Cheesy Garlic Bread

Garlic bread is the simplest, most loved side dish of Italian-style meals. Soft bread is spread with a fragrant mix of butter, garlic and herbs, then baked or toasted until crisp at the edges and fluffy within. With a layer of melted mozzarella it becomes a snack in itself. It goes beautifully with pasta, soup or pizza, and you can make it with a baguette, pav or a halved loaf. The two points to watch are even butter coverage right to the edges and a quick bake that crisps without drying out.

Method

1. Mix butter, garlic, coriander, oregano, chilli flakes and salt into a smooth spread.
2. Slice the baguette lengthwise or into thick rounds, cutting almost through. If using pav, split each in half.
3. Spread the garlic butter generously over the cut surfaces, right up to the edges.
4. Preheat the oven to 190 C. Place bread on a tray, buttered side up.
5. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes until the edges are golden and crisp. For cheesy bread, sprinkle cheese over the top after 5 minutes and bake 4 to 5 minutes more until bubbling.
6. No oven: toast buttered side down on a tawa on low heat for 3 to 4 minutes, then turn, cover with a lid and heat until the cheese melts.
7. Cut into pieces and serve immediately while crisp.

What to serve it with

Serve hot with pasta, soup or a tomato dip, or on its own as a snack.

Storage

Prepare the garlic butter and refrigerate for up to 5 days. Assembled unbaked bread can be wrapped and refrigerated for a day. Reheat baked bread in a hot oven for 5 minutes.

Variations

• Add finely chopped green chilli to the spread.
• Top with sweet corn and cheese.
• Use whole wheat bread or pav for variety.

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Recipe by Chef Purna Shah. More videos on YouTube and Instagram.