A comforting Italian dish known for its irresistible combination of crispy bread, melted cheese, and the fragrant aroma of garlic. Perfect as a side dish or appetizer.
Ingredients
Scale:
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional: 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder for extra flavor
1 loaf Italian bread, sliced in half lengthwise
1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated
Optional: 1 tablespoon olive oil, to brush on the crust for extra crispiness
Red pepper flakes
Extra fresh parsley, chopped
Sliced green onions for garnish
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Allow the oven to fully heat, which usually takes about 10 minutes.
In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, Italian herbs, fresh parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth.
Spread the garlic butter generously over the cut sides of the Italian bread.
Place the buttered bread on a baking sheet, cut side up. Distribute the shredded mozzarella and grated parmesan evenly over both halves.
Bake in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
For an extra crispy finish, switch the oven to broil and toast the bread for an additional 2-3 minutes.
Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Sprinkle with red pepper flakes and extra parsley if desired.
Slice and serve immediately while the cheese is still gooey and delicious.
