Cheesy Garlic Bread

They serve this garlic bread at a restaurant near where I grew up called Cucina Calandra. Their cheesy garlic bread arrives to the table moments after you do, which is the most delicious start to every meal. Here’s my version of that recipe that’s become a family favorite.

Ingredients

• 1 large round loaf bread
• 1 stick butter
• 4 garlic cloves, finely chopped or grated
• 1/2 pound mozzarella slices
• 1/2 pound provolone slices
• 1/2 cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano
• 2 tablespoons parsley, chopped

Directions

Preheat oven to 375°F.

Using a bread knife, slice 1-inch thick slices across the bread, without slicing all the way through. Leave about 1/2 inch still intact.

Heat the butter in a small skillet over medium-high heat. Add garlic, lower the heat to simmer and cook for another 2-3 minutes. Using a pastry brush, brush inside each cut with garlic butter. Stuff every other slit with cheese, alternating between mozzarella and provolone. Sprinkle Parm over the top  and wrap the whole loaf in foil.

Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted. Garnish with parsley and serve whole at the table so everyone at the table can rip their own piece of cheesy garlic bread off the loaf themselves.