There's something undeniably comforting about garlic cheese toast. Every time I prepare it, it never fails to bring a smile to my face. This recipe is beautifully simple, requiring just a handful of ingredients to create something truly mouth-watering.
The combination of buttery garlic and melted cheese atop a perfectly toasted slice of bread is simply irresistible. Whether you're winding down a busy day or looking for a quick, satisfying treat, this garlic cheese toast fits the bill perfectly.
Table of Contents
Recipe Video
Why This Recipe Works
You will love this garlic cheese toast recipe because of how flavorful it is and how customizable it is.
From the oven-roasted garlic, which serves as the star of the garlic butter, to the chipotle chilies, which add a little heat, and even the various different kinds of ooey-gooey cheeses that can be used, this recipe is packed with flavor.
And if there is a flavor that you don't like, or want more of, this recipe is so customizable that you can do just that. Add more chili flakes, remove the honey, or change up the cheese combination. Whatever your taste preferences are, you are empowered to make those changes with this recipe.
Ingredients
Roasted Garlic:
This recipe uses roasted garlic for its rich, mellow flavor and creamy texture. Unlike raw garlic, which can have a sharp and pungent taste, roasting garlic softens its flavor, imparting a sweet and caramelized essence. However, in an effort to save yourself some time and energy in the kitchen, you can omit the roasted garlic and make your garlic butter without it; just add some garlic powder to the mix instead.
Chipotle Chilies:
Chipotle chilies add a smoky, spicy kick to the garlic butter, elevating the overall taste of the cheese garlic toast. However, if they aren't available, alternatives such as smoked paprika or cayenne pepper can be used. Or if spicy isn't your thing, you can omit the chipotle chilies altogether.
Shallots:
Shallots are used in this recipe because their mild onion-like taste complements the roasted garlic beautifully, enhancing the overall complexity of the dish. If shallots are unavailable, you can substitute them with finely minced onions, leeks, green onions, or even garlic scapes for a similar flavor profile.
Cheese:
One of the key ingredients in this homemade garlic cheese toast recipe is, of course, cheese. While this recipe calls for American and cheddar cheeses, you can feel free to experiment with any cheese or combination of cheese you like. Mozzarella, parmesan, gruyere, Swiss, fontina, and pepper jack cheeses are all good melty cheeses to use.
Ciabatta:
Ciabatta is an excellent choice for this delicious garlic cheese toast due to its airy texture, chewy interior, and crisp crust. Its open crumb structure allows the garlic butter to penetrate into the bread, infusing it with flavor, while its sturdy crust provides a satisfying crunch. Alternatively, other types of bread that work well for cheese garlic toast include French bread, baguette, sourdough, or even hearty whole grain bread.
Garnishes:
The garnishes of honey, chili flakes, and green onions provide a delightful balance of flavors and textures to the toast. Feel free to experiment with anything you like as a garnish for your cheese garlic toast. Some popular choices are fresh chopped herbs like basil, parsley, cilantro, or chives, balsamic glaze, roasted tomatoes, crispy bacon, or even sliced olives.
How to Make Garlic Cheese Toast
Roasting The Garlic
Step One:
To start, use a sharp knife to slice off the top of the bulbs, exposing the cloves inside. Don't slice off too much; you want the cloves to stay connected to the base.
Step Two:
Place the garlic bulbs on aluminum foil and drizzle the olive oil on top, coating each bulb generously and season with pepper.
Step Three:
Wrap the garlic bulb tightly in the aluminum foil, creating a packet that seals in the flavors.
Step Four:
Place the foil-wrapped garlic bulbs on a baking sheet or directly on the oven rack. Roast in a preheated oven for 30-40 minutes at 400F or until the cloves are soft and caramelized.
Step Five:
Once roasted, carefully remove the garlic from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes. Then, unwrap the foil packet. The cloves should be soft and golden brown.
Step Six:
Use a fork or your fingers to gently squeeze the roasted garlic cloves out of their skins. They should come out easily.
Making the Garlic Butter
Step One:
Add the roasted garlic, chipotle chilies, shallots, garlic, butter, salt, and pepper in a food processor and grind until combined as a paste.
Making the Garlic Cheese Toast
Step One:
Start with your ciabatta loaf and slice it in half.
Step Two:
Take each slice of bread and spread a generous amount of the garlic butter on one side of each slice.
Step Three:
Place 3 cheese slices, then sprinkle shredded cheese over the garlic-buttered side of each bread slice.
Step Four:
Place the prepared bread slices on a parchment-lined baking sheet, cheese side up. Bake in a preheated oven at 350F for about 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the edges of the bread are golden brown.
Step Five:
Garnish your garlic cheese toast with a drizzle of honey and a sprinkle of chili flakes and green onion.
Step Six:
Serve while hot, and enjoy!
Tips
- Garlic cheese toast is best enjoyed fresh from the oven while the cheese is still hot and gooey. Serve it immediately to savor its irresistible flavor and texture.
- You can customize your toast with additions like chopped tomatoes, red pepper flakes, or even a drizzle of olive oil for added flavor.
What to Serve With Garlic Cheese Toast
Garlic cheese toast pairs wonderfully with a variety of dishes, adding a savory and indulgent touch to any meal. Serve it alongside comforting soups such as tomato basil soup or creamy broccoli cheddar soup for a cozy lunch or dinner combination. It also makes a delicious accompaniment to pasta dishes like spaghetti carbonara, bolognese, or creamy Alfredo pasta, adding a crispy and cheesy element to the meal.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought garlic butter for this recipe?
Yes, you can absolutely use store-bought garlic butter for this recipe. It provides convenience and saves time without compromising on flavor. Simply spread the store-bought garlic butter on the bread slices, top with cheese, and bake until melted and golden brown.
How can I make garlic cheese toast if I don't have an oven?
If you don't have an oven, you can still make delicious cheese garlic toast using a stovetop method. Simply, Preheat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Spread garlic butter on one side of each bread slice. Place the bread slices, garlic butter side down, onto the preheated skillet or griddle. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the bottom side is golden brown and crisp. Flip the bread slices over using a spatula and add the cheese. Cover the skillet or griddle with a lid or aluminum foil and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
How long can leftover toast be kept fresh?
Leftovers can be kept fresh for up to 2-3 days when stored properly. It can also be stored in the freezer for up to 1 month if longer-term storage is required.
Similar Recipes
Garlic Cheese Toast
Ingredients
Roasted Garlic
- 2 bulbs garlic
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Garlic Butter
- 1 tablespoon chipotle chilies
- 2 shallots
- 3 cloves garlic
- ½ cup butter
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
Garlic Cheese Toast
- 1 loaf ciabatta
- 6 slices American cheese
- 1 cup cheddar cheese shredded
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 teaspoon chili flakes
- 1 teaspoon green onion diced
Instructions
Roasting the Garlic
- To start, use a sharp knife to slice off the top of the bulbs, exposing the cloves inside. Don't slice off too much; you want the cloves to stay connected to the base.
- Place the garlic bulbs on aluminum foil and drizzle the olive oil on top, coating each bulb generously and season with pepper.
- Wrap the garlic bulb tightly in the aluminum foil, creating a packet that seals in the flavors.
- Place the foil-wrapped garlic bulbs on a baking sheet or directly on the oven rack. Roast in a preheated oven for 30-40 minutes at 400F or until the cloves are soft and caramelized.
- Once roasted, carefully remove the garlic from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes. Then, unwrap the foil packet. The cloves should be soft and golden brown.
- Use a fork or your fingers to gently squeeze the roasted garlic cloves out of their skins. They should come out easily.
Making the Garlic Butter
- Add the roasted garlic, chipotle chilies, shallots, garlic, butter, salt, and pepper in a food processor and grind until combined as a paste.
Making the Garlic Cheese Toast
- Start with your ciabatta loaf and slice it in half.
- Take each slice of bread and spread a generous amount of the garlic butter on one side of each slice.
- Place 3 cheese slices, then sprinkle shredded cheese over the garlic-buttered side of each bread slice.
- Place the prepared bread slices on a parchment-lined baking sheet, cheese side up. Bake in a preheated oven at 350F for about 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the edges of the bread are golden brown.
- Garnish your garlic cheese toast with a drizzle of honey and a sprinkle of chili flakes and green onion.
- Serve while hot, and enjoy!
Nutrition
Video
Notes
- Garlic cheese toast is best enjoyed fresh from the oven while the cheese is still hot and gooey. Serve it immediately to savor its irresistible flavor and texture.
- You can customize your toast with additions like chopped tomatoes, red pepper flakes, or even a drizzle of olive oil for added flavor.