Homemade Cheesy Ciabatta Garlic Bread

Indulge in the delectable goodness of this Cheesy Ciabatta Garlic Bread. This easy-to-follow recipe combines simple ingredients to create a flavorful, golden brown masterpiece. Elevate your dining experience with this perfect side dish.

There's something truly special about the aroma of freshly baked bread mingling with the irresistible scent of garlic and melted cheese. This Homemade Cheesy Ciabatta Garlic Bread is a culinary symphony that's quick and easy to create. Whether you're a seasoned home cook or just starting out, this recipe is bound to become a favorite. 

Let's embark on this delightful culinary journey together.

Jump to:

• Why You'll Love This Recipe
• Ingredients for Cheesy Garlic Ciabatta Bread Recipe
• How to Make This Cheesy Garlic Bread Recipe:
• Ciabatta Garlic Bread Variations
• Storage Instructions
• What to Serve With Homemade Cheesy Ciabatta Garlic Bread
• FAQ's
• Homemade Cheesy Ciabatta Garlic Bread

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you'll have a mouthwatering side dish in no time.
• Flavorful Bomb: The combination of garlic, herbs, and two types of cheese creates a taste sensation that's hard to resist.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Prepare the garlic butter in advance for a time-saving kitchen hack. This recipe allows you to assemble ahead, so you can simply bake and serve whenever you're ready.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Whether it's a casual family dinner or a festive dinner parties, this Cheesy Ciabatta Garlic Bread is a versatile hit. It complements a wide variety of dishes and is sure to satisfy any palate, making it a go-to side in our home.

Ingredients for Cheesy Garlic Ciabatta Bread Recipe

Garlic and Herb Butter:

• unsalted butter
• garlic cloves
• fresh parsley
• fresh thyme
• fresh rosemary
• fresh chives
• kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

Assemble:

• 1 whole loaf of Ciabatta
• 125g Mozzarella cheese, grated
• 125g Cheddar, grated

See the recipe card for quantities.

How to Make This Cheesy Garlic Bread Recipe:

Make the Garlic Butter:

- In a small bowl, mix together the softened butter, crushed garlic, and finely chopped herbs. Season generously with salt and pepper.

Chef’s Tips:

- Use room-temperature butter cut into cubes for easy mixing.

- If using salted butter, season very carefully when adding additional salt.

Assemble the Cheesy Garlic Ciabatta:

- Using a serrated knife, cut through the ciabatta loaf every 2cm, leaving the slices attached at the base.

- Spread the garlic butter mixture generously into each cut, ensuring both sides are coated.

- Insert a generous amount of grated cheese between each slice. 

- Wrap the ciabatta in aluminum foil.

Bake:

- Preheat your oven to 180°C (356°F).

- Place the wrapped ciabatta on a baking tray and bake for 20 - 25 minutes.

- Unwrap the foil to expose the top of the loaf and bake for an additional 5 minutes for a delectably crispy finish.

Serve warm and watch as your guests delight in every flavorful bite.

Ciabatta Garlic Bread Variations

Roasted Garlic: For an extra depth of flavor, roast the garlic cloves before adding them to the butter mixture. This infuses a rich, caramelized taste into the spread.

Spicy: Kick up the heat by incorporating a pinch of chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce into the butter mixture. Adjust to your preferred level of spiciness.

Pizza: Transform this classic into a pizza-inspired delight by adding pizza sauce, mozzarella, fresh basil, and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.

Sun-Dried Tomato and Pesto: For a Mediterranean twist, incorporate finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes and a dollop of basil pesto into the garlic butter mixture. The sun-dried tomatoes infuse a sweet and tangy note, while the pesto adds a vibrant herbaceous kick.

Herb and Parmesan: Elevate the flavor profile by adding a generous sprinkling of freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a medley of aromatic herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme to the garlic butter mixture. This creates a delectable crust with an extra burst of savory goodness.

Vegan Twist: Swap butter and cheese for extra virgin olive oil, fresh herbs, and garlic. This vegan version brings a Mediterranean flair to your table. Each slice boasts a crispy crust with a burst of herb-infused flavor. Perfect for a dairy-free, plant-based delight.

Storage Instructions

Fridge:

To keep your Ciabatta Garlic Bread fresh, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for 1-2 days.

Make Ahead:

Prepare the garlic butter mixture in advance- The garlic and herb butter mixture can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge or freezer, ready to be called upon at a moment's notice.

Prepare the cheese garlic bread in advance - The entire garlic bread can be assembled in advance. Wrap it securely in tin foil, and then plastic wrap it and store it in the refrigerator, or can be frozen for later use. 

This make-ahead method not only streamlines the cooking process but also allows the flavors to meld and intensify, resulting in a truly exceptional dish that's bound to impress. So go ahead, let your future self thank you for the delicious time-saving efforts!

Freezing:

For future indulgence, wrap the assembled bread tightly in foil and plastic wrap, then store it in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 1-2 months.

Defrosting:

Allow the frozen Ciabatta Garlic Bread to thaw in the fridge overnight.

Reheating:

For that freshly baked taste, reheat the cheesy garlic ciabatta wrapped in foil in a preheated oven at 180°C (356°F) for 10-15 minutes.

What to Serve With Homemade Cheesy Ciabatta Garlic Bread

• Pair this delectable bread with these delightful dishes:
• Authentic Italian Lasagna: Pair with layers of rich meat sauce, creamy béchamel, and pasta for a satisfying Italian feast.
• Roasted Butternut Squash Soup: Complement velvety butternut squash soup with this crispy, herb-infused Ciabatta.
• Italian Minestrone Soup: Enjoy hearty Minestrone with crispy, cheesy herb-topped Ciabatta for a delightful contrast.
• Sheet Pan Caprese Chicken: Cheesy, herbed Ciabatta is the perfect sidekick to vibrant Caprese Chicken.
• Ricotta and Spinach Stuffed Shells: Pair creamy, cheesy stuffed shells with this cheesy herb-infused Ciabatta for a mouthwatering combo.
• Moroccan Shakshuka: Add a surprising twist to Shakshuka with this Cheesy Ciabatta Garlic Bread
• Italian Meat Sauce Pasta: This Garlic Butter Ciabatta is perfect for soaking up the hearty meat sauce, making it the ultimate pasta companion.
• Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta: Indulge in the rich, velvety goodness of butternut squash pasta, perfectly complemented by crispy, cheesy garlic Ciabatta. It's a truly satisfying meal experience.

FAQ's

This Homemade Cheesy Ciabatta Garlic Bread is more than just a side dish; it's a culinary experience. The blend of garlic, herbs, and melted cheese inside perfectly crispy ciabatta bread is a symphony of flavors. 

Whether served alongside your favorite Italian dishes or enjoyed on its own, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Elevate your meals with this delightful creation and savor the warmth and comfort it brings to your table.

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The nutrition is an estimate only. It was calculated using Nutrifox, an online nutrition calculator.