Cheesy Garlic Dunker Bread Recipe: Homemade Mozzarella Magic

Steaming hot from the oven, this mozzarella garlic dunker bread recipe delivers pure comfort on a plate.

Golden-brown edges crisp up with a delightful crunch that beckons hungry hands.

Melted cheese and aromatic garlic create an irresistible combination that makes every bite a flavor explosion.

The rich, buttery base perfectly balances the sharp garlic notes dancing through each slice.

Herbs sprinkled across the top add a fresh, vibrant touch that transforms simple bread into something extraordinary.

Drizzle some marinara sauce alongside, and watch as this appetizer becomes the star of any gathering.

Let’s find out this decadent recipe that promises to satisfy even the most discerning bread lovers.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Calories: 305 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredients for Mozzarella Garlic Bread Dunkers

• Italian or Ciabatta Bread: Select a fresh, crusty loaf with a soft interior that will crisp beautifully when toasted, providing the perfect vessel for rich toppings.

• Minced Garlic, Fresh Chopped Parsley: Garlic brings a punchy, aromatic depth while parsley adds a bright, herbaceous freshness that lifts the entire dish.
• Salted Butter: Opt for high-quality butter that will melt smoothly and create a rich, golden coating for the bread.
• Grated Parmesan Cheese: Choose a well-aged Parmesan that delivers a sharp, nutty undertone and helps create a crispy texture.

• Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Select a low-moisture mozzarella that melts beautifully, creating those irresistible stretchy, gooey strands when baked.

Tools to Prepare Mozzarella Garlic Bread Dunkers

• Oven: Essential for baking and broiling the bread and melting the cheese.
• Baking sheet: Needed for broiling bread strips and melting cheese.
• Foil: Used to wrap bread during initial baking for even heating.
• Small bowl: Perfect for mixing garlic butter ingredients.
• Knife: Required for cutting bread lengthwise and into strips.
• Cutting board: Provides a stable surface for slicing bread.
• Cheese grater (optional): Helpful if using block parmesan cheese.
• Measuring spoons: Useful for precise butter and cheese measurements.

How to Bake Mozzarella Garlic Dunker Bites

• Flavor Foundation

Craft a zesty garlic butter by blending softened butter with fresh herbs and aromatic seasonings.

• Bread Transformation

Slice a crusty loaf lengthwise and generously coat each surface with the herbal garlic mixture.

• Initial Baking

Wrap the seasoned bread in foil and send it into a warm oven to develop deep, rich flavors.

• Cheese Crown

Separate the bread into enticing strips, exposing their golden surfaces, then shower them with melty mozzarella.

• Final Flourish

Slide the cheese-topped strips under a blazing broiler, allowing the cheese to bubble and turn delicately golden.

• Enjoyment

Serve these crispy, cheesy delights straight from the oven, perfect for dipping or savoring solo.

Tips to Make Garlic Bread Dunkers Extra Cheesy

• Experiment with different cheese blends like provolone, cheddar, or fontina for unique flavor profiles.
• Swap dried parsley with fresh chopped basil, oregano, or chives to elevate the garlic butter's taste.
• Add red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne to the garlic butter for a subtle kick of heat that'll wake up your taste buds.
• Pair these bread dunkers with marinara sauce, ranch dressing, or homemade garlic aioli for an extra layer of deliciousness.

Serving Mozzarella Garlic Bread Dunkers Fresh

• Dip-tastic Party Platter: Arrange these mozzarella garlic bread dunkers on a large wooden board with various dipping sauces like marinara, ranch, or garlic aioli for a crowd-pleasing appetizer perfect for game nights or casual gatherings.
• Soup's Best Friend: Serve alongside tomato soup, minestrone, or creamy potato soup for a comforting meal that combines crispy, cheesy bread with warm, hearty soup for maximum deliciousness.
• Italian Antipasto Companion: Pair with a charcuterie board featuring salami, prosciutto, olives, and roasted peppers to create a Mediterranean-inspired spread that will impress guests and elevate your dining experience.
• Movie Night Snack Attack: Break these dunkers into smaller pieces and enjoy while watching your favorite film, creating a quick and satisfying snack that's way more exciting than plain popcorn.

Keeping Garlic Bread Dunkers Tasty for Later

• Fresh Serving Strategy: Enjoy these mozzarella garlic bread dunkers immediately after broiling for the crispiest texture and most melted cheese experience. Serve hot as a crowd-pleasing appetizer or side dish during game nights, family dinners, or casual gatherings.
• Quick Refrigeration Tip: Store any leftover bread strips in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to restore crunchiness and revive the melted cheese's gooey goodness.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the garlic butter mixture and slice bread up to 24 hours in advance. Keep covered in the refrigerator and assemble just before baking to save time during busy meal preparations.
• Freezer-Friendly Option: Wrap unbaked garlic bread tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed, adding an extra 3-5 minutes to cooking time if needed.

Irresistible Mozzarella Garlic Dunker Bread Recipe

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4.6 from 30 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Homemade mozzarella garlic dunker bread delivers irresistible comfort with crispy edges and melted cheese. Cheesy, herbal, and warm, this simple Italian-inspired appetizer will have guests reaching for more slices.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• ½ loaf Italian or ciabatta bread
• ½ cup (120 ml) shredded mozzarella cheese
• 4 tbsps (60 ml) salted butter, softened
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp (5 ml) minced garlic
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) fresh chopped parsley

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Instructions

1. Prep Garlic Butter: Whisk softened unsalted butter with finely minced garlic, chopped parsley, and grated Parmesan until uniformly blended, creating an aromatic spread with robust flavor profiles.
2. Bread Preparation: Slice bread loaf horizontally into two equal halves, ensuring a smooth, precise cut that maximizes surface area for garlic butter application.
3. Butter Coating: Lavishly distribute the prepared garlic butter across both bread surfaces, ensuring comprehensive and uniform coverage from crust to center.
4. Initial Baking: Reassemble the bread halves, wrap securely in aluminum foil, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 12 minutes, allowing flavors to intensify and bread to warm thoroughly.
5. Cheese Transformation: Unwrap bread, slice into 1-inch strips, arrange butter-side up on baking sheet, and generously crown each strip with shredded mozzarella, creating a molten cheese canvas.
6. Final Broiling: Position oven rack, activate broiler at high temperature, and carefully toast bread strips with slightly ajar oven door, monitoring for 2 minutes until cheese melts into a golden, bubbling layer.
7. Serving: Transfer dunkers to serving platter, allowing momentary cooling to ensure optimal texture and temperature for an irresistible appetizer experience.

Notes

• Butter Softening Tip: Let butter sit at room temperature for 30-60 minutes to achieve perfect spreadability and seamless mixing with other ingredients.
• Garlic Intensity Control: Adjust minced garlic quantity based on personal preference; start with less, as fresh garlic can be potent and overwhelming.
• Cheese Melting Technique: Watch broiler closely during final stage to prevent burning; cheese should melt quickly and turn golden without charring.
• Bread Selection Advice: Choose a sturdy, dense bread like French or Italian loaf that can withstand butter coating and maintains structural integrity during baking.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking, Frying, Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 305
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 540 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 13 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 24 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 9 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg