Ultimate Cheesy Garlic Baguette
Indulge in a gourmet twist on a classic favorite with the Ultimate Cheesy Garlic Baguette, inspired by America's Test Kitchen. This recipe features a delightful blend of flavors, bringing together the aromatic goodness of sautéed garlic and rich, creamy butter, perfectly balanced for an intense yet not overpowering taste. The crispy crust paired with a luscious cheesy topping will make this dish a standout at any gathering. Whether served as an appetizer or side dish, it’s guaranteed to impress your guests and elevate your dining experience well beyond store-bought options.
8
Servings
312
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Garlic cloves
5 (grated)
Unsalted butter
8 tablespoons (softened (1 stick))
Water
1/2 teaspoon
Salt
1/4 teaspoon
Ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon
Baguette
1 (sliced in half horizontally (18- to 20-inch))
Shredded cheese (Italian blend)
1 1/2 cups
Instructions
1
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C), placing the rack in the second position from the bottom.
2
In a skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over low heat. Add the grated garlic and 1/2 teaspoon of water, sautéing for 7 to 10 minutes until the mixture forms a smooth paste. Stir frequently to prevent burning.
3
In a separate bowl, combine the hot garlic paste with the remaining 7 tablespoons of softened butter, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
4
Spread the garlic butter mixture generously on both halves of the sliced baguette. Press the two halves back together and wrap them tightly in aluminum foil. Place on a baking sheet and bake for 15 minutes.
5
After 15 minutes, carefully unwrap the bread and position the halves cut side up on the baking sheet. Return to the oven and bake for another 10 minutes, or until the crust begins to golden.
6
Once golden, switch the oven to broil. Sprinkle the melted cheese evenly over the bread halves and broil for 1 to 2 minutes, watching closely until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
7
Remove from the oven and let cool slightly. Carefully place the baguette halves, cheesy side down, on a cutting board. Slice into pieces and serve warm.
Nutrition Information
25
Fat
25
Carbs
10
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Ultimate Cheesy Garlic Baguette?
It is a gourmet twist on classic garlic bread inspired by America's Test Kitchen, featuring sautéed garlic paste and a bubbly Italian cheese blend.
How many garlic cloves are used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 5 garlic cloves, which should be grated before cooking.
What is the secret to the intense garlic flavor?
The secret is sautéing grated garlic with a small amount of water and butter for 7 to 10 minutes to create a smooth, aromatic paste.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
The oven should be preheated to 400°F (200°C).
Where is the best place to position the oven rack?
Place the oven rack in the second position from the bottom for optimal heat distribution.
How much butter is needed for the recipe?
A total of 8 tablespoons (1 stick) of unsalted butter is required, with 1 tablespoon used for sautéing and the rest for the spread.
Why is water added to the garlic while sautéing?
Adding 1/2 teaspoon of water helps the grated garlic break down into a smooth paste and prevents it from burning.
How long should the baguette be baked in aluminum foil?
The wrapped baguette should be baked for 15 minutes initially.
What do I do after the initial 15 minutes of baking?
Unwrap the bread, place the halves cut side up on the baking sheet, and bake for an additional 10 minutes.
What kind of cheese is recommended for the topping?
The recipe uses 1 1/2 cups of a shredded Italian cheese blend.
How do I get the cheese bubbly and golden?
Switch the oven to broil and cook the cheese-topped bread for 1 to 2 minutes, watching closely.
What is the best way to slice the garlic baguette?
Place the baguette halves cheesy side down on a cutting board to make it easier to slice into clean pieces.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
The recipe makes approximately 8 servings.
What are the nutritional facts for one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 312 calories, 25g of fat, 25g of carbohydrates, and 10g of protein.
Is this garlic bread recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is classified as vegetarian.
How long is the total preparation and cook time?
The total active cooking and baking time is approximately 35 to 40 minutes.
What size baguette should I use?
An 18- to 20-inch baguette is the ideal size for this amount of garlic butter and cheese.
Can I use salted butter?
The recipe specifies unsalted butter; if you use salted, you may want to reduce or omit the extra 1/4 teaspoon of salt.
Should the butter be cold or softened?
The 7 tablespoons of butter used for the spread should be softened to ensure it mixes well with the garlic paste.
How much salt and pepper are included?
The recipe uses 1/4 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of ground black pepper.
What category does this recipe fall under?
It is categorized under Breads.
Can I serve this as an appetizer?
Yes, it is excellent as either an appetizer or a side dish.
Why is it important to stir the garlic frequently?
Frequent stirring prevents the garlic from burning, which would result in a bitter taste.
Does this recipe contain fiber?
According to the provided data, the fiber content is null or negligible.
How is the garlic prepared before cooking?
The garlic cloves should be grated to ensure a smooth texture in the final butter spread.
What should I do if I don't have an Italian cheese blend?
While an Italian blend is recommended, you can likely substitute other meltable cheeses like mozzarella or provolone.
Is there any sugar in this recipe?
No, the sugar content for this recipe is null.
What makes the bread crispy?
The combination of baking uncovered for 10 minutes and then broiling helps achieve a crispy crust.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are a total of 7 ingredients.
What tags define this dish's style?
Tags include italian bread, easy recipes, home cooking, and garlic baguette.