Indulge in the sumptuous flavors of Cheesy Garlic Bread, where golden, bubbling cheese meets the rich aroma of garlic confit and herbs. This recipe is perfect as a luxurious side or a treat on its own, promising an unforgettable taste experience with every bite.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 250g salted butter
• 24-30 garlic confit cloves
• 1 tbsp garlic confit olive oil
• 1 large handful parsley, plus extra to serve
• 1 cup pecorino romano, plus extra to serve
• 50g mozzarella
• 1 ciabatta loaf, cut in half lengthways
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1 tsp chili flakes

Directions

1. Place the garlic confit cloves, salted butter, parsley, and pecorino romano into a food processor and blend until well combined. Place the butter into the fridge for 20 minutes to slightly harden.
2. Spread roughly 4 tbsp of butter onto each slice of ciabatta and sprinkle with some extra pecorino romano and mozzarella.
3. Place under the grill for 5–10 minutes or until the cheese is golden and bubbling.
4. Remove from the grill and sprinkle with finely chopped parsley, chili flakes, and a drizzle of honey. Slice and serve immediately.
5. Reserve the leftover butter by rolling it into a log in parchment paper and storing it in the fridge. It can be used for toast, roast chicken, vegetables, fried eggs, or more garlic bread! Store for up to 3 weeks.

Nutrients

(Approximate per serving)

• Calories: ~350 kcal
• Protein: ~10g
• Fat: ~25g
• Carbohydrates: ~25g
• Sodium: ~500mg

Enjoy your deliciously indulgent Cheesy Garlic Bread! 🍞🧄🧀

Why This Cheesy Garlic Bread Stands Out

Many garlic bread recipes exist, but this one takes things to the next level with a rich and flavorful garlic confit butter. Unlike traditional garlic butter made from raw or sautéed garlic, confit garlic is slow-cooked in oil until it’s soft, sweet, and caramelized. This method removes the sharpness of garlic, replacing it with a mellow depth of flavor.

Additionally, the combination of pecorino romano and mozzarella ensures that every bite is packed with umami richness and a satisfying cheese pull. The touch of honey and chili flakes balances the savoriness with a subtle sweetness and a gentle kick of heat, making this recipe an experience in itself.

The Role of Garlic Confit in This Recipe

Garlic confit is the secret weapon that transforms this garlic bread from ordinary to extraordinary. Unlike fresh garlic, which can be pungent and overpowering, garlic confit develops a soft, almost buttery texture with a deep, roasted flavor. When blended with salted butter, it creates a luxurious spread that infuses every bite with garlicky goodness.

Not only does garlic confit add incredible flavor, but it also brings health benefits. Garlic is known for its antibacterial properties, immune-boosting compounds, and heart-healthy benefits. When cooked in olive oil, it also absorbs some of the oil’s healthy fats, making it a flavorful and nutritious addition to the dish.

The Perfect Cheese Blend: Why Pecorino Romano and Mozzarella?

This recipe calls for a combination of pecorino romano and mozzarella, two cheeses that offer unique benefits:

• Pecorino Romano: A hard, aged cheese with a sharp, salty bite, pecorino adds a robust depth of flavor. Its umami-rich profile enhances the garlic and butter, making the overall taste more complex.
• Mozzarella: Known for its incredible meltability, mozzarella provides that signature cheese pull and a creamy, mild contrast to the strong flavors of pecorino and garlic.

Using both cheeses ensures that this garlic bread is both richly flavored and texturally satisfying. The extra sprinkling of pecorino before grilling creates a crisp, golden crust, while the mozzarella stays gooey and melty underneath.

Ciabatta: The Ideal Bread Choice

The choice of bread is just as important as the toppings. For this recipe, ciabatta is used because of its airy yet sturdy texture. Unlike soft sandwich bread, which can become soggy, ciabatta has a crisp crust and an open crumb structure, allowing it to absorb the garlic butter while maintaining its shape.

If you don’t have ciabatta, you can substitute it with baguette, sourdough, or even focaccia, but for the best results, ciabatta provides the perfect crunch-to-softness ratio.

The Secret Ingredients: Honey and Chili Flakes

Two unexpected ingredients in this garlic bread recipe are honey and chili flakes. While they might seem unconventional, they make a huge difference:

• Honey: A light drizzle of honey at the end enhances the cheese’s natural saltiness, creating a delightful contrast. This small touch of sweetness adds complexity to the overall flavor profile.
• Chili Flakes: A hint of chili heat cuts through the richness of the butter and cheese, providing a subtle but noticeable kick that elevates the dish.

These two ingredients may not be traditional, but they help achieve a perfectly balanced bite—savory, garlicky, cheesy, spicy, and slightly sweet.

How to Make Garlic Bread Butter for Future Use

One of the best things about this recipe is that you can make the garlic confit butter ahead of time and store it for future use. Instead of using it all at once, you can roll the extra butter into a log, wrap it in parchment paper, and refrigerate it for up to three weeks.

This butter is not just for garlic bread. You can use it for:

• Spreading on toast for an easy breakfast
• Melting over grilled steaks, roasted chicken, or baked fish
• Tossing with vegetables before roasting
• Frying eggs for a rich and flavorful twist
• Mixing into mashed potatoes for extra indulgence

By making a large batch, you ensure that you always have a delicious, homemade flavored butter ready for quick and easy meals.

Considerations

If you’re looking for a slightly healthier version, you can make a few adjustments:

• Use whole-grain bread instead of white ciabatta for more fiber
• Swap part of the butter with olive oil for healthier fats
• Reduce the cheese quantity to cut down on sodium and fat
• Add extra fresh herbs like basil or thyme for more flavor without extra calories

Serving Suggestions: What to Pair It With

Cheesy Garlic Bread is fantastic on its own, but it pairs especially well with:

• Pasta dishes: Serve it alongside lasagna, spaghetti Bolognese, or fettuccine Alfredo for a classic Italian meal.
• Soups: A side of garlic bread is perfect for dipping into tomato soup, minestrone, or creamy mushroom soup.
• Grilled meats: The rich garlic and cheese flavors complement grilled steak, chicken, or BBQ ribs.
• Salads: Pair it with a fresh, crisp Caesar salad or Caprese salad for a balanced meal.

Conclusion: A Must-Try Recipe for All Cheese and Garlic Lovers

If you love bold flavors, rich textures, and the perfect balance of crispy and gooey, this Cheesy Garlic Bread recipe is a must-try. The combination of garlic confit butter, pecorino romano, mozzarella, honey, and chili flakes creates an unforgettable bite that is both comforting and gourmet.

Whether you’re making it for a dinner party, a cozy night in, or simply craving something indulgent, this garlic bread will never disappoint. Plus, with the option to store the garlic butter for future use, you can enjoy this delicious treat anytime you like.

So, preheat your grill, gather your ingredients, and get ready to experience the ultimate homemade Cheesy Garlic Bread!