Cunetto's garlic cheese bread is legendary. Its irresistible aroma and perfectly balanced flavors have made it a beloved staple for countless pizza lovers. While the exact recipe remains a closely guarded secret within the Cunetto family, we can craft a delicious approximation, capturing the essence of this culinary masterpiece. This recipe focuses on achieving that signature crispy exterior and luxuriously soft interior, loaded with garlicky, cheesy goodness.
What Makes Cunetto's Garlic Cheese Bread So Special?
The magic behind Cunetto's garlic cheese bread lies in a combination of factors:
- High-Quality Ingredients: The best garlic cheese bread starts with the freshest ingredients. Using high-quality bread, flavorful garlic, and rich cheese is paramount.
- Perfect Crust: Achieving that signature crispiness requires careful attention to baking temperature and time. The crust should be golden brown and shatteringly crisp, offering delightful contrast to the soft interior.
- Flavor Balance: The balance between garlic, cheese, and herbs is key. The garlic shouldn't overpower the other flavors, instead complementing the richness of the cheese and any added herbs.
- Secret Blend (Approximation): While the exact blend of herbs and spices is a secret, we can approximate it with a combination of common Italian herbs.
Ingredients for Amazing Garlic Cheese Bread (Inspired by Cunetto's)
This recipe uses readily available ingredients to recreate the magic of Cunetto’s garlic cheese bread. Feel free to adjust the quantities according to your preferences.
- 1 loaf of crusty Italian bread (a day or two old is ideal, for easier absorption of flavors)
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 4 cloves garlic, minced (or more, to taste!)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup grated mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions: Baking Your Own Cunetto's-Inspired Delight
Follow these steps for a delectable garlic cheese bread experience:
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Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Slice the bread loaf horizontally into about 1-inch thick slices, without cutting all the way through. This creates pockets for the cheese and garlic mixture.
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Garlic Butter Magic: In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, parsley, oregano, and basil. Season generously with salt and pepper.
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Infuse the Bread: Carefully brush the garlic butter mixture generously over all the cut surfaces of the bread loaf, ensuring each slice gets coated.
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Cheese Time: Sprinkle the Parmesan and mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the bread.
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Bake to Perfection: Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.
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Rest & Serve: Remove from the oven and let the bread rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the cheese to set slightly, making it easier to handle and enjoy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use different types of cheese?
Absolutely! Experiment with your favorite cheeses. Provolone, Romano, or even a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack can create a unique flavor profile.
How can I make the crust extra crispy?
For an extra-crispy crust, you can broil the bread for the last minute or two of baking. Keep a close watch to prevent burning. Alternatively, using a day-old bread will also help achieve a crispier crust.
What if I don't have fresh herbs?
Dried herbs can be substituted, but use about 1/3 of the amount called for in the recipe. Fresh herbs always deliver more intense flavor.
Can I prepare this ahead of time?
You can prepare the garlic butter mixture and store it in the refrigerator. Assemble the bread just before baking for the best results.
Can I freeze this bread?
Yes, you can freeze leftover garlic cheese bread. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat it in the oven or toaster oven until warmed through.
This recipe provides a delicious homage to the legendary Cunetto's garlic cheese bread. While it may not be identical to the original, it captures the essence of this culinary gem, delivering a flavorful and satisfying experience. Enjoy!
