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Best Cheesy Garlic Bread Recipe

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3.9 from 10 reviews

This Best Cheesy Garlic Bread recipe combines luscious roasted garlic with a rich butter custard, soaked into soft Hawaiian rolls, then topped with melted mozzarella for the perfect savory treat. Crispy on the outside yet tender inside, it’s an irresistible appetizer or side that’s simple to prepare, sure to delight garlic lovers and cheese enthusiasts alike.

Ingredients

Roasted Garlic

  • 810 garlic cloves
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • Pinch of salt

Garlic Butter Custard

  • ½ cup butter, melted (113g)
  • 1 egg
  • ¼ cup milk (60g)
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp paprika
  • 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

Bread and Topping

  • 12 King’s Hawaiian Original Hawaiian Sheet Rolls, kept in the full sheet form (or replace with a French baguette of similar size)
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • Chopped parsley and chili flakes for serving

Instructions

  1. Roast the Garlic: Preheat the oven to 400°F (205°C). Mix the peeled garlic cloves with olive oil and a pinch of salt. Transfer the mixture to a mini oven-safe pot with a lid or cover tightly with foil. Roast in the oven for about 20 minutes until the garlic is soft and golden brown.
  2. Mash the Garlic: Remove the roasted garlic from the oven and mash it thoroughly with a fork until smooth. Set aside.
  3. Prepare Garlic Butter Custard: In a bowl, combine the mashed roasted garlic, melted butter, egg, milk, salt, paprika, and chopped parsley. Whisk all ingredients thoroughly until well incorporated.
  4. Pre-bake the Bread: Reduce oven temperature to 350°F (175°C). Using a sharp knife, carefully slice the full sheet of Hawaiian rolls into two halves horizontally. Place the halves on a large baking sheet and bake for 8-10 minutes until the bread is lightly golden and crispy on the surface.
  5. Soak the Bread in Custard: Pour the garlic butter custard into a larger pan. Carefully dip each pre-baked bread half into the custard mixture, making sure to coat all sides evenly.
  6. Bake the Soaked Bread: Place the soaked bread halves back onto the baking sheet. Bake at 350°F for 15-18 minutes until the bread is golden and cooked through.
  7. Add Cheese and Broil: Remove the bread from the oven and evenly cover the top with shredded mozzarella cheese. Change the oven setting to broil (grill). Broil the bread for approximately 5 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and turned golden brown.
  8. Garnish and Serve: Remove the cheesy garlic bread from the oven. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and a sprinkle of chili flakes for a subtle heat. Slice the bread into serving portions and enjoy while warm.

Notes

  • For a stronger garlic flavor, you can increase the number of garlic cloves used.
  • If using a French baguette, adjust the soak and bake times slightly as the bread density may differ from Hawaiian rolls.
  • Broiling the cheese requires close attention to prevent burning; watch the bread carefully during this step.
  • This recipe can be prepared ahead by roasting garlic and making the custard in advance; assemble and bake just before serving for a fresh experience.