Garlic Bread with Mozzarella from PizzaExpress features warm, toasted bread topped with melted mozzarella cheese and infused with rich garlic butter, delivering a golden, crispy exterior and a gooey, flavorful center.
Equipments
- Oven
- Baking sheet
- Mixing bowl
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Pastry brush
- Grater
Ingredients
- 1 baguette or ciabatta bread
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (100g) mozzarella cheese
When preparing your garlic butter, finely grate or mince the garlic cloves to ensure even distribution and avoid overpowering the bread. Use unsalted butter to control the saltiness, especially since mozzarella cheese can add a mild salt flavor on its own. Fresh parsley not only adds color but also enhances the flavor with its bright, herbaceous notes. Mozzarella cheese should be freshly grated for optimal melting and gooey texture that defines this dish. You can recreate the delicious Garlic Bread with Mozzarella from PizzaExpress at home, capturing its golden, crispy crust and savory melted cheese topping.
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F).
- Slice baguette or ciabatta in half lengthwise.
- Grate mozzarella cheese.
- Mince garlic cloves.
- Chop fresh parsley.
- In a mixing bowl, combine softened butter, minced garlic, parsley, and salt.
- Spread garlic butter mixture evenly over bread halves using pastry brush.
- Sprinkle grated mozzarella evenly over both bread halves.
- Place prepared bread on baking sheet, cut side up.
- Bake in oven for 10–12 minutes or until cheese is melted and bread is golden.
- Remove from oven and slice as desired.
- Serve warm.
Substitution
Garlic Bread with Mozzarella from PizzaExpress copycat menu combines the comforting flavors of toasted bread, melted mozzarella, and garlic butter. If you don't have fresh parsley, dried parsley or even basil can be used as a substitute without drastically changing the flavor profile. You may swap unsalted butter with olive oil for a slightly different taste and a dairy-free option. When grating mozzarella, choosing low-moisture mozzarella will give a better melt and less sogginess to your bread. Make sure to preheat your oven adequately to achieve a golden, crispy crust while ensuring the cheese melts perfectly.
Tips
To ensure your garlic bread with mozzarella turns out perfectly, make sure to soften the butter before mixing to evenly distribute garlic and parsley flavors. Use a pastry brush to coat the bread thoroughly, preventing sogginess by avoiding excess butter. Monitor the bread closely in the oven, as baking too long may burn the garlic or dry out the bread. Your fresh herbs and cheese quality significantly impact the final taste, so opt for fresh parsley and high-quality mozzarella.
Nutritions
Garlic Bread with Mozzarella from PizzaExpress provides a rich source of calcium and protein from the melted mozzarella cheese, supporting bone health and muscle maintenance. The bread contributes carbohydrates for energy, while the garlic and parsley add antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. Butter adds saturated fat, making moderation key to balancing calorie intake. Your choice of bread type can also influence fiber content, enhancing digestive benefits.
Storage
Store leftover Garlic Bread with Mozzarella in an airtight container or wrap it tightly with aluminum foil to maintain freshness. Refrigerate immediately and consume within 2-3 days for optimal flavor and texture. To reheat, use your oven at 180degC (350degF) for 5-7 minutes to restore the crispy exterior and melted cheese.
Variation or Alternatives
You can experiment with different cheese varieties such as provolone, fontina, or a blend of mozzarella and cheddar for a richer flavor. To add a smoky depth, consider sprinkling smoked paprika or chili flakes over the garlic butter before baking. Using a garlic-infused olive oil instead of butter offers a lighter alternative and a slightly different flavor profile. Toast the bread under the broiler for the last 1-2 minutes to achieve a crispier top crust without drying out the center.
Allergies
Garlic Bread with Mozzarella contains common allergens including dairy from the mozzarella cheese and unsalted butter, which may cause reactions for individuals with lactose intolerance or milk allergies. The bread contains gluten, posing a risk for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. If you have any of these allergies, it's important to verify ingredient sources or consider alternative options to avoid adverse reactions.
Why this recipe?
Garlic Bread with Mozzarella from PizzaExpress offers a perfect balance of crispy garlic-infused bread topped with melted, gooey mozzarella, creating a flavorful and indulgent appetizer. Its rich combination of aromatic garlic and creamy cheese appeals to a wide range of taste preferences, making it a popular choice among diners. You can easily recreate this crowd-pleasing dish at home with simple ingredients, allowing you to enjoy authentic restaurant-quality flavors without the wait. Trying a copycat recipe is worth it for its delicious taste and the satisfaction of mastering a beloved favorite.