Enjoy this delicious Cheesy Confit Garlic Bread! This garlic bread, which is made with slow-cooked garlic confit and topped with melted cheese, is an impressive appetizer or side dish.
📋 Ingredients:
For the Garlic Confit:
- 🧄 2 heads of garlic, cloves separated and peeled
- 🌿 1 cup olive oil
- 🌿 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 🌿 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 🧂 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 🌿 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Garlic Bread:
- 🍞 1 loaf of French bread or baguette
- 🧈 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 🧀 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 🧀 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 🌿 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
📝 Directions:
1️⃣ Make the Garlic Confit:
- Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C).
- In a small baking dish or oven-safe saucepan, combine the peeled garlic cloves, olive oil, dried thyme, dried rosemary, salt, and black pepper.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 1.5 to 2 hours, until the garlic is tender and golden. Let cool slightly.
2️⃣ Prepare the Bread:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Slice the loaf of French bread or baguette in half lengthwise.
- In a bowl, mash the softened butter with a fork and mix in some of the garlic confit cloves (to taste) and a few tablespoons of the garlic-infused oil. Spread the garlic butter mixture evenly over the cut sides of the bread.
3️⃣ Top with Cheese:
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheeses evenly over the buttered bread.
4️⃣ Bake the Garlic Bread:
- Place the bread halves on a baking sheet, cut side up.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the edges of the bread are golden brown.
5️⃣ Serve:
- Remove from the oven and sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley if desired.
- Slice into pieces and serve warm.
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 350 kcal per serving
💡 Notes:
- The garlic confit can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
- For a variation, try adding some red pepper flakes to the garlic butter mixture for a bit of heat.
- This cheesy garlic bread pairs wonderfully with pasta dishes, soups, or as a standalone appetizer.