Buttery Cheesy Garlic Bread

This cheesy garlic bread transforms humble dinner rolls into an irresistible treat that disappears within minutes at my table. The secret lies in the garlic butter custard that infuses every bite with rich, aromatic flavor while keeping the bread moist inside and crispy outside.

I developed this recipe after growing tired of dry, overly greasy garlic bread. The custard approach came to me during a rainy weekend when my family was craving comfort food but I wanted something special.

Ingredients

• Garlic cloves Fresh whole garlic transforms when roasted becoming sweet and mellow
• Olive oil Helps the garlic roast evenly and develop golden caramelization
• Butter Use unsalted butter so you can control the salt level in the final product
• Egg The secret ingredient that creates the custardy texture and binds everything together
• Milk Adds richness without heaviness and helps create the perfect consistency
• Hawaiian rolls Their slight sweetness balances the savory garlic butter beautifully
• Mozzarella cheese Opt for low moisture whole milk mozzarella for the best melt and flavor
• Fresh parsley Brightens the dish visually and cuts through the richness with herbaceous notes

Step-by-Step Instructions

Roast the Garlic

Combine peeled garlic cloves with olive oil and salt in a small oven safe dish with a lid. Roast at 400°F for 20 minutes until the cloves turn golden and become completely soft. The garlic should mash easily with a fork when done correctly. This step transforms harsh raw garlic into sweet aromatic gold.

Prepare the Custard

Whisk together the mashed roasted garlic with melted butter egg milk salt paprika and fresh parsley until completely smooth. Make sure your butter has cooled slightly before adding the egg to prevent scrambling. This mixture should have a smooth consistency that will soak into the bread perfectly.

Prepare the Bread

Split your sheet of Hawaiian rolls horizontally into two halves keeping each half intact. Bake them at 350°F for 8 10 minutes to create a light golden crust. This pre baking step is crucial as it prevents the bread from becoming soggy when soaked in the custard.

Soak in Custard

Carefully dip each half of pre baked bread into the garlic butter custard ensuring all surfaces get well coated. Use a spoon to drizzle extra custard over any dry spots. Allow the bread to absorb the mixture for about 30 seconds before transferring back to the baking sheet.

Bake to Perfection

Return the custard soaked bread to the oven and bake at 350°F for 15 18 minutes until deeply golden. The custard will set and create a delicious tender interior while the exterior becomes beautifully crisp. You'll know it's ready when your kitchen fills with an intoxicating garlic aroma.

Add the Cheese

Cover the baked bread generously with shredded mozzarella and switch your oven to broil. Watch carefully as the cheese melts and bubbles turning golden brown in spots about 5 minutes. This creates that irresistible cheese pull when serving.

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The roasted garlic is truly the heart of this recipe. I found that taking the time to properly roast the garlic until it becomes golden and jammy makes an enormous difference compared to using raw or quickly sautéed garlic. My grandmother taught me this technique when I was young and said good garlic bread should make you close your eyes when you take the first bite.

Make It Your Own

This recipe works beautifully with different breads beyond Hawaiian rolls. Try a French baguette sliced lengthwise sourdough loaf or even thick slices of brioche for a more decadent version. Just adjust the baking time according to the bread's thickness.

The custard mixture can become your canvas for experimenting with flavors. Try adding finely grated parmesan for more depth dried herbs like oregano or even a pinch of cayenne for heat. Just be careful not to overwhelm the star of the show which is the roasted garlic.

Storage and Reheating

The fully prepared garlic bread will stay fresh in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat wrap loosely in foil and warm in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes then unwrap and broil briefly to recrisp the top.

For make ahead convenience prepare everything up to the final cheese topping step then refrigerate covered for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve bring to room temperature for 20 minutes then top with cheese and broil as directed.

Serving Suggestions

This cheesy garlic bread elevates any pasta night but also makes a stunning appetizer when cut into smaller portions. Try serving alongside a simple tomato soup for dipping or with a fresh green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to balance the richness.

For entertaining I often prepare several batches and serve them on wooden boards scattered with extra herbs. The interactive nature of pulling apart the bread creates a communal dining experience that guests always remember.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I make this cheesy garlic bread ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the roasted garlic butter custard up to 2 days in advance and refrigerate it. You can also pre-toast the bread, but for best results, the final assembly (dipping, second baking, and cheese broiling) should be done just before serving to maintain the ideal texture and flavor.

→ What can I substitute for Hawaiian rolls?

A French baguette works well as mentioned in the ingredients, but you could also use ciabatta, sourdough, or Italian bread. The key is choosing bread with good structure that can hold up to the custard dipping process without falling apart.

→ How do I store leftover cheesy garlic bread?

Leftover bread can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. To reheat, place in a 350°F oven for 5-10 minutes until warmed through and crispy again. Avoid microwaving as it can make the bread soggy.

→ Can I use pre-minced garlic instead of roasting my own?

While fresh roasted garlic provides the best flavor, you could substitute with pre-minced garlic in a pinch. If using jarred minced garlic, use about 2-3 tablespoons and sauté it briefly in the olive oil to develop some flavor before mixing into the custard.

→ What cheeses work best besides mozzarella?

Mozzarella provides the classic pull and mild flavor, but you can experiment with other melting cheeses. Try a mix of mozzarella with sharp cheddar for more flavor, or add some grated parmesan to the top. Monterey jack, provolone, or fontina would also work beautifully.

→ What can I serve with this cheesy garlic bread?

This bread pairs perfectly with pasta dishes, soups, and salads. It's particularly delicious alongside marinara sauce for dipping. It also makes a great appetizer for parties or a side for a casual dinner with grilled meats.