Cheesy Garlic Bread Boats
You know when you get a craving for something and you just can’t get it out of your head. That was me with cheesy garlic bread. So I finally made it, and even with aggressive heartburn that ensued, it was so totally worth it. Pair this extra cheesy marinara dunked garlic bread boat with a glass (or 3) of Montepulciano D’Abruzzo - a classic medium-bodied Italian red wine style that is both rich and food-friendly, with spiced fruit notes and well-integrated tannins. The fat from the garlic butter and cheese help to soften the those tannins, while the wine’s acidity cleanses the palate between bites, making this an oh-so-crushable pairing. Get the wine here:
Collefrisio Montepulciano D’Abruzzo (featured in video). Available in my store front: StephtheSommelier | Highlander Wine & Spirits
US Alternative: Tenuta Ulisse Sogno di Ulisse Montepulciano D’Abruzzo. Available here at wine.com.
Cheesy Garlic Bread Boat
Ingredients
- Loaf of fresh Italian bread
- 4-5 garlic cloves, pressed
- 1/4 cup softened butter
- 1/2-1 cup shredded Mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded old Cheddar cheese
- 1 tsp dried parsley
- 1/2 cup marinara sauce (for dipping)
Instructions
- Cut off the top third of the loaf of bread (save for another recipe). Using your hands, remove some of the bread’s filling to create a shallow 'boat'
- Spread a generous amount of garlic butter all over the exposed part of the loaf.
- Cover with all three cheeses, finishing with a layer of Mozzarella. Top with a sprinkling of dried parsley.
- Bake at 375 for 10 minutes or until cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Remove from oven and let cool for 2-3 minutes. Slice into strips and enjoy with a marinara dipping sauce and a glass (or 3) of Montepulciano D’Abruzzo!
