Cheesy Garlic Bread With Steak Bruschetta 

A delicious combination of cheesy garlic bread topped with perfectly seasoned and seared steak with a refreshing tomato and basil bruschetta. This recipe works great as an appetizer for a crowd or as dinner for the whole family. 

Why This Recipe Works:

• Flavor Harmony: The combination of garlic’s delicious aroma, the umami-rich steak, and the bright and fresh bruschetta creates a perfect balance of flavors that complement each other, ensuring each bite is packed with a delightful taste experience.
• Textural Contrast: The crispy, toasted exterior of the garlic bread against the soft, juicy texture of the steak and tomatoes offers a satisfying contrast that enhances the overall eating experience, engaging the palate with every bite.
• Versatility: This recipe works well as both an easy appetizer for gatherings or as a luxurious addition to any meal, making it a versatile choice that can adapt to casual or formal dining settings.

Supplies Needed:

• Serrated Knife
• Small Bowl
• Large Bowl 
• Cast Iron Skillet (optional)
• Tongs
• Meat Thermometer 
• Baking Sheet
• Parchment Paper 

Ingredients:

Cheesy Garlic Garlic Bread-

• Bread: I like to use a freshly baked loaf of Italian bread or French bread from the local bakery when possible. The better the quality, the better the outcome with this recipe! 
• Roasted Garlic: I think roasting the garlic is a better balance of garlic flavor in this recipe. While making garlic confit is an extra step, it does keep the intensity and acidity of the garlic to a minimum without reducing the overall flavor. See more details below on how to make roasted garlic. 
• Butter: Use good quality butter for this recipe. Make sure the butter is softened but not melted.
• Parsley: Fresh herbs add both flavor and color to the compound butter. 
• Red Pepper Flakes: I prefer some heat to the compound butter but this is optional.
• Sea Salt
• Shredded Cheese: Use an Italian blend that has parmesan cheese, mozzarella, provolone, or asiago for a well-rounded flavor profile. 

Steak Bruschetta- 

• Steak: I used these American Wagyu flat iron steak from Raikes Beef. Any other lean steak would work well here like a NY strip, sirloin steak, skirt steak, or even a smoked tri tip would work well here. If you want to save time try adding these Instant Pot steak bites as an alternative too.
• Cherry Tomatoes: Halved cherry tomatoes work well in size for this recipe or use any other in-season tomato for the best flavor. 
• Yellow Onion
• Fresh Basil
• Olive Oil
• Salt and Pepper 

How To Make Cheesy Garlic Bread With Steak Bruschetta:

Roasting the garlic: Preheat the oven to 350 F. and add fresh garlic cloves to an oven-safe dish. Cover the garlic with olive oil and season it with a little kosher salt, red pepper flakes, and an optional sprig of fresh rosemary. Roast it in the oven until soft and golden brown, about 45 minutes. Let cool slightly before using the garlic butter. 

Making garlic butter: To make the compound butter, you can combine the softened butter, roasted garlic cloves, seasonings, and herbs in a bowl or a food processor. Mix well to combine everything.

Assembling the cheesy garlic bread: Preheat the oven to 400 F. and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. With a serrated knife, slice the bread loaf lengthwise and place it cut side up onto the baking sheet. Brush the garlic butter mixture in a thin and even layer over the top. Then sprinkle on the cheese and bake in the oven for 6-7 minutes until the cheese melts and is golden brown. If it doesn’t brown well, you can place it under the broiler on high heat for 1-2 minutes. 

Making the bruschetta: In a bowl, toss tomatoes, diced onion, and fresh basil together. Dress the tomato bruschetta with extra virgin olive oil, salt, and fresh ground pepper. 

Searing the steaks: Preheat the cast iron skillet to medium heat. Prep the steaks by lightly coating them in vegetable oil, kosher salt, and black pepper (or other steak seasoning). When the pan is preheated, sear them for about 3-5 minutes, flipping as needed until the meat reaches the desired level of doneness ( cook to medium-rare and remove them around 130 F.).  Add extra garlic butter to baste within the pan and then remove to let rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing. 

Assembling and serving:  Begin by cutting thin slices of steak and placing them on the top of the baked cheesy garlic bread. Once you have added the steak, spoon the tomato bruschetta mixture over the top to finish it off. Cut the bread slices into 2-inch slices for easy serving and enjoying. Serve with your favorite glass of red or white wine for a perfect meal or as a great appetizer. 

Variations:

Easily modify this cheesy garlic bread recipe by adding other flavors like caramelized onion, balsamic vinegar, or even a dressed arugula to the top for a fresh and peppery bite. Play around with different variations of garlic compound butter by adding different herbs or spicy Calabrian chiles. 

More Recipes To Try:

Cranberry Brie and Prosciutto Baguette

Flat Iron Steak Recipe

Garlic Chicken with Bruschetta