Ingredients
Method
- Preheat and Prepare: First, preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C fan). Line a large baking tray with parchment paper. This will catch any cheese drips and make cleaning up much easier.
- Slice the Bread: Slice your loaf of bread in half horizontally, creating two long, flat pieces. Place them cut-side up on the prepared baking tray.
- Create the Garlic Butter: In a small bowl, combine the softened salted butter, minced fresh garlic, garlic powder, dried oregano, and a pinch of black pepper. Mash everything together with a fork until it's well combined and forms a smooth paste. What works best for me is to ensure the butter is truly at room temperature, making it effortless to mix.
- Spread the Butter: Divide the garlic butter mixture evenly between the two halves of the bread. Use the back of a spoon or a knife to spread it all the way to the edges. Don't be shy here; a generous layer is what we want!
- Toast Lightly (Optional but Recommended): For an extra-crisp base that doesn't go soggy, place the bread in the preheated oven for 5 minutes. This initial toast creates a slight barrier for the cheese.
- Add the Cheeses: In a separate bowl, toss together the grated mozzarella and grated mature cheddar. Sprinkle this cheese mixture evenly over the garlic butter-covered bread.
- Bake to Perfection: Place the baking tray back into the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted, bubbling, and just starting to turn golden brown in spots.
- Garnish and Serve: Carefully remove the tray from the oven. Sprinkle the freshly chopped parsley over the hot cheese. Let it rest for a minute or two before slicing into generous portions and serving immediately while it's warm and gooey.
Notes
Best served immediately while warm and gooey. Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat in the oven for best results.
