Garlic Cheese Bread (Sarımsaklı Kaşarlı Ekmek)

Ingredients

• 1 Loaf of bread (Large loaf or Ciabatta; stale bread works best)
• 1 head Garlic (Cloves peeled)
• 3 tbsp Olive oil (For roasting garlic)
• 2 tbsp Butter (Softened)
• Salt (To taste)
• Black pepper (To taste)
• Red pepper flakes (Pul biber; plus extra for topping)
• 1 pinch Parsley (Finely chopped)
• 1.5 cup Mozzarella cheese (Grated (or Kaşar cheese))

Steps

1. 1

   Peel the garlic cloves from one whole head.

2. 2

   Place the garlic cloves in a pan with 3 tablespoons of olive oil. Sauté over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the garlic is softened and lightly browned. Watch closely as they cook very quickly.

3. 3

   Remove the garlic from the heat and allow it to cool.

4. 4

   In a small bowl, mash the roasted garlic and mix it with the softened butter, salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes, and finely chopped parsley until a smooth paste forms.

5. 5

   Preheat your oven to 230°C (450°F).

6. 6

   Slice the bread loaf in half lengthwise and place both halves on a baking sheet.

7. 7

   Spread the garlic-butter mixture evenly over the cut sides of the bread.

8. 8

   Sprinkle a generous amount of grated mozzarella (or kaşar) cheese over the top. You can sprinkle additional red pepper flakes if desired.

9. 9

   Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

10. 10

    Serve immediately while hot.

Notes

The author suggests using stale bread as it absorbs the garlic butter better and provides a superior texture. While the recipe calls for Kaşar cheese, Mozzarella is a perfect substitute.

Nutrition per serving

• appetizer
• side dish
• garlic bread
• vegetarian
• baked
• comfort food