Howie Bread from Hungry Howie's features a golden, garlic-seasoned crust topped with melted mozzarella and zesty Italian herbs, delivering a warm and flavorful appetizer with a crispy exterior and soft, cheesy interior.
Equipments
- Oven
- Mixing bowl
- Baking sheet or pizza pan
- Pastry brush
- Knife or pizza cutter
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Grater (for cheese, if not pre-shredded)
- Rolling pin
Ingredients
- 1 pound (450g) pizza dough
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Cooking spray or olive oil (for greasing pan)
Ensure you use fresh mozzarella cheese for the best melty texture and flavorful bite in your Howie Bread. The garlic powder and Italian herbs like dried parsley, oregano, and basil are essential to replicate the signature zesty seasoning. Unsalted butter allows you to control the saltiness, balancing the overall taste with the added salt and cheeses. Properly greasing your baking sheet with cooking spray or olive oil prevents sticking and helps achieve a crispy crust. Your Howie Bread copycat will come closest to the original Hungry Howie's appetizer by carefully measuring these ingredients and following the seasoned crust method.
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Lightly grease baking sheet or pizza pan with cooking spray or olive oil.
- Roll pizza dough into a rectangle or circle, about ½-inch thick.
- Place dough onto prepared pan.
- Melt butter in a small bowl.
- Stir garlic powder, parsley, oregano, basil, and salt into melted butter.
- Brush butter mixture evenly over dough, covering entire surface.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over dough.
- Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top of mozzarella.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes until crust is golden and cheese is bubbly.
- Remove from oven and let cool for 1-2 minutes.
- Slice into breadsticks using knife or pizza cutter.
- Serve warm.
Substitution
Howie Bread from Hungry Howie's copycat menu delivers a crispy, garlic-seasoned crust topped with melted mozzarella and Italian herbs for a savory appetizer experience. If fresh pizza dough is unavailable, store-bought refrigerated dough or even pre-made breadsticks can serve as convenient alternatives. You can substitute unsalted butter with olive oil or margarine to accommodate dietary preferences or ingredient availability. Fresh Italian herbs may be replaced with dried herbs, but reduce the quantity by half to avoid overpowering the dish. Using a pizza stone instead of a baking sheet or pan can enhance the crust's crispiness and texture during baking.
Tips
Make sure your oven is fully preheated to 425degF (220degC) before baking Howie Bread to achieve the perfect golden crust and bubbly cheese. Use a pastry brush to evenly distribute the garlic butter mixture, ensuring every bite is flavorful and well-seasoned. Roll the pizza dough to about 1/2-inch thickness to balance a crispy exterior with a soft, cheesy interior. Allow your bread to cool for a couple of minutes after baking to help the cheese set and make slicing easier without losing toppings.
Nutritions
Howie Bread delivers a rich source of protein and calcium from the 1 1/2 cups of shredded mozzarella and 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, essential for muscle repair and bone health. The golden, garlic-seasoned crust contributes carbohydrates for energy, made from 1 pound of pizza dough, primarily composed of refined flour. The herbs--parsley, oregano, and basil--provide antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, supporting your immune system. By controlling portion size, you can enjoy this flavorful appetizer while managing your daily intake of sodium and fats from the butter and cheese.
Storage
Store leftover Howie Bread in an airtight container or tightly wrapped with aluminum foil to maintain its freshness and prevent it from drying out. Refrigerate it for up to 3 days, and reheat in a preheated oven at 350degF (175degC) for about 5-7 minutes to restore the crispy crust and melty cheese. For longer storage, freeze the bread in a sealed bag for up to 2 months, thawing overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Variation or Alternatives
You can substitute mozzarella with provolone or a blend of mozzarella and cheddar for a richer, slightly tangy flavor. Incorporating fresh Italian herbs like rosemary or thyme instead of dried ones enhances the aroma and freshness of the crust. For a crispier texture, par-bake the dough for 5 minutes before applying the garlic butter and cheese toppings. Adding a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes or a drizzle of garlic-infused olive oil after baking provides an extra layer of spice and flavor.
Allergies
Howie Bread from Hungry Howie's contains common allergens such as wheat in the pizza dough and milk in the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. If you have gluten intolerance or dairy allergies, you should avoid this dish or seek alternatives that cater to your dietary needs. Always check ingredient labels carefully to prevent allergic reactions.
Why this recipe?
Hungry Howie's Howie Bread menu is loved for its flavorful blend of garlic butter and Italian seasoning, creating a perfect balance that enhances every bite. The bread's soft, chewy texture and golden crust make it a satisfying side that complements any meal. Recreating the Howie Bread at home allows you to customize the flavors to your preference while saving money. Your homemade version will deliver that memorable taste and freshness found only in a Hungry Howie's order.