Cheesy Roasted Garlic Bread
1 h
|
easy
Recipe by Eunice
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Total Time |
|---|---|---|
| 15 min | 45 min | 1 h |
Introduction
This cheesy roasted garlic bread is buttery, garlicky, and loaded with melty cheese in every single bite.
Pan sobao is a soft, slightly sweet Puerto Rican bread, so it bakes up with a tender inside and crisp, golden edges.
It’s perfect as an easy appetizer for parties, a cozy side for pasta night, or a game-day snack everyone will attack.
Ingredients (8 servings)
Ingredients Roasted Garlic Paste
Ingredients Garlic Bread
Ingredient Notes *
- Pan sobao: Pan sobao is a traditional Puerto Rican white bread, slightly sweet and soft, made with lard or shortening.
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How to Make Cheesy Roasted Garlic Bread
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Prep the garlic heads
Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a small baking dish with foil.
Slice about 1/4 inch off the top of each garlic head to expose the cloves.
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Roast the garlic
Place the garlic heads cut side up on the foil and drizzle evenly with the olive oil.
Sprinkle with a pinch of salt, then cover tightly with foil to trap the steam.
Roast for 35 to 40 minutes, until the cloves are very soft and lightly golden.
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Make the roasted garlic paste
Let the garlic cool until comfortable to handle, then squeeze the cloves into a small bowl.
Mash the cloves with a fork into a smooth paste and measure out 1 tablespoon for the bread.
Store any extra paste in the fridge for later use in sauces, mashed potatoes, or dressings.
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Prepare the bread base
Reduce the oven temperature to 375°F and line a large sheet pan with parchment for easy cleanup.
Slice the Pan Sobao loaf in half lengthwise to create two long pieces with cut sides facing up.
Place the halves cut side up on the prepared pan, fitting them snugly if needed.
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Mix the garlic butter topping
In a small bowl, stir together the softened butter, 1 tablespoon roasted garlic paste, parsley, salt, and pepper.
Mix until the butter looks creamy and the garlic and herbs are evenly distributed.
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Spread and add cheese
Spread the garlic butter mixture evenly over the cut sides of the bread, pressing it gently into the surface.
In a bowl, toss together the mozzarella, Monterey Jack, and Parmesan until lightly combined.
Sprinkle the cheese mixture evenly over both bread halves, covering them from edge to edge.
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Bake the garlic bread
Bake for 8 to 12 minutes, until the cheese is fully melted and the edges look lightly toasted.
For extra browning, switch to broil for 1 to 2 minutes, watching closely so the cheese does not burn.
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Garnish and serve
Let the bread cool for a few minutes so the cheese sets slightly and slices hold together better.
Sprinkle with a little extra chopped parsley if you like, then slice into pieces and serve warm.
Substitutions
- Pan Sobao -> French bread or Italian bread
- Use a soft French bread or Italian bread loaf if you cannot find Pan Sobao. The texture stays fluffy inside with crisp edges, and the mild flavor still lets the roasted garlic shine.
- Salted butter -> unsalted butter plus extra salt
- If you only have unsalted butter, use it and add another small pinch of salt to the mixture. This keeps the flavor balanced and prevents the garlic bread from tasting flat or bland.
- Mozzarella and Monterey Jack -> low-moisture provolone or pepper Jack
- Swap in shredded low-moisture provolone or pepper Jack for a slightly sharper, more complex cheesy topping. Both melt beautifully and still give that stretchy, pull-apart cheese moment.
Tips
- Choose the right bread texture
- Pan Sobao is slightly sweet and very soft, which gives you a tender center with perfect crisp edges. Avoid very dense artisan loaves, which can feel heavy and chewy instead of light and pillowy.
- Soften butter the easy way
- If your butter is cold, cut it into cubes and let it sit at room temperature for 10 minutes. Soft butter blends smoothly with the garlic paste and prevents tearing the delicate bread.
- Use fresh parsley for flavor and color
- Fresh parsley adds a clean, herbal note and bright green color that dried parsley cannot match. Chop it very finely so it distributes evenly and avoids bitter, leafy bites.
- Control the browning carefully
- Ovens vary, so start checking the bread at the 8 minute mark to avoid overbrowning. If the cheese browns too fast, move the pan to a lower rack to finish baking.
- Serve at the right temperature
- Garlic bread tastes best warm, not piping hot, so the flavors open up and the cheese texture feels stretchy. Slice just before serving to keep the edges crisp and the crumb from drying out.
Nutrition Facts *
| Energy | 293 | kcal |
|---|---|---|
| Protein | 12 | g |
| Total Fat | 14 | g |
| Carbohydrates | 31 | g |
| Dietary Fiber | 1 | g |
* Approximate, per serving.
Data source: USDA FoodData Central.
FAQ
- Can I roast the garlic ahead of time?
- Yes, you can roast the garlic up to 3 days in advance and keep the paste refrigerated. Press plastic wrap directly onto the surface to prevent it from drying or picking up fridge odors.
- What if my bread is getting too dark before the cheese melts?
- Tent the bread loosely with foil to shield the top while the cheese finishes melting. You can also lower the oven rack so the heating element is farther from the cheese.
- Can I make this recipe without cheese for dairy free guests?
- You can skip the cheese and simply bake the garlic butter coated bread until toasted and fragrant. For dairy free, use a plant-based butter that browns nicely, then garnish with extra herbs for flavor.
- How do I reheat leftover cheesy garlic bread?
- Reheat slices on a sheet pan at 350°F for 8 to 10 minutes, until warmed and the cheese softens again. Avoid the microwave, which makes the bread tough and the cheese rubbery as it cools.
Serving Suggestions
This cheesy roasted garlic bread pairs beautifully with simple pastas, tomato soups, or a crisp salad for cozy weeknight dinners.
Add crushed red pepper flakes to the garlic butter for gentle heat, or mix in chopped olives for a savory twist.
For a fun appetizer, slice the bread into bite-size squares and serve with marinara for dipping.
Reviews
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Peggy, Lexington, KY: Made this last night and it turned out amazing, the roasted garlic flavor and melty cheese combo was perfect!
: Happy it was a hit, Peggy, that roasted garlic and melty cheese combo is hard to beat! 🧄🧀
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