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This cheesy roasted garlic bread is the perfect cozy side that brings people together. The gooey melted cheeses sit atop soft Pan Sobao, enhanced by sweet and mellow roasted garlic that gently infuses every bite. I have fond memories of sharing this during festive family dinners where everyone reached in for seconds, and it always felt like the heart of the table.
I first served this for a casual soirée, and friends kept asking for the recipe well into the evening, it is that reliable crowd pleaser.
Ingredients
- Garlic heads: Two whole heads of garlic, roasting transforms their sharpness into a sweet, creamy paste
- Olive oil: Two teaspoons of olive oil, choose a fruity French olive oil for the best aroma
- Salt: A pinch of salt to enhance the garlic’s natural sweetness
- Bread: One loaf of Pan Sobao, if you cannot find this Puerto Rican bread, a fresh baguette from your local boulangerie will work well and provide a delightful crust
- Salted butter: Four tablespoons of salted butter, softened, dairy rich butter adds smoothness and flavor
- Roasted garlic paste: One tablespoon of the prepared roasted garlic paste, the star ingredient that delivers deep, mellow garlic throughout
- Fresh parsley: Two tablespoons of fresh parsley, finely chopped, fresh herbs lift and lighten the richness
- Salt and pepper: Half a teaspoon of salt and a quarter teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper to balance the flavors thoughtfully
- Mozzarella: One and a half cups shredded mozzarella cheese, meltable and mild, perfect for gooey texture
- Monterey Jack: Half a cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese, creamy with a slight tang for complexity
- Parmesan: Quarter cup grated Parmesan cheese, adds a nutty, golden finish that crisps beautifully on top
Instructions
- Prepare Roasted Garlic:
- Preheat your oven to two hundred degrees Celsius. Cut the tops off the garlic heads to reveal the cloves. Drizzle them evenly with olive oil and sprinkle a tiny pinch of salt. Wrap each head tightly in aluminum foil and place them in the oven to roast for forty to forty five minutes until the cloves are soft, caramelized and fragrant. Let them cool before squeezing the softened garlic out into a bowl and mashing until smooth.
- Mix Garlic Butter Spread:
- In a small bowl combine softened salted butter with one tablespoon of the roasted garlic paste. Add the finely chopped fresh parsley, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Whip the mixture thoroughly with a spoon or small whisk until even and smooth to make the garlic butter spread.
- Prepare the Bread:
- With a serrated knife slice the loaf of Pan Sobao horizontally so you have two large flat pieces. Using a butter knife or spatula spread the garlic butter mixture evenly over the cut sides of the bread covering every inch for maximum flavor infusion.
- Add the Cheese Trio:
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the buttered bread halves, then add the Monterey Jack. Finish by dusting with grated Parmesan which will crisp and brown wonderfully in the oven.
- Bake to Golden Perfection:
- Place both halves cheese side up on a baking tray and bake in the preheated oven at two hundred degrees Celsius for twelve to fifteen minutes until the cheese is bubbling and edges are golden. For an extra finish turn on the oven broiler and place the bread under it for about one minute until the top is nicely blistered with slight charred spots, watching closely to avoid burning.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Remove the bread from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes. Sprinkle with extra fresh parsley if you wish. Cut into thick strips or squares and serve warm as a superb appetizer or accompaniment to any meal.
Roasted garlic is my favorite part. Its sweet, mellow taste is a stunning contrast to raw garlic’s pungent bite. Growing up, my family had a ritual of making garlic bread for holiday movie nights. This roasted garlic version always felt like a special upgrade, and I remember my cousins scrapping for the last piece every time.
Storage Tips
Store leftovers wrapped tightly in foil or plastic wrap in the refrigerator. Reheat in a warm oven or toaster oven to revive the crisp edges and gooey cheese. Avoid microwaving as it can make the bread soggy. For longer storage assemble the garlic butter spread bread with cheese, wrap tightly in foil, and freeze. Bake straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the bake time.
Ingredient Substitutions
If Pan Sobao is unavailable in France, a fresh baguette or pain de mie works well. For cheeses swapping Monterey Jack with young Gouda or Emmental adds pleasant creaminess and melt. Fresh basil can replace parsley to introduce a slightly sweeter herbal note. Use high quality European butter with rich creamy flavor for the garlic butter spread.
Serving Suggestions
This bread pairs beautifully with a light green salad dressed simply with lemon and olive oil. It also complements hearty stews or rustic tomato soups. For a casual touch serve it alongside a glass of robust red wine or a crisp rosé. It shines as part of a cheese board spread or with tapas style appetizers.
This cheesy roasted garlic bread is easy to scale for a crowd and makes a memorable addition to any meal, warm from the oven and best enjoyed right away.
Common Recipe Questions
- → Quel type de pain utiliser si Pan Sobao est indisponible ?
Une baguette française offre une texture plus croustillante tout en conservant l’absorption des saveurs lors de la cuisson.
- → Comment obtenir un ail parfaitement rôti ?
Enveloppé dans du papier aluminium et rôti à 200°C pendant 40-45 minutes, l’ail devient caramélisé et facile à écraser en purée.
- → Quels fromages conviennent à cette préparation ?
Un mélange de mozzarella, Monterey Jack et parmesan apporte une texture fondante et une riche saveur fromagère.
- → Peut-on remplacer le persil par une autre herbe ?
Le basilic frais est une excellente alternative pour une touche légèrement sucrée et poivrée.
- → Comment obtenir un gratinage parfait du fromage ?
Terminer la cuisson sous le gril quelques minutes permet de créer une belle croûte dorée et légèrement grillée.