Step 1

Grate or mince the garlic and combine it with the olive oil, spices, herbs, and mix. Then allow it to rest and "infuse" for several minutes.

Step 2

For ciabatta garlic bread or similar bread, slice the bread lengthwise. For a baguette, you can slice it similarly or make individual slices.Alternatively, if using a loaf – like this no-knead Dutch oven bread, you can make slices into the bread every ¾-1 inch apart, slicing down to the crust without cutting through it.You could also use this topping over flatbreads like naan, pide, or even focaccia – where no slicing of the bread is necessary!

Step 3

Preheat the oven to 350ºF/180ºC.

Step 4

Use a silicone/pastry brush to brush the garlic olive oil mixture across the bread. Then sprinkle with some parmesan and mozzarella cheese.If you're using a whole loaf that's sliced "Hasselback-style," then brush the garlic bread mixture in between all the slices. You can then optionally make cuts perpendicular to the first one to create a "grid" in the bread and add more garlic oil mixture to the new bare sections. Then stuff the holes with a little cheese (similar to how I have with this "crack" bread).

Step 5

Bake the cheesy garlic bread in the oven for 5-10 minutes, until the cheese has melted and the bread is golden and crispy on the edges.For a crispier cheesy top, you could broil the garlic cheese bread for a minute or so at the end of the baking time.For air fryer garlic bread: slice the ciabatta into smaller pieces to spread in a single layer in your Air Fryer (this is best for smaller amounts; otherwise, you may have to do this in batches). Air fry at 350ºF/180ºC for 4-6 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and is golden brown.

Step 6

Make ahead: you can prepare the garlic olive oil combination 1-2 days in advance. I wouldn't recommend storing it any longer than that due to the risk of botulism. However, you could keep it in an ice-cube tray in the freezer for up to a month. Simply defrost as needed.You can also assemble the bread before baking, then flash freeze and wrap tightly to freeze for up to 3 months. Bake the bread from frozen, adding a few minutes to the baking time (oven and air fryer method).Store: this cheesy garlic bread recipe is best enjoyed fresh from the oven. However, leftovers can be wrapped and stored in the fridge for 1-2 days.Reheat: wrap the garlic cheesy bread in foil and then reheat in the oven.