Homemade Pepperoni Garlic Bread combines the irresistible flavors of garlic, cheese, and pepperoni with the crunch of toasted French bread. This recipe elevates the classic garlic bread to a new level, making it a perfect appetizer or side dish for various meals, especially Italian-inspired dinners.
Ingredients:
- 1 loaf of French bread
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup pepperoni slices
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: Grated Parmesan cheese
Preparation:
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius).
Step 2: Cut the French bread in half lengthwise. Place the bread halves, cut side up, on a large baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Step 3: In a small bowl, mix together the softened unsalted butter and minced garlic. Spread this garlic butter evenly over the cut sides of the French bread.
Step 4: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the garlic butter. Try to distribute the cheese evenly for uniform melting.
Step 5: Arrange the pepperoni slices over the cheese layer. You can overlap the slices slightly to ensure good coverage.
Step 6: Sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley and Italian seasoning over the top. Add a dash of salt and pepper to taste. If using, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the top for an extra cheesy flavor.
Step 7: Bake in the preheated oven for about 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the edges of the bread are golden brown.
COOKING Note: Keep an eye on the bread while it’s in the oven to prevent the edges from burning. The exact cooking time may vary depending on your oven and the size of the bread loaf.
Serving Suggestions: Serve the pepperoni garlic bread warm, either as a standalone snack, appetizer, or alongside pasta dishes, soups, or salads.
Tips:
- For an extra garlicky flavor, add a bit of garlic powder to the butter mixture.
- If you like your garlic bread spicy, consider adding red pepper flakes to the garlic butter.
- You can substitute parsley with other fresh herbs like basil or oregano for a different flavor profile.
- To reheat leftovers, warm them in the oven to retain the bread’s crispness.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes
Total Time: 20-25 minutes
Nutritional Information:
- Calories: Approximately 250-300 per serving (⅛th of the loaf).
- Protein: Approximately 10-12 grams per serving.
- Sodium: Approximately 400-500 mg per serving, mainly from the pepperoni and cheese.
Conclusion: Homemade Pepperoni Garlic Bread is a delicious and easy-to-make addition to any meal, especially Italian-themed dinners. Its combination of creamy mozzarella, spicy pepperoni, and aromatic garlic butter on crispy French bread is sure to please any crowd. This versatile dish can be customized with various toppings and is perfect for sharing with friends and family
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