Imagine sinking your teeth into a slice of bread so incredibly aromatic and flavorful that it transforms an ordinary meal into a gourmet experience. This Rosemary Asiago Garlic Bread isn't just a side dish—it's a culinary masterpiece that combines the bold richness of Asiago cheese, the earthy warmth of fresh rosemary, and the irresistible punch of garlic, all melted together on perfectly toasted Italian bread. Whether you're hosting a dinner party or craving a luxurious accompaniment to your favorite meal, this recipe promises to elevate your cooking game and impress even the most discerning food lovers.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 1 loaf
Ingredients
- 1 loaf of Italian bread
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup Asiago cheese, grated
- 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Ensure the rack is positioned in the center of the oven for even heating.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, chopped fresh rosemary, and half of the grated Asiago cheese. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Using a sharp serrated knife, slice the Italian bread lengthwise, creating two equal halves. Be careful to keep the bread's structure intact.
- Generously spread the prepared butter mixture across both halves of the bread, ensuring even coverage from edge to edge.
- Sprinkle the remaining Asiago cheese over the buttered bread surfaces. Add a light dusting of salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance the flavors.
- Place the prepared bread halves on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, with the cheese-topped side facing upward.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the cheese is completely melted and slightly crispy.
- Remove from the oven and let cool for 2-3 minutes. Slice into serving portions and serve warm as a delicious side or appetizer.
Tips
- Use high-quality, freshly grated Asiago cheese for the most robust flavor. Pre-shredded cheese won't melt as beautifully.
- Ensure your butter is truly softened, not melted, to create a smooth, spreadable mixture that coats the bread evenly.
- For extra crispiness, broil the bread for the last 1-2 minutes of cooking, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Fresh rosemary is key—dried herbs won't provide the same vibrant, aromatic quality.
- Let the bread rest for a few minutes after baking to allow the cheese to set and flavors to meld together.
- Serve immediately for the best texture and temperature, when the cheese is still gooey and the bread is perfectly crisp.
- Experiment with different bread types like sourdough or ciabatta for unique variations of this recipe.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 6g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 30mg
