Cheesy Garlic Bread Custard

This Cheesy Garlic Bread is everything buttery and garlicky with a crown of melted cheese and irresistible crispiness yet it never feels heavy or greasy. I have made this for big family meals and quiet Sunday nights alike and there are rarely leftovers.

I remember making this for my best friend on a movie night and she could not stop talking about the perfect balance of flavors and textures. Now it is my go to when I want something both comforting and impressive.

Ingredients

• Garlic cloves: pick firm plump cloves for the best flavor avoid any that look dried out as they roast up richer and sweeter
• Olive oil: choose extra virgin for a robust flavor as it helps mellow the garlic when roasting
• Salt: brings out all the flavors use a fine sea salt for the most even seasoning
• Butter: go for unsalted so you can control the seasoning and make sure it is fresh for best results
• Egg: adds richness and helps the custard absorb into the bread
• Milk: whole milk is best as it gives a creamier custard but any dairy milk works
• Paprika: adds gentle warmth and color be sure it is fresh for the best taste
• Fresh parsley: fresh is key for both color and brightness look for leaves without dark spots
• Kings Hawaiian Rolls or French baguette: for a slightly sweet and soft base choose loaves that feel light for their size
• Mozzarella cheese: select a whole milk mozzarella and shred it yourself for the best melt and flavor pre shredded works in a pinch
• Chopped parsley and chili flakes for topping: these add freshness and a touch of heat always go for fresh parsley

Step-by-Step Instructions

Roast the Garlic:

Place peeled garlic cloves in a small oven safe pot with olive oil and salt. Cover with a lid or foil and bake at four hundred degrees Fahrenheit for about twenty minutes until the cloves are soft and lightly golden. Mash them with a fork into a smooth paste and set aside. Roasting brings out the sweetness and mellows the bite.

Mix the Garlic Butter Custard:

In a mixing bowl combine mashed roasted garlic melted butter egg milk salt paprika and chopped parsley. Whisk everything together thoroughly until you have a creamy pale mixture. This will soak into the bread for that signature custardy bite.

Prepare and Bake the Bread:

After roasting the garlic lower your oven temperature to three hundred fifty degrees Fahrenheit. Use a sharp knife to slice the sheet of rolls or loaf in half horizontally. Place both halves cut side up on a baking sheet and bake for eight to ten minutes until they are lightly golden and dried out slightly to help the custard absorb better.

Dip the Bread in Custard:

Pour the garlic butter custard into a dish. Carefully dip each bread half cut side and crust both into the custard ensuring they are well coated but not soaking wet. Work gently so the bread does not break apart.

Bake the Coated Bread:

Return the custard coated bread to your baking sheet and bake for fifteen to eighteen minutes at three hundred fifty degrees Fahrenheit. This step transforms the bread from simple to decadent with a pillowy custard interior.

Add Cheese and Broil:

Remove the bread and cover generously with shredded mozzarella. Set your oven to broil and broil for about five minutes until the cheese melts bubbles and turns golden in spots. Keep a close eye so it does not burn.

Garnish and Serve:

Scatter over fresh parsley and chili flakes. Let the cheesy bread cool slightly so the custard sets then slice and serve. The aroma alone will have everyone at the table before you can call them.

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Whenever I roast garlic for this recipe I sneak a little extra for myself spread on warm bread it is my favorite midnight snack. Watching family tear into this bread right out of the oven is a moment I look forward to every time.

Storage Tips

Store any leftover garlic bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one day. For longer storage refrigerate and then reheat in a low oven to revive the crisp texture. The cheese stays melty and delicious even after reheating.

Ingredient Substitutions

Kings Hawaiian Rolls can be swapped with a soft French baguette or any soft bread rolls you have on hand. For a dairy free option use vegan butter and plant milk and your favorite non dairy cheese. Fresh herbs like basil or thyme can step in for parsley.

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Serving Suggestions

Pair this bread with pasta dishes soups or use as a crowd pleasing appetizer for parties. I like serving it alongside a fresh green salad for a lighter balance or as a special side with homemade tomato soup.

Cultural and Historical Context

Garlic bread is a universal favorite but this version borrows a little from French custard toast techniques giving it a rich creamy center. Using sweet rolls instead of traditional baguette gives a soft fluffy texture that is hard to beat.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use a baguette instead of Hawaiian rolls?

Yes, a sliced French baguette works well and gives a more rustic bite. Adjust baking time as needed.

→ What's the benefit of roasted garlic?

Roasting garlic mellows its flavor, making it sweet, spreadable, and less pungent, perfect for rich custards.

→ How do I keep the bread crispy?

Pre-bake the bread before dipping into the custard to ensure it stays crisp while absorbing flavors.

→ Can I make this ahead of time?

You can prep the garlic butter mixture in advance, but assemble and bake right before serving for best texture.

→ Which cheese melts best for topping?

Mozzarella offers that classic stretchy melt and golden finish, but you can mix with cheddar for extra flavor.

→ What herbs go well as garnish?

Fresh parsley adds brightness and color, while chili flakes bring a gentle heat to balance the richness.