Table of Contents

America’s Test Kitchen Cheesy Garlic Bread: An Ode to Comfort

Some of my earliest and fondest kitchen memories involve garlic. Not just any garlic, but the fragrant, almost caramelized aroma that would waft through our house when my mother made her famous garlic bread. It wasn’t fancy, but it was pure, unadulterated comfort. A simple baguette transformed into something truly special, slathered with garlicky butter and baked until golden. I remember fighting with my siblings over the crusty ends, the cheesy topping bubbling and irresistible. This America’s Test Kitchen recipe brings back all those warm feelings, with its own take on achieving perfect garlicky, cheesy goodness.

Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 27 minutes
Total Time: 42 minutes
Servings: 6-8
Yield: 1 baguette
Dietary Type: Vegetarian

Ingredients

5 garlic cloves, grated
8 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened (1 stick)
1/2 teaspoon water
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 baguette, sliced in half horizontally (18- to 20-inch)
1 1/2 cups cheese (shredded Italian blend)

Equipment Needed

Small cheese grater or zester
Small saucepan
Mixing bowl
Aluminum foil
Baking sheet
Cutting board

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius). Position the oven rack to the second-from-bottom space. This ensures the bottom of the bread gets nicely toasted without burning the top.
In a small saucepan over low heat, combine the grated garlic, 1 tablespoon of the butter, and the water. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 7 to 10 minutes. This gentle cooking process mellows the garlic’s harshness and creates a fragrant, almost sweet garlic paste. Be careful not to burn the garlic; low and slow is the key here. The water helps to prevent the garlic from scorching.
In a mixing bowl, combine the hot garlic paste with the remaining 7 tablespoons of softened butter, salt, and pepper. Mix until everything is evenly incorporated. The heat from the garlic paste will help to melt the butter and create a smooth, spreadable mixture.
Spread the garlic butter mixture generously over both cut halves of the baguette. Ensure you get right to the edges for maximum flavor in every bite.
Carefully put the two halves of the baguette back together, as if reassembling the whole loaf. Wrap the entire loaf tightly in aluminum foil. This will steam the bread, softening it and allowing the garlic butter to permeate throughout.
Place the wrapped baguette on a baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes.
Remove the baking sheet from the oven and unwrap the baguette. Separate the two halves and place them, buttered sides up, on the baking sheet.
Return the baking sheet to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the bread begins to color and become slightly crispy. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.
Remove the baking sheet from the oven and turn on your broiler. Sprinkle the shredded Italian cheese blend evenly over both halves of the baguette.
Place the baking sheet under the broiler and broil for 1 to 2 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and is bubbly and lightly browned. Watch carefully, as the broiler can quickly burn the cheese.
Remove the cheesy garlic bread from the broiler and transfer it to a cutting board, cheesy side down. This prevents the cheese from sticking to the board and makes it easier to cut.
Cut the baguette into slices and serve immediately. Enjoy the symphony of flavors and textures!

Expert Tips & Tricks

Garlic Grating: Don’t underestimate the importance of grating the garlic. Using a microplane or fine grater releases more of the garlic’s oils and allows it to meld seamlessly into the butter. Minced garlic will have a different, chunkier texture.
Butter Softening: Make sure your butter is properly softened. This ensures it creams together easily with the garlic paste and spices. If you forget to take it out of the fridge ahead of time, you can microwave it in short bursts, but be careful not to melt it.
Foil Wrapping: The foil wrapping is crucial for achieving a soft, flavorful interior. It traps moisture and allows the garlic butter to infuse the bread completely. Don’t skip this step!
Cheese Choice: While the recipe calls for an Italian blend, you can experiment with different cheeses. Provolone, mozzarella, or even a sharp cheddar would all work well. Just be sure to shred the cheese finely for even melting.
Broiler Caution: The broiler is a powerful tool, so keep a close watch on the bread while it’s under there. It can go from perfectly melted cheese to burnt in a matter of seconds.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

This cheesy garlic bread is best served warm and fresh from the oven. It’s a perfect accompaniment to pasta dishes, soups, salads, or even as a standalone appetizer.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 24 hours or in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, wrap the bread in foil and warm it in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat individual slices in a toaster oven. Freezing is not recommended as the texture will suffer.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	726.5 kcal	N/A
Calories from Fat	N/A	N/A
Total Fat	25.4 g	39%
Saturated Fat	14.9 g	74%
Cholesterol	58.8 mg	19%
Sodium	1247.8 mg	51%
Total Carbohydrate	99.6 g	33%
Dietary Fiber	4.2 g	16%
Sugars	4.4 g	17%
Protein	25.9 g	51%

Variations & Substitutions

Spicy Garlic Bread: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter mixture for a touch of heat.
Herbaceous Garlic Bread: Mix in some chopped fresh herbs, such as parsley, oregano, or basil, for added flavor and freshness.
Vegan Garlic Bread: Use a vegan butter substitute and a vegan shredded cheese alternative. Nutritional yeast can also add a cheesy flavor.
Gluten-Free Garlic Bread: Use a gluten-free baguette.
Parmesan Garlic Bread: Substitute half of the Italian cheese blend with grated Parmesan cheese for a more intense, nutty flavor.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Why do I need to grate the garlic instead of mincing it?
A: Grating the garlic releases more of its oils and creates a smoother paste that blends seamlessly with the butter, resulting in a more even and flavorful garlic experience.

Q: Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
A: Yes, but reduce the amount of added salt in the recipe to 1/8 teaspoon to compensate for the salt in the butter.

Q: What if my bread is already quite soft? Do I still need to wrap it in foil?
A: Yes, wrapping in foil is still recommended as it helps the garlic butter penetrate the bread evenly. Reduce the initial baking time in foil by a few minutes if your bread is very soft.

Q: Can I prepare the garlic butter ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! The garlic butter can be made up to 2 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Allow it to soften slightly before spreading on the bread.

Q: My cheese is browning too quickly under the broiler. What should I do?
A: Move the baking sheet further away from the broiler or reduce the broiling time. You can also tent the bread loosely with foil to prevent excessive browning.

Final Thoughts

This Cheesy Garlic Bread recipe from America’s Test Kitchen is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It’s simple to make, incredibly flavorful, and brings a touch of warmth and comfort to any meal. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different cheeses and herbs to create your own signature version. I encourage you to try it, share it with your loved ones, and let the aroma of garlicky goodness fill your kitchen and your hearts. And if you are feeling fancy, try pairing it with a glass of your favorite Cabernet Sauvignon for an unforgettable experience!

America’s Test Kitchen Cheesy Garlic Bread Recipe