Mozzarella and Basil Bread

Are you a fan of Garlic Bread? I am! I just love a tasty garlic bread, especially when we are having pasta!



You pay a premium price for garlic bread in the shops, but it really isn't all that difficult to make at home. All you need is a good loaf of crusty bread, some softened butter and crushed garlic. Mix the garlic and butter together. Slice the bread in half through the middle, spread on the butter mixture and then heat in the oven until it's crispy and golden. Easy peasy, lemon squeasy!!



You can jazz it up by adding things to it as well. I have often added grated Parmesan cheese to mine, and I've even seen it done with gooey cheddar and artichokes added.



Yesterday I added mozzarella cheese and fresh basil, and then I stuffed the cheesy butter down in between slits I had cut into the loaf, as per a recipe I had seen in the summer issue of BBC Easy Cook magazine.



As if that weren't scrummy enough, I wrapped it in foil and tossed it onto the barbeque along with everything else!! (Tasty and a bit smoky and oh so crispy good!)



I served it up with some grilled sirloin steaks. It was fabulous! Delicious need not be complicated!



*Mozzarella and Basil Bread*
Serves 8
Printable Recipe

A delicious version of garlic and cheese bread that you can cook on the outdoor grill or in the oven. Oh so scrummy yummy!

150g of butter, softened (10 1/2 TBS)
two 125g balls of mozzarella, torn into small bits (the fresh mozzarella, each about 2 1/2 inches in diameter)
2 cloves garlic, peeled and crushed
small handful of fresh basil, chopped
salt and black pepper
2 french baguettes

Mix together the butter, mozzarella, garlic and basil. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Cut diagonal slices into, but not all the way through, the bread. Push a bit of the cheesy butter into each cut. Double wrap in foil and pop onto the barbeque. Cook for about 20 minutes, until the bread is golden and crisp and the cheese has melted.

Alternately you may double wrap in foil and place on a baking tray. Bake in a 220*C/425*F/ gas mark 8 oven for 20 to 25 minutes.