Description
Homemade ultimate cheesy garlic bread delivers a mouthwatering Italian-inspired side dish perfect for gatherings. Crisp edges, melted cheese, and rich garlic flavor make this simple recipe a crowd-pleasing companion you’ll crave alongside pasta or salads.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb mozzarella, whole milk low-moisture, grated
- 3 ½ cups (450 g) bread flour
- 1 ¼ cups (300 ml) water
- 2 ½ tsp (7 g) active dry yeast
- ⅓ cup (72 g) olive oil
- 2 ¼ tsp (10 g) granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp (20 g) fine sea salt
- ⅓ cup sharp white cheddar, grated
- ⅓ cup parmesan, grated
- ¼ cup extra light olive oil
- 1 tbsp italian seasoning
- 28 oz whole peeled tomatoes, san marzano preferred
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsps neutral oil
- 2 tbsps fresh oregano, minced
- 2 tbsps fresh basil, minced
- 1 tbsp parmesan, grated
- 2 tbsps unsalted butter
- 1 pinch kosher salt (for olive oil sauce)
- 1 pinch kosher salt (for marinara sauce)
Instructions
- Yeast Activation: Combine yeast with warm water and sugar, allowing it to become foamy and aromatic, signaling its readiness.
- Dough Formation: In a stand mixer, blend flour and salt, then incorporate the activated yeast, mixing until a cohesive, smooth dough develops.
- Dough Development: Perform gentle folding techniques on a floured surface, allowing gluten to develop and enhance the dough’s structure and elasticity.
- Proofing Process: Let the dough rest at room temperature, covered to maintain moisture, then implement strategic folding to build strength and texture.
- Flavor Enhancement: Refrigerate the dough overnight, intensifying its flavor profile and improving handling characteristics.
- Herbed Oil Preparation: Create a fragrant olive oil infusion by combining oil with Italian herbs and a touch of salt.
- Marinara Creation: Gently sauté garlic, then blend with tomatoes and aromatic herbs, simmering slowly to concentrate flavors and incorporate parmesan and butter.
- Dough Preparation: Remove dough from refrigeration, allowing it to reach room temperature for optimal manipulation and stretching into baking vessels.
- Bread Assembly: Generously brush the dough surface with herbed olive oil mixture and liberally sprinkle with a luxurious layer of cheese.
- Baking Finale: Bake at high temperature to achieve a golden, crispy exterior with a soft, chewy interior, then allow slight cooling to ensure structural integrity.
- Serving Suggestion: Present the cheesy garlic bread alongside the carefully crafted marinara sauce for a complete and indulgent culinary experience.
Notes
- Activate Yeast Perfectly: Ensure water temperature is between 100-110°F to wake up yeast without killing it, creating a foamy, fragrant base for exceptional bread.
- Develop Gluten Strategically: Knead dough thoroughly to build strong protein networks, resulting in a chewy, elastic texture that defines artisan-style bread.
- Master Cold Fermentation: Refrigerate dough overnight to unlock deeper flavor complexity and improve dough handling, transforming ordinary bread into extraordinary.
- Achieve Crispy-Soft Balance: Bake at high temperature (425-450°F) to create a golden, crisp exterior while maintaining a tender, pillowy interior.
- Prep Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 9
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 430 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg