Vermont Cheddar Herb Garlic Bread on the Arteflame

Introduction

If you're looking to elevate your traditional garlic bread, this Grilled Vermont Cheddar & Herb Garlic Bread made entirely on the Arteflame grill is your new go-to recipe. With a perfectly even sear from the flat steel griddle cooktop and the rich flavor of Cabot Vermont cheddar, this garlic bread is a delicious, crispy, golden masterpiece that pairs perfectly with grilled meats or veggies. The Arteflame makes grilling easy—with different heat zones and no mess—so nothing gets overcooked or burnt. Let’s fire it up the right way and dive in!

Ingredients

• 1 loaf of crusty artisan bread (ciabatta or sourdough)
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
• 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
• 1.5 cups shredded Cabot Vermont Sharp Cheddar
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
• 1 tsp thyme leaves
• Salt to taste
• Optional: Crushed red pepper flakes for heat

Instructions

Step 1: Fire up the Arteflame grill

1. Place three paper napkins in the center of the Arteflame grill.
2. Pour vegetable oil over the napkins.
3. Stack firewood over the napkins.
4. Light the napkins and allow the grill to heat up for about 20 minutes until the flat top surface reaches optimal grilling temps.

Step 2: Prepare the garlic butter

1. In a small bowl, mix the melted butter, minced garlic, salt, parsley, and thyme together.
2. Allow it to sit while you prep the bread to let the flavors infuse.

Step 3: Prep the bread

1. Slice the artisan loaf lengthwise into halves.
2. Place them cut-side up on a cutting board.
3. Brush the garlic herb butter mixture generously over the cut sides.

Step 4: Add the cheese

1. Sprinkle the shredded Cabot Vermont Cheddar evenly across both bread halves.
2. Add a light layer of crushed red pepper flakes if you want a bit of heat.

Step 5: Grill the bread on the Arteflame

1. Place the bread, cut side up, on the flat cooktop griddle.
2. Push the bread closer to the hotter inner zone near the center grill for a quicker melt and crispy finish.
3. Grill for 8–10 minutes, rotating as needed for even browning. Cheese should be melty and bubbling, and the crust golden and crisp.
4. Remove using grill tongs once perfectly crisped.

Tips

• Don’t place the bread cheese-side down—keep the toppings upward to avoid mess and preserve the layers.
• Use the inner edge of the cooktop for a crispier finish; outer ring if you want a more gently grilled bread.
• Add a touch of extra butter to the cooktop underneath the bread to amplify flavor and ensure even browning.

Variations

1. Spicy Sriracha Cheddar Bread: Add a drizzle of sriracha to the garlic butter for a spicy kick.
2. Bacon Cheddar Herb Bread: Add pre-cooked crumbled bacon before grilling for a satisfying smoky crunch.
3. Smoked Gouda Garlic Bread: Swap out the cheddar for smoked gouda for a deeper, smokier flavor.
4. Blue Cheese & Thyme Bread: Use blue cheese crumbles for a bold herbal taste with tart richness.
5. Caprese Grilled Bread: Add fresh tomato slices and basil with mozzarella instead of cheddar.

Best pairings

• Reverse-seared ribeye steak done on the Arteflame center grill grate
• Grilled asparagus or broccolini with lemon zest
• Chilled glass of Vermont hard cider
• Rustic tomato soup (also can be grilled/simmered in a cast iron bowl on the flat top)

Conclusion

This Grilled Vermont Cheddar & Herb Garlic Bread is simple, smoky, and packed with flavor—grilled to perfection on your Arteflame. With the ease of the Arteflame cooktop and no need for extra cookware, this dish is a fan favorite that’s great for cookouts, steak dinners, or even a snack. Just remember: cheese, butter, and fire are best friends here.