Ultimate Cheesy Garlic Bread: The Perfect Comfort Food
Welcome back to my kitchen! Today, we’re tackling a beloved classic with a gourmet twist—Ultimate Cheesy Garlic Bread. This isn’t just any garlic bread; it’s a labor of love, combining homemade dough, a trio of cheeses, and a delightful marinara sauce for dipping. Let’s dive into the cheesy goodness!
Ingredients
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 (all-purpose flour is also suitable)
- 1 tbsp fine sea salt – 20 g
- ⅓ cup olive oil – 72 g (plus more for greasing the pan)
Cheese Mixture:
- 1 lb whole milk low-moisture mozzarella, grated
- ⅓ cup sharp white cheddar, grated
- ⅓ cup parmesan, grated
Olive Oil Sauce:
- ¼ cup extra light olive oil
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
- Pinch of kosher salt
Easy Marinara Sauce:
- 2 tbsp neutral oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 28 oz can whole peeled tomatoes, preferably San Marzano
- 2 tbsp fresh oregano, minced
- 2 tbsp fresh basil, minced
- 1 tbsp parmesan, grated
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- Pinch of kosher salt
Instructions
Cheesy Bread Dough:
- In a small saucepan, heat water to 90-100°F. Remove from heat, stir in sugar and yeast. Let sit for 5 minutes until frothy.
- 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.
- Knead on medium for 5-7 minutes until smooth. Perform slap and folds on a floured surface, then shape into a ball. Proof at room temperature, covered, for 1 hour.
- Punch down, perform stretch and folds, rest for 30 minutes, repeat. Divide dough, refrigerate overnight, remove 4 hours before baking.
Olive Oil Sauce:
- Combine oil, Italian seasoning, and salt in a bowl. Reserve.
Easy Marinara Sauce:
- Heat oil in a saucepot over medium heat. Sauté garlic for 30 seconds, then add tomatoes and herbs.
- Stir in parmesan and butter, simmer uncovered for 45-60 minutes until thickened.
Assembly and Baking:
- Stretch dough in greased casserole dishes, let rise. Top with olive oil sauce and cheese mixture.
- Bake at 475°F for 20 minutes. Cool slightly, serve with warm marinara sauce.
Time Estimates
- Prep Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 40 minutes
This Ultimate Cheesy Garlic Bread is sure to be a hit at any gathering, combining the comforting textures and flavors of perfectly baked bread, melted cheese, and aromatic herbs. Serve it fresh from the oven and watch it disappear! Whether it’s a side dish to your pasta dinner or the star of your party, this garlic bread won’t disappoint. Enjoy the baking, and even more, enjoy the eating!
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Ultimate Cheesy Garlic Bread
- Total Time: 4 hours 40 minutes
Description
Ultimate Cheesy Garlic Bread combines rich flavors and irresistible textures, making it a perfect dish for any meal. With its golden crust, soft, fluffy interior, and decadent cheese blend, this bread is sure to delight anyone who tries it. It’s a wonderful side dish that complements a variety of main courses, from pastas to soups, or can be enjoyed all on its own.
Every slice of this gourmet bread oozes with the perfect blend of mozzarella, cheddar, and parmesan, layered with a hint of aromatic Italian seasoning that enhances its savory appeal. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just want a special treat for your family, this cheesy garlic bread promises to be the highlight of any dining experience.
Ingredients
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)
Cheese Mixture:
1 lb whole milk low-moisture mozzarella, grated
⅓ cup sharp white cheddar, grated
⅓ cup parmesan, grated
Olive Oil Sauce:
¼ cup extra light olive oil
1 tbsp Italian seasoning
Pinch of kosher salt
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
Instructions
Cheesy Bread Dough: In a small saucepan, heat water to 90-100°F. Remove from heat, stir in sugar and yeast. Let bloom for 5 minutes until frothy. 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, then knead on medium for 5-7 minutes until smooth. Perform slap and folds on a floured surface, then shape into a ball. Proof at room temperature, covered, for 1 hour. Punch down, perform stretch and folds, rest for 30 minutes, repeat. Divide dough, refrigerate overnight, remove 4 hours before baking.
Olive Oil Sauce: Combine oil, Italian seasoning, and salt in a bowl. Reserve.
Easy Marinara Sauce: Heat oil in a sauce pot over medium heat. Sauté garlic for 30 seconds, add tomatoes and herbs. Combine with parmesan and butter, simmer uncovered for 45-60 minutes until thickened.
Assembly and Baking: Stretch dough in greased casserole dishes, let rise. Top with olive oil sauce and cheese mixture. Bake at 475°F for 20 minutes. Cool slightly, serve with marinara sauce.
- Prep Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes