Description
Cheesy garlic bread delivers pure comfort with melted mozzarella and crispy golden edges. Parmesan-dusted Italian herbs make this classic side dish irresistible when you want something warm and satisfying from the oven.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 3 ½ cups bread flour (450 g)
- 1 ¼ cups water (300 ml)
- 1 lb whole milk low-moisture mozzarella, grated
Dough Ingredients:
- 2 ½ teaspoons active dry yeast (7 g)
- 2 ¼ teaspoons granulated sugar (10 g)
- 1 tablespoon fine sea salt (20 g)
- ⅓ cup olive oil (72 g)
Cheese and Seasoning Ingredients:
- ⅓ cup sharp white cheddar, grated
- ⅓ cup parmesan, grated
- ¼ cup extra light olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
Marinara Sauce Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons neutral oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 28 ounces whole peeled tomatoes, San Marzano preferred
- 2 tablespoons fresh oregano, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil, minced
- 1 tablespoon parmesan, grated
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
Additional Seasonings:
- Pinch of kosher salt (for olive oil sauce)
- Pinch of kosher salt (for marinara sauce)
Instructions
- Activate the yeast by mixing it with warm water and sugar, allowing it to become foamy and develop its characteristic fragrance.
- Create the bread foundation by combining flour and salt in a stand mixer, then incorporate the activated yeast, blending until a cohesive mixture forms.
- Allow the dough to rest, enabling gluten development, then knead until achieving a smooth, elastic texture.
- Perform gentle folding techniques on a floured surface to enhance the dough’s structure and elasticity.
- Proof the dough at ambient temperature, covering to maintain moisture and promote rising.
- Implement strategic folding techniques to develop additional strength and texture in the dough.
- Refrigerate the dough overnight to intensify flavor development and improve handling.
- Prepare a fragrant olive oil infusion by combining oil with Italian herbs and a touch of salt.
- Craft a rich marinara sauce by gently sautéing garlic, then incorporating tomatoes and aromatic herbs.
- Slowly simmer the sauce, allowing flavors to meld and concentrate, incorporating parmesan and butter for depth.
- Remove the dough from refrigeration, allowing it to reach room temperature for optimal manipulation.
- Stretch the dough into prepared baking vessels, ensuring even distribution and gentle handling.
- Generously brush the dough surface with the herbed olive oil mixture.
- Sprinkle a luxurious layer of cheese across the prepared bread surface.
- Bake at high temperature to achieve a golden, crispy exterior with a soft, chewy interior.
- Allow the bread to cool slightly, ensuring structural integrity before serving.
- Accompany the cheesy garlic bread with the carefully crafted marinara sauce for a complete culinary experience.
Notes
- Yeast Activation Matters: Ensure water temperature is precisely between 90-100°F for optimal yeast bloom, which guarantees a perfect bread rise.
- Dough Resting Technique: Multiple rest periods and stretch-and-fold methods develop complex gluten structure, creating a more tender and flavorful bread.
- Overnight Refrigeration Trick: Slow fermentation in the refrigerator enhances bread’s depth of flavor and improves overall texture.
- Cheese and Herb Layering: Strategic placement of olive oil sauce and cheese mixture creates a golden, crispy, and intensely flavorful crust.
- High-Temperature Baking Secret: Preheating oven to 475°F ensures a crisp exterior and soft, airy interior for maximum deliciousness.
- Marinara Pairing Suggestion: Slow-simmered sauce with fresh herbs and parmesan provides a rich, complementary dipping experience for the cheesy bread.
- Prep Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 48 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 14 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg