Description
Cheesy Chimichurri Garlic Bread is a flavorful twist on traditional garlic bread, combining a zesty homemade chimichurri sauce with melty mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. This recipe features fresh herbs, garlic, and a hint of heat from red chilis, broiled to golden perfection on a crusty French bread loaf, making it a perfect appetizer or side dish.
Ingredients
Chimichurri Sauce
- 1/3 cup parsley, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup cilantro, finely chopped
- 1 to 2 red chilis, seeds and stems removed, finely chopped
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 2 tablespoons fresh garlic, finely minced
- 3/4 cup olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
- 1 to 2 tablespoons red vinegar, or lemon and lime juice
Bread and Cheese
- 1 (16-ounce) French bread loaf
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 to 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set the oven to broil and place the rack in the middle position to ensure even heating for the bread and cheese topping.
- Make Chimichurri: In a small bowl, combine parsley, cilantro, red chili, oregano, garlic, olive oil, salt, pepper, and your choice of red vinegar or citrus juice. Stir well to mix all flavors. For best results, let the sauce sit for at least 30 minutes to meld, although it can be used immediately if needed.
- Prepare Bread: Slice the French bread loaf in half lengthwise and place both halves on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Optionally, trim the ends for a tidier presentation.
- Assemble Bread: Stir the chimichurri and spread a light, even layer onto each half of the bread, being careful not to drizzle too much oil. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese on top, then generously add shredded mozzarella cheese according to preference.
- Broil Bread: Place the baking sheet on the middle rack of the oven. Broil the bread for 5 to 8 minutes, closely monitoring to avoid burning. The cheese should become bubbly and the edges of the bread turn golden brown.
- Serve: Remove the garlic bread from the oven, slice it into triangles or rectangles, and serve warm. Enjoy this cheesy, herb-packed delight fresh from the oven!
Notes
- For a spicier kick, increase the amount of red chilies or leave some seeds in.
- The chimichurri sauce can be prepared in advance and refrigerated for up to 2 days, which will intensify the flavors.
- Use fresh mozzarella if possible for creamier texture, but shredded regular mozzarella works well too.
- Keep a close eye while broiling, as cheese can burn quickly under high heat.
- You can substitute French bread with Italian bread or baguette for variation.
