One whole loaf is split lengthwise so the soft interior faces up. Softened butter mixed with minced garlic, parsley and salt goes on first, then a layer of mozzarella and a dusting of Parmesan.
It bakes for eight to ten minutes to melt the cheese, then gets a minute or two under the broiler to brown it in patches.
How to Make It
Oven and pan ready
Heat oven to 400°F and line a sheet pan.
Garlic butter mixed
Mix the butter, garlic, parsley and salt.
Butter spread
Spread the garlic butter evenly over the cut sides of the bread.
Cheese on
Top with the mozzarella and Parmesan.
Baked, then broiled
Bake 8 to 10 minutes until the cheese melts, then broil 1 to 2 minutes until browned in spots.
Sliced
Slice and serve hot.
Ingredient Notes
- French or Italian loaf
- About 16 ounces, halved lengthwise into two long pieces.
- Low-moisture mozzarella
- A cup and a half, shredded, for the melt.
- Parmesan
- A third of a cup, finely grated, for colour on top.
Three Layers on the Cut Side
Butter, melt, then colour.
Garlic butter
Spread to the very edges of both halves.
Mozzarella
An even layer over the butter.
Parmesan
A fine dusting that browns under the broiler.
Bake, broil briefly, then slice while hot.
Success Tips
- Mince the garlic very finely so it cooks into the butter instead of staying sharp.
- Stay at the oven door during the broil; the cheese goes from golden to burnt quickly.
- Cut with a serrated knife so the melted cheese is not dragged off the top.
Why This Recipe Works
- Softened butter spreads right to the edges so every slice gets garlic.
- Low-moisture mozzarella melts smoothly without making the bread soggy.
- Parmesan on top browns faster than mozzarella, giving the spotted finish.
- Baking first and broiling last melts the cheese through before the top colours.
Serving Ideas
Cut the two halves into thick diagonal slices and serve hot beside pasta, soup or salad.
Storage and Reheating
Refrigerate
Wrap leftover slices and refrigerate; reheat in a hot oven so the crust crisps again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use sliced sandwich bread?
This is made on a split French or Italian loaf, which holds the butter and cheese.
Can the garlic butter be made ahead?
Yes, if it is kept in the refrigerator rather than on the counter.
