Cheese and Garlic Crack Bread Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 loaf of crusty bread (like a baguette or sourdough)

• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened

• 3-4 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (or any melting cheese like cheddar or a blend)

• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (plus extra for garnish)

• Salt, to taste

• Optional: 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder for extra garlic flavor

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven:
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Prepare Garlic Butter:
   In a bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt, and garlic powder (if using). Mix well until evenly combined.

3. Slice the Bread:
   Take the loaf of bread and make diagonal cuts about 1 inch apart, cutting almost all the way through but not cutting all the way through the bottom crust. Then make diagonal cuts in the opposite direction, creating a diamond pattern with small pockets to stuff the cheese and butter mixture.

4. Stuff the Bread:
   Spread the garlic butter mixture into the cuts. Then stuff the shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese into all the slits, ensuring it’s evenly distributed.

5. Wrap and Bake:
   Wrap the stuffed bread loaf in aluminum foil. Place on a baking sheet and bake for about 15 minutes.

6. Unwrap for Crispy Top:
   After 15 minutes, unwrap the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the top is golden brown.

7. Garnish and Serve:
   Remove from oven, sprinkle extra fresh parsley on top for garnish. Serve warm and enjoy pulling apart the cheesy, garlicky goodness!