheated oven for about 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden. For extra crispiness, you can broil it for an additional 1-2 minutes at the end, but keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.
Garnish and serve: If desired, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top for a burst of color and freshness. Slice the bread into individual pieces and serve immediately!
Enjoy your cheesy, garlicky bread as a side for pasta, soup, or on its own as a snack!