Description
This Cheddar & Harissa Garlic Bread recipe transforms a crusty white bread loaf into a spicy, cheesy delight perfect for sharing. Infused with aromatic garlic, rich harissa-spiked butter, and a gooey cheese blend, this oven-baked treat combines bold flavors and crispy textures for a satisfying appetizer or snack.
Ingredients
Scale
Bread
- 500g Morrisons Market Street round crusty loaf of white bread (a sourdough boule works well)
Butter Mixture
- 100g salted butter, softened
- 2–3 tbsp harissa (adjust according to preferred spice level)
- 3 large garlic cloves, grated
Cheese
- 75g mature cheddar, coarsely grated
- 75g grated mozzarella
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 190°C (170°C fan) or gas mark 5 to ensure it’s ready for baking the bread.
- Score the Bread: Using a serrated knife, cut the bread loaf at 2cm diagonal intervals almost through the loaf, then repeat in the opposite diagonal direction to create a diamond pattern. Place the scored loaf on a baking tray lined with baking parchment.
- Prepare Butter Mixture: In a small bowl, beat together the softened butter, harissa, and grated garlic using a spatula or wooden spoon. Season lightly with salt and pepper to enhance the flavors.
- Fill the Bread: Spread the harissa-garlic butter mixture generously into the cuts of the scored bread. Sprinkle the mature cheddar and mozzarella cheeses into the gaps and over the top of the loaf ensuring every crevice is filled with butter and cheese.
- Wrap and Bake: Wrap the prepared loaf well in foil to trap steam and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes to allow the butter to melt and infuse the bread.
- Unwrap and Brown: Carefully remove the foil from the top of the loaf and return it to the oven for an additional 10 minutes to let the cheese melt completely and turn golden and gooey.
- Serve: Serve the cheesy harissa garlic bread whole to encourage sharing and tearing, making it an ideal communal snack or starter.
Notes
- Use a serrated knife to make clean cuts without crushing the bread.
- Adjust the amount of harissa to control the spice level.
- Wrapping the bread in foil helps retain moisture while baking.
- For a crispier crust, ensure the foil is removed during the last 10 minutes of baking.
- Serve the bread warm for the best gooey cheese experience.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
Keywords: cheddar garlic bread, harissa bread, spicy garlic bread, cheesy garlic bread, baked bread appetizer
