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Homemade Cheesy Garlic Bread Recipe

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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