Description
This Cheesy Chimichurri Garlic Bread is a vibrant fusion appetizer combining the rich, gooey goodness of melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese with the fresh, tangy flavors of homemade chimichurri sauce. Perfectly toasted to golden brown with a hint of garlic butter, it’s an easy-to-make party favorite that pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, soups, or salads.
Ingredients
Scale
Bread and Butter
- 1 large baguette or Italian loaf, sliced lengthwise
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
Chimichurri Sauce
- 1 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro (optional), finely chopped
- 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
- Make Garlic Butter: In a small bowl, combine the softened unsalted butter with the minced garlic. Mix thoroughly until evenly blended to create a flavorful garlic butter.
- Prepare Chimichurri Sauce: In another bowl, mix together the finely chopped fresh parsley, optional cilantro, red wine vinegar, olive oil, minced garlic, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine all the vibrant ingredients into a zesty chimichurri sauce.
- Assemble the Bread: Place the sliced bread halves cut side up on the prepared baking sheet. Spread the garlic butter evenly over each bread half, ensuring all surfaces get a good coating.
- Add Chimichurri and Cheese: Spoon the chimichurri sauce evenly over the garlic buttered bread. Then, generously sprinkle shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top to cover the bread fully.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the cheese is fully melted, bubbly, and starting to turn golden brown around the edges.
- Optional Broiling: For an extra crispy and golden top, broil the bread for 1 to 2 minutes at the end of baking, watching carefully to avoid burning.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and let the bread cool slightly. Slice into 8 pieces and serve warm, enjoying the perfect balance of cheesy richness and fresh chimichurri flavor.
Notes
- Add crushed red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños into the chimichurri for extra heat if desired.
- Pairs perfectly with grilled meats, soups, or salads for a complete meal.
- To make it vegan, substitute butter and cheeses with plant-based alternatives and ensure the chimichurri ingredients are fresh and organic.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 260mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
