Homemade Cheesy Garlic Bread Recipe

Introduction

This homemade cheesy garlic bread takes a delicious twist by topping thick slices of bread with a savory sloppy joe mixture, melted mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese. It’s a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for a quick lunch or a tasty snack.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef or turkey
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup ketchup
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 4 slices thick-cut bread (like sourdough or ciabatta)
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons butter, softened
• Optional: Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef or turkey and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Drain any excess fat.
2. Step 2: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and sauté until the onion is translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Step 3: Stir in the ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook on low heat for about 5-7 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly. Remove from heat and set aside.
4. Step 4: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
5. Step 5: Take the slices of bread and spread a thin layer of softened butter on one side of each slice.
6. Step 6: Place the bread, buttered side down, on a baking sheet. Spoon a generous amount of the sloppy joe mixture onto each slice, then top with shredded mozzarella and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
7. Step 7: Bake in the preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
8. Step 8: Optional: For a crispier finish, broil on high for an additional 1-2 minutes at the end, watching closely to prevent burning.
9. Step 9: Remove from the oven and let cool for a minute. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired.

Tips & Variations

• For a vegetarian version, substitute ground beef with sautéed mushrooms or lentils.
• Use different cheeses like cheddar or provolone for varied flavors.
• Adding a pinch of chili flakes to the meat mixture can give it a nice spicy kick.
• Serve with a side salad or tomato soup for a complete meal.

Storage

Store any leftover cheesy garlic bread in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving as it may make the bread soggy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of bread?

Yes, thick-cut bread like sourdough, ciabatta, or even a sturdy French bread works best to hold the toppings without becoming soggy.

Is it possible to make this recipe ahead of time?

You can prepare the meat mixture in advance and store it separately in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Assemble and bake the bread just before serving for the freshest result.

Homemade Cheesy Garlic Bread Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 124 reviews

This Homemade Cheesy Garlic Bread combines a savory sloppy joe-style meat topping with gooey mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses on thick-cut bread, baked to golden perfection. Perfect as a hearty appetizer, snack, or quick meal, this recipe offers a delicious blend of smoky, sweet, and cheesy flavors in every bite.

• Author: Mila
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat Mixture

• 1 pound ground beef or turkey
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup ketchup
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Bread and Toppings

• 4 slices thick-cut bread (like sourdough or ciabatta)
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons butter, softened
• Optional: Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Instructions

1. Cook the Meat: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef or turkey and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Drain any excess fat to avoid greasy topping.
2. Sauté Aromatics: Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and sauté until the onion becomes translucent, about 3 to 4 minutes, which enhances the flavor of the meat mixture.
3. Add Seasonings: Stir in ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, smoked paprika, and season with salt and pepper. Cook on low heat for about 5 to 7 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly. Remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly.
4. Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) ensuring it reaches the desired temperature for baking the cheesy bread properly.
5. Prepare Bread: Spread a thin layer of softened butter on one side of each bread slice. This will help the bread become crispy and flavorful when baked.
6. Assemble Bread: Place the bread slices, buttered side down, on a baking sheet. Spoon a generous amount of the meat mixture onto each slice, then top with shredded mozzarella and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese for rich cheesy goodness.
7. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown, indicating the bread is crispy and the toppings are perfectly heated.
8. Optional Broil: For an extra crispy finish and golden top, broil on high for an additional 1 to 2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning the cheese.
9. Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven, let cool for a minute, then garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired before serving for added color and freshness.

Notes

• You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey for a leaner option.
• Choose thick-cut, sturdy bread like sourdough or ciabatta to hold the toppings without getting soggy.
• Adjust the amount of brown sugar to control sweetness in the meat mixture.
• Watch carefully if broiling to avoid burning the cheese toppings.
• For a vegetarian version, omit the meat and use sautéed mushrooms or a bean mixture instead.

Keywords: cheesy garlic bread, sloppy joe bread, baked cheesy bread, ground beef recipe, easy appetizer, cheesy toast