1 Loaf of Italian Bread or French Baguette (about 12-16 inches long): The foundation of our masterpiece. Choose a loaf that is sturdy enough to hold the toppings but still has a soft interior. Italian bread offers a slightly denser texture, while a French baguette provides a lighter, airier crumb. Both work wonderfully. Freshly baked from a bakery is always preferable for the best flavor and texture, but good quality store-bought bread will also work. Avoid pre-sliced bread as it tends to dry out quicker and doesn’t hold the toppings as well.

1 Cup (2 Sticks) Unsalted Butter, Softened: Butter is the key to richness and flavor. Unsalted butter allows you to control the saltiness of the garlic bread. Ensure the butter is properly softened to room temperature for easy mixing and spreading. Don’t melt the butter as softened butter incorporates air, leading to a lighter, more flavorful garlic butter.

8 Cloves Garlic, Minced: Garlic is the star of the show! Freshly minced garlic is crucial for that pungent, aromatic flavor. Avoid garlic powder or pre-minced garlic in jars for this recipe, as they lack the intensity and freshness of freshly minced cloves. For a milder garlic flavor, you can use 6 cloves; for a more intense garlic punch, feel free to add up to 10 cloves. Mince the garlic finely to ensure it distributes evenly throughout the butter and cooks through without burning.

½ Cup Fresh Parsley, Finely Chopped: Parsley adds a touch of freshness and color to the garlic bread. Fresh parsley is preferred for its vibrant flavor, but in a pinch, you can use 2 tablespoons of dried parsley. Ensure the parsley is finely chopped to prevent large pieces from overpowering the texture. Other fresh herbs like chives or oregano can also be added for a slightly different flavor profile.

1 Teaspoon Salt: Salt enhances the flavors of all the ingredients and is essential for well-seasoned garlic bread. Use kosher salt or sea salt for the best flavor. Adjust the amount of salt to your preference, especially if using salted butter (in which case, reduce or omit the added salt).

½ Teaspoon Black Pepper, Freshly Ground: Freshly ground black pepper adds a subtle warmth and spice. Avoid pre-ground pepper, as it lacks the aromatic complexity of freshly ground.

2 Cups Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Mozzarella is the classic choice for cheesy garlic bread due to its excellent melting properties and mild, milky flavor. Low-moisture, part-skim mozzarella is recommended as it melts beautifully without becoming too greasy. Pre-shredded mozzarella is convenient, but for the absolute best melt and flavor, consider shredding a block of mozzarella yourself.

1 Cup Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Cheddar cheese adds a sharper, more complex flavor dimension to complement the mozzarella. Sharp cheddar provides a nice contrast to the mild mozzarella and adds a depth of cheesy flavor that elevates the garlic bread. You can use medium or mild cheddar if you prefer a less intense cheddar flavor.

½ Cup Grated Parmesan Cheese: Parmesan cheese adds a salty, nutty, and umami-rich flavor that enhances the overall cheesy experience. Freshly grated Parmesan from a block is highly recommended for the best flavor and texture. Pre-grated Parmesan often contains cellulose and may not melt as smoothly.

Optional: Red Pepper Flakes (¼ teaspoon or to taste): For a touch of heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes adds a subtle kick that complements the garlic and cheese. Adjust the amount to your spice preference or omit entirely if you prefer a milder flavor.