This Parmesan Asiago Garlic Cheese Bread is the best side to go with all of your pasta and Italian dishes. It's jam-packed with flavor, simple to make, and will win over even the toughest crowd.
Ingredients
9– 10 garlic cloves, about the size of a plump cashew nut, skins left on
1/4cupgrated Asiago cheese, plus more for garnish
2teaspoonsDijon mustard
6tablespoonsunsalted butter, softened
1/4cupsgrated Parmesan cheese, plus more for garnish
1/4teaspoontable salt
1loaf Italian bread, about 1 pound, football-shaped
Ground black pepper to taste
Garlic powder to taste
2tablespoonschopped parsley
Instructions
Adjust oven rack to middle position and heat oven to 500 degrees.
Meanwhile, in a small skillet over medium heat toast unpeeled garlic cloves, shaking pan occasionally, until fragrant and color of cloves deepens slightly, about 8 minutes. When cool enough to handle, skin and mince cloves (you should have about 3 tablespoons). Using dinner fork, mash garlic, Asiago cheese, Dijon, butter, Parmesan cheese, and salt in small bowl until thoroughly combined.
Using a long serrated knife, slice the bread in half lengthwise. Spread cut sides of loaf evenly with garlic butter mixture; season to taste with pepper and garlic powder. Garnish with additional Asiago and Parmesan cheese if desired. Sprinkle with parsley. Transfer loaf halves, buttered side up, onto baking sheet; bake, reversing position of baking sheet in oven from front to back halfway through baking time, until surface of bread is golden brown and toasted, 8 to 10 minutes. Cut each half into 2-inch slices; serve immediately.
Notes
Source: adapted from Cook's Illustrated, September 1999