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Garlic Cheese Bread

Source of Recipe

From "Williams-Sonoma Comfort Food"


Recipe Introduction

"Old-time Italian American restaurants invariably include cheese-laden garlic bread on their menus. And their regular diners invariably order it, enjoying it alongside a big plate of spaghetti and meatballs. This version is dressed up with herbs and Gruyère cheese for a more contemporary take on that much-loved classic."

List of Ingredients

â—¦ 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature
â—¦ 3 cloves garlic, minced
â—¦ 3 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese
â—¦ 1 tablespoon minced fresh basil
â—¦ 1 tablespoon minced fresh chives
â—¦ ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
â—¦ 1 loaf Italian bread, split
â—¦ ¼ cup shredded Gruyère cheese
â—¦ 1 ½ tablespoons minced fresh flat-leaf parsley


Recipe

Preheat the oven to 450° F.

Using a rubber spatula, in a small bowl, mash together the butter, garlic, Parmesan, basil, chives, and salt until well blended. Spread the mixture onto the cut sides of the bread, dividing it evenly, then sprinkle with the Gruyère. Place the bread halves, cut sides up, on a rimmed baking sheet.

Bake until the edges of the bread are toasted and the cheese is melted and lightly golden brown, about 10 minutes. Sprinkle evenly with the parsley, cut crosswise into slices, and serve hot.


Makes 6 to 8 servings



• Change It Up:
Roasted garlic has a sweet, mellow flavor and makes superb garlic bread. Slice a head of garlic in half crosswise, drizzle the halves with olive oil, wrap them in aluminum foil, and place in small, shallow pan. Bake in a preheated 400° F oven until the cloves are soft and creamy, about 35 minutes. Squeeze the cloves from their papery sheaths into the butter mixture in place of the raw garlic.