Cheesy Garlic Gondolas with Herbs and Parmesan
Garlic Gondolas
Golden, boat-shaped bread stuffed with garlic butter and melted mozzarella. The ultimate crowd-pleasing side.
Nutrition (per serving)
Garlic Gondolas are a whimsical and delicious twist on classic garlic bread. By hollowing out individual rolls into boat shapes, you create a perfect vessel for a rich, herb-infused garlic butter and a generous amount of gooey cheese. The result is a snack that is wonderfully crunchy on the outside while remaining soft and buttery on the inside, making it impossible to stop at just one.
I love serving these at dinner parties or as a fun appetizer for game day. They feel a bit more special than a standard loaf of garlic bread, and because they are individually portioned, they're easy for guests to grab and enjoy. You can even customize them with different cheeses or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a little kick. Get ready for your kitchen to smell absolutely incredible while these bake to golden perfection!
Ingredients
- Demi-baguettes or hoagie rolls:4 pieces
- Unsalted butter, softened:½ cup
- Garlic cloves, minced:4 pieces
- Fresh parsley, finely chopped:2 tbsp
- Shredded mozzarella cheese:1.5 cups
- Grated Parmesan cheese:¼ cup
- Red pepper flakes:¼ tsp
- Kosher salt:¼ tsp
Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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Using a sharp paring knife, cut a long V-shaped wedge out of the top of each roll, being careful not to cut all the way through to the bottom. Remove the excess bread to create a hollow 'boat' or gondola shape.
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In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, and kosher salt. Mash with a fork until the mixture is well-combined and creamy.
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Spread a generous tablespoon of the garlic butter inside each bread boat, coating the interior walls thoroughly.
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Fill each boat with a mix of shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese, pressing down slightly so it stays tucked inside.
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Sprinkle the tops with red pepper flakes and any remaining parsley.
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Place the gondolas on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the bread is toasted and the cheese is bubbly and starting to brown.
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Remove from the oven and let cool for a minute before serving warm.
Tips & Notes
- Don't throw away the bread you scooped out! Toss the pieces with a little olive oil and salt, then bake them alongside the gondolas to make homemade croutons.
- For an extra layer of flavor, try adding a thin slice of pepperoni or a leaf of fresh basil inside the boat before adding the cheese.
- Make sure your butter is truly soft (but not melted) to ensure it spreads easily without tearing the soft interior of the bread.
