Cheesy Garlic Bread
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Is there anything better than the smell of warm, cheesy garlic bread fresh out of the oven? I don’t think so! This Cheesy Garlic Bread is a simple but absolutely irresistible side dish that pairs perfectly with a hearty bowl of soup or any cozy dinner you’ve got planned. The best part? It’s super easy to make, and it comes with some sneaky health benefits!And guess what? If you’re watching your calories or trying to reduce your intake of saturated fat, this recipe works just as well without the cheese. I promise, it’s still absolutely delicious. The garlic butter alone is enough to make this bread a winner!Let’s dive into why this garlicky goodness isn’t just indulgent comfort food but actually has some powerful health perks.
Equipment
- Small Bowl
- Baking Sheet
- Parchment Paper
- aluminum foil
- sharp bread knife
Ingredients
- 1 loaf sourdough bread
- ½ cup vegan butter softened
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried parsley
- ¼ tsp paprika
- 1 tsp sea salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 pinch red chili flakes
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F. Slice the sourdough loaf in half lengthwise. Line a large baking sheet with foil or parchment paper, and place the bread halves cut side up on the sheet.1 loaf sourdough bread
- In a small bowl, combine the softened vegan butter, garlic powder, dried parsley, sea salt, black pepper, and red chili flakes. Mix well until everything is evenly incorporated. Generously spread the butter mixture over the cut sides of the bread, ensuring you coat all the edges. Lightly sprinkle paprika over the buttered bread for added flavor.½ cup vegan butter, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp dried parsley, ¼ tsp paprika, 1 tsp sea salt, 1 pinch red chili flakes, ½ tsp black pepper
- Cover the bread loosely with foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 5-10 minutes, or until the bread is heated through and slightly crispy on the edges.
- Remove the bread from the oven and discard the foil. Set your oven to broil. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly over the buttered bread. Place the bread back in the oven and broil, uncovered, for 1-2 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Once the cheese has melted to perfection, remove the bread from the oven. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Slice into portions and serve warm.fresh parsley
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Is This Recipe is Good for You?
You’re probably thinking, "How can something as delicious as garlic bread actually be healthy?" Well, the magic lies in the garlic. Garlic is packed with antioxidants and essential nutrients that can help support your health in a few key ways, particularly for women over 50. 1. Supports Heart Health: Garlic has been shown to help lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels. A 2020 studypublished in Experimental and Therapeutic Medicine confirmed that regular garlic
consumption can reduce the risk of heart disease, which becomes increasingly important as we age. The compound allicin, found in garlic, plays a key role in these benefits. 2. Boosts Immunity: Garlic can also help strengthen your immune system. For women over 50, keeping your immune system in top shape is critical. A study in the Journal of Nutrition revealed that garlic enhances the function of immune cells, such as T-cells and macrophages, which help the body fight off infections. This makes garlic a great addition to your diet, especially during cold and flu season. 3. Bone Health Benefits: Surprisingly, garlic may also help improve bone health. Some research suggests that it can increase estrogen levels, which is crucial for maintaining bone density as we age. This is particularly helpful for postmenopausal women looking to support their bone health. A review in Phytotherapy Research highlighted the potential of garlic to protect bones by boosting estrogen levels.
Simple Cooking Tips for the Best Garlic Bread
Now, onto the fun part—making this bread the best it can be! Whether you’re keeping it cheesy or going the lighter route, here are a few tips to ensure your garlic bread turns out perfect every time: 1. Use Fresh Bread: I love sourdough for its texture and slight tang, but really, any crusty bread will work. If you want a crispier crust, opt for a day-old loaf. 2. Soften Your Butter: Make sure your vegan butter is softened to room temperature before mixing in the garlic and spices. This helps it spread evenly across the bread so you get that garlic flavor in every bite. 3. Broil for the Perfect Finish: If you’re using cheese, keep a close eye on the bread when broiling. It only takes about aminute or two for the cheese to melt perfectly. If you’re skipping the cheese, still broil the bread for a minute or two to get that nice golden, crispy finish. Whether you’re going full-on cheesy or keeping it light with just the garlic butter, this Garlic Bread is everything you want in a side dish—it’s comforting, flavorful, and surprisingly good for you (thanks, garlic!). Pair it with a cozy soup or your favorite pasta dish, and you've got the ultimate meal. So, are you ready to give this one a try? Let me know how it turns out and if you’ve got any variations you love to add to your garlic bread. Happy cooking!
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