- In a large mixing bowl, combine softened butter, grated mozzarella cheese, chopped garlic, crushed pepper, mixed herbs, and chopped cilantro. Mix well.
- Spread 2 tablespoons of the garlic-cheese mixture evenly on each bread slice.
- Heat a tawa or skillet, add butter, and place the bread slices with the mixture side up. Cover and cook on low heat for 3-5 minutes, or until the cheese melts.
- Alternatively, preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and bake the prepared slices for 10-12 minutes, or until golden and bubbly.
- Once cooked, remove from heat, cut into desired shapes, and serve immediately.
- Calories:250 kcal25%
- Energy:1046 kJ22%
- Protein:8 g28%
- Carbohydrates:20 mg40%
- Sugar:2 mg8%
- Salt:300 g25%
- Fat:15 g20%
Last Updated on 3 months by Neha Deshmukh
Garlic Mozzarella Toast Recipe – Easy Indian-Style Cheese Bread
Hey everyone! If you’re anything like me, you’re always on the lookout for a quick, satisfying snack. And honestly, this Garlic Mozzarella Toast? It’s become a total staple in my kitchen. It’s ridiculously easy, packed with flavour, and just… comforting. I first made this when I was craving something cheesy and didn’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. It’s been a hit ever since!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This isn’t just any cheese toast. We’re taking simple ingredients and giving them a little Indian twist with fresh coriander and a generous dose of garlic. It’s the perfect balance of cheesy goodness and aromatic spices. Plus, it’s ready in under 10 minutes – perfect for those unexpected guests or a quick evening treat. Seriously, who doesn’t love a good cheese toast?
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this deliciousness:
- 4 bread slices
- 2 tbsp butter (plus 1 tsp for cooking)
- ¾ – 1 cup mozzarella cheese, grated (about 90-120g)
- 5 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- ½ – 1 tsp pepper, crushed (adjust to your spice preference)
- 1 tsp mixed herbs
- 2 tbsp coriander, finely chopped
Ingredient Notes
Let’s talk ingredients for a sec, because little things can make a big difference!
Mozzarella Cheese Varieties
You can use any type of mozzarella you like! Low-moisture, part-skim mozzarella melts beautifully and gives a classic stretch. Fresh mozzarella is amazing too, but it releases more moisture, so you might want to pat it dry with a paper towel before using.
The Role of Coriander (Cilantro) in Indian Flavors
Coriander is a cornerstone of Indian cuisine. It adds a bright, fresh flavour that cuts through the richness of the cheese and garlic. Don’t skip it! If you’re not a fan, a little chopped parsley can work in a pinch, but it won’t be quite the same.
Garlic – Regional Indian Preferences
Garlic is huge in Indian cooking. Some regions prefer a milder flavour, while others (like me!) love a really pungent kick. Feel free to adjust the amount of garlic to your liking. I often add an extra clove or two!
Butter – Salted vs. Unsalted & Clarified Butter (Ghee) Option
I usually use salted butter for this recipe, as it adds a nice flavour. If you’re using unsalted, you might want to add a pinch of salt to the cheese mixture. For an extra special touch, try using ghee (clarified butter) – it adds a beautiful nutty flavour.
Mixed Herbs – Choosing the Right Blend
Italian herb blends work wonderfully here. You can also use a mix of dried oregano, basil, and thyme. Feel free to experiment and find your favourite combination!
Step-By-Step Instructions
Alright, let’s get cooking!
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, grated mozzarella cheese, chopped garlic, crushed pepper, mixed herbs, and chopped coriander. Mix everything together really well – you want all those flavours evenly distributed.
- Now, spread about 2 tablespoons of that glorious garlic-cheese mixture evenly onto each bread slice. Don’t be shy!
- If using a tawa/skillet: Heat a tawa or skillet over low heat. Add the extra teaspoon of butter. Place the bread slices on the tawa, mixture-side up. Cover and cook for 3-5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- If baking: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Place the prepared bread slices on a baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly.
- Once cooked, remove from the heat (or oven!). Cut into desired shapes – triangles, squares, whatever you fancy! – and serve immediately.
Expert Tips
- Softened Butter is Key: Make sure your butter is properly softened. It’ll make mixing everything together so much easier.
- Low and Slow: Cooking on low heat (whether on the tawa or in the oven) ensures the cheese melts completely without burning the bread.
- Fresh is Best: Freshly chopped garlic and coriander really elevate the flavour.
Variations
This recipe is super versatile! Here are a few ideas to spice things up:
Vegan Garlic “Mozzarella” Toast
My friend, Priya, is vegan and loves this recipe with a cashew-based mozzarella alternative. It works beautifully!
Gluten-Free Garlic Mozzarella Toast
Simply use your favourite gluten-free bread. There are some fantastic options available these days.
Spice Level Adjustment – Adding Green Chilies
If you like a bit of heat, finely chop a green chili and add it to the cheese mixture. My brother loves this!
Festival Adaptations – A Quick Party Snack
Cut the toast into smaller squares or triangles for easy snacking at parties. It’s always a crowd-pleaser.
Serving Suggestions
This toast is fantastic on its own, but it also pairs well with:
- A simple tomato soup
- A side salad
- A cup of chai (tea) – my personal favourite!
Storage Instructions
Honestly, this is best enjoyed fresh. But if you must store leftovers, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to a day. Reheat in the oven or a skillet to restore some of the crispness.
FAQs
Let’s answer some common questions!
What type of bread works best for this toast?
Any bread you like! White bread, whole wheat, sourdough – they all work well. I prefer a slightly thicker slice of bread, as it can hold more of the cheesy goodness.
Can I make this ahead of time?
You can prepare the cheese mixture ahead of time and store it in the fridge. But I recommend assembling and cooking the toast just before serving for the best results.
Can I use a different cheese instead of mozzarella?
Absolutely! Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even a blend of cheeses would be delicious.
What’s the best way to melt the cheese – tawa or oven?
Both work great! The tawa is quicker and gives a slightly crispier base. The oven is more hands-off and melts the cheese more evenly.
How can I adjust the garlic flavor to my preference?
Simply adjust the amount of garlic you use! Start with 5 cloves and add more if you like a stronger flavour.
Enjoy! I really hope you give this recipe a try. Let me know what you think in the comments below. Happy cooking!