A Fast and Easy Side to Many Meals: Cheesy Garlic Bread

Back to work after my wonderful 'staycation' last week, there was no time for dawdling. I was thrust back into the busy pace of balancing wife/mom/assistant in a heartbeat. There are some days I daydream of that elusive house on the beach, spending my days painting in the sun room and my evenings relaxing on the deck over a shrimp dinner. Other days I find myself wishing for a home on 10 acres where my days are spent in the kitchen, the garden and with our animals, where my only concerns are making hearty meals, purchasing horse supplies from Jeffers for the animals, canning and freezing the garden harvest and walking the fields with a couple of big dogs by my side. Yet, when I got to work on Monday I found I missed my workplace too, and dived right back into my job and projects with a grin.

The pace of my current life is fast and dinners are often rushed as I exit the truck after a long day at work and stop by the freezer to grab something for dinner even before I enter the house. Often still in high heels and pearls, I whip up something for dinner, and with teenagers in the house it has to be healthy and filling. Often times a side of cheesy garlic bread fits the bill. Whether it's a pan of lasagna, steaks on the grill or shrimp alfredo, a simple garlic bread brings it all together. Best of all? No recipe needed!


Cheesy Garlic Bread

French or Italian bread, sliced
butter, softened
garlic - fresh minced or salt/powder
dried or fresh parsley
parmesan cheese, grated
mozzarella cheese, shredded
mayonnaise



I have found using a ratio of 1 stick of butter to a loaf of French bread works well. Placing the butter in a bowl, use a rubber scraper or spoon to mix in about 2-4 teaspoons of minced garlic (depending on your family's personal taste for how strong they like the garlic flavor). If you don't have fresh garlic use about a teaspoon of dried garlic powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of garlic salt. I like to add about 1/4 - 1/2 t onion powder as well. Add a dollop or two of regular mayonnaise and mix in about 1/2 cup grated parmesan and a little mozzarella or use just one of them. Again - you know what I'll say; Play with your food!! Use what you have on hand and improvise. Don't be scared.

Bake at 350 or 375 until melted and just turning golden brown. I like to broil them under the broiler for a minute or two to finish them off and get them toasty. Serve with a variety of meals!