Ultimate Cheesy Garlic Bread

Ultimate Cheesy Garlic Bread

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this homemade Cheesy Garlic Bread, crafted with a beautifully soft bread dough and a trio of flavorful cheeses. Serve it with a fresh, easy marinara sauce that complements the gooey, garlicky goodness perfectly. Perfect for gatherings, this recipe will turn your kitchen into the heart of any party!

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Ingredients

For the Cheesy Bread Dough:

• 1 ¼ cups water (90 to 100°F) – 300 ml
• 2 ¼ tsp granulated sugar – 10 g
• 2 ½ tsp active dry yeast – 7 g
• 3 ½ cups bread flour – 450 g (can substitute with all-purpose flour)
• 1 tbsp fine sea salt – 20 g
• ⅓ cup olive oil – 72 g (plus more for greasing the pan)

For the Cheese Mixture:

• 1 lb whole milk low-moisture mozzarella, grated
• ⅓ cup sharp white cheddar, grated
• ⅓ cup parmesan, grated

For the Olive Oil Sauce:

• ¼ cup extra light olive oil
• 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
• Pinch of kosher salt

For the Easy Marinara Sauce:

• 2 tbsp neutral oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 28 oz can whole peeled tomatoes, San Marzano preferred
• 2 tbsp fresh oregano, minced
• 2 tbsp fresh basil, minced
• 1 tbsp parmesan, grated
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• Pinch of kosher salt

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Instructions

Cheesy Bread Dough:

1. In a small saucepan, heat water to 90-100°F. Remove from heat, stir in sugar and yeast. Let it bloom for 5 minutes until frothy.
2. In a stand mixer, combine flour and salt. Add yeast mixture and oil, mix on low for 2-3 minutes until combined. Rest dough for 10 minutes.
3. Knead on medium for 5-7 minutes until smooth. Perform slap and folds on a floured surface, then shape into a ball.
4. Proof at room temperature, covered, for 1 hour. Punch down, perform stretch and folds, rest for 30 minutes, repeat.
5. Divide dough, refrigerate overnight, remove 4 hours before baking.

Olive Oil Sauce:

1. Combine oil, Italian seasoning, and salt in a bowl. Reserve.

Easy Marinara Sauce:

1. Heat oil in a sauce pot over medium heat. Sauté garlic for 30 seconds.
2. Add tomatoes and herbs, combine with parmesan and butter, simmer uncovered for 45-60 minutes until thickened.

Assembly and Baking:

1. Stretch dough in greased casserole dishes, let rise.
2. Top with olive oil sauce and cheese mixture.
3. Bake at 475°F for 20 minutes.
4. Cool slightly, serve with marinara sauce.

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Prep Time: 4 hours 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 4 hours 40 minutes

Enjoy this delectable Cheesy Garlic Bread as a standout appetizer or as a side to your favorite pasta dishes. With its rich flavors and irresistible aroma, it’s guaranteed to impress!

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