Cheesy Garlic Bread Recipe
If you’ve ever craved a snack that’s outrageously satisfying and impossible to resist, Cheesy Garlic Bread is your answer. Crisp on the outside, buttery inside, perfumed with garlic and melting with gooey cheese, this classic side is just as welcome at a dinner party as it is on a quiet weeknight in. Each bite gives you perfect contrast: warm, chewy bread layered with a generous mix of mozzarella and parmesan, all topped off with fragrant parsley. Trust me, you’ll want this recipe in your arsenal for every pasta night, pizza party, or anytime you just want to delight your tastebuds!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Cheesy Garlic Bread lies in its simplicity — every ingredient is purposeful, bringing either punchy flavor, creamy texture, or those show-stopping cheesy pulls. Here’s what you’ll need and why it matters:
- French or Italian Bread (14 oz): The ideal vessel, sturdy enough to hold all the toppings but soft enough inside to soak up butter and cheese.
- Salted Butter (1/4 cup, softened): For that rich, decadent bite and perfectly golden crust.
- Olive Oil (2 Tbsp): Adds fruitiness and helps infuse every crumb with flavor.
- Minced Garlic (2 tsp or 1 tsp granulated garlic): The heart of the dish — fresh or granulated, this brings all the aroma and zing.
- Salt & Freshly Ground Black Pepper: Essential for rounding out the flavor — season as liberally as you like.
- Shredded Mozzarella Cheese (1 1/4 cups): For that irresistible melt and cheese pull everyone loves.
- Finely Shredded Parmesan Cheese (1/3 cup): Adds sharpness and savory depth that makes Cheesy Garlic Bread next-level good.
- Fresh Parsley (1 Tbsp, finely chopped): The garnish that brings a splash of color and fresh herb flavor right at the end.
How to Make Cheesy Garlic Bread
Step 1: Prepare the Bread and Oven
Start by heating your oven to 400 degrees F. Take your loaf of French or Italian bread and slice it in half lengthwise, so you get two long pieces. Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil (overlapping two sheets, about 24 inches each), then lay your bread cut-side up on top. This setup gets you perfect, even baking and makes cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Make the Garlic Butter
In a mixing bowl, combine softened butter, olive oil, your minced (or granulated) garlic, salt, and a good pinch of freshly ground black pepper. Give it all a stir until completely combined. Then, generously spoon and spread this mixture over the cut sides of both bread halves, making sure even the edges get some love — you don’t want those to burn or dry out.
Step 3: Bake to Perfection
Wrap the foil up and over the bread, sealing it snugly and rolling up the ends. Pop the tray in the oven and bake for 10 minutes. The foil traps the steam, helping the bread absorb all that garlicky, buttery goodness while staying soft.
Step 4: Top with Cheese and Broil
Carefully remove the baking sheet from the oven, open up the foil, and roll it inward to expose the bread. Sprinkle mozzarella and parmesan cheese evenly over both halves — be as generous as you wish. Return the bread to the oven, uncovered, for another 5 to 6 minutes. For that crave-worthy, golden finish, broil the bread during the last 1 to 2 minutes, but don’t walk away! Watch closely so the cheese turns perfectly bubbly and lightly browned.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Finish strong by scattering freshly chopped parsley over the hot, cheesy top. Cut your Cheesy Garlic Bread into slices and serve while it’s still warm and melty. Try not to eat it all before sharing!
How to Serve Cheesy Garlic Bread
Garnishes
Once your Cheesy Garlic Bread is golden and bubbling, extra touches can send it over the top. A sprinkling of more fresh parsley is classic for color and freshness. For extra zing, consider a dusting of crushed red pepper flakes or a drizzle of good-quality olive oil right before serving. Even a light grate of lemon zest can work wonders if you love a touch of brightness.
Side Dishes
This bread is the ultimate accessory to saucy pasta dishes like spaghetti marinara, lasagna, or creamy fettuccine. It’s also amazing alongside soups — think tomato basil or minestrone — where you can dunk to your heart’s content. And don’t forget pizza night! Cheesy Garlic Bread and a fresh green salad make it a complete meal.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to switch things up, slice your loaf into thick sticks before baking and serve as dippable “cheesy breadsticks” with warm marinara or ranch on the side. For gatherings, try creating a pull-apart loaf by cutting a checkerboard pattern through the bread, stuffing the crevices with cheese and garlic butter before baking. It’s guaranteed to impress at parties or potlucks!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you somehow have leftovers (a rare feat!), let the Cheesy Garlic Bread cool completely. Store slices in an airtight container or wrap tightly in foil. They’ll keep well in the refrigerator for up to three days without sacrificing too much texture.
Freezing
This recipe is wonderfully freezer-friendly. To freeze, assemble the bread with garlic butter and cheese but don’t bake. Wrap tightly in foil and place in a freezer bag. When you’re ready to enjoy, just bake straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time until piping hot and golden.
Reheating
To bring leftover Cheesy Garlic Bread back to its former glory, pop slices on a baking sheet and bake at 350 degrees F for 8 to 10 minutes, or until heated through and the cheese is melty again. For a crispier texture, you can even toast under the broiler for 1 to 2 minutes, watching carefully so the cheese doesn’t burn.
FAQs
What’s the best type of bread for Cheesy Garlic Bread?
A hearty, crusty French or Italian loaf works best — it holds up to all the butter and cheese while delivering that soft center and crispy exterior.
Can I use pre-shredded cheese?
Absolutely! While freshly shredded cheese melts more smoothly, pre-shredded mozzarella or parmesan will still create deliciously melty, bubbly Cheesy Garlic Bread with minimal fuss.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?
You bet! Swap the butter for a plant-based version, choose olive oil, use your favorite vegan cheeses, and check that your bread is dairy-free to enjoy a fantastic vegan Cheesy Garlic Bread.
How do I prevent my bread from getting soggy?
Be sure to bake the bread uncovered after adding the cheese. The open heat helps melt the cheese and toasts the edges, keeping the bread from turning soggy underneath all the toppings.
Can I add other herbs or toppings?
Definitely! Try mixing in basil, thyme, or oregano into your garlic butter. Some folks also love adding chopped sun-dried tomatoes, sliced olives, or even a sprinkle of chili flakes for an extra kick.
Final Thoughts
Cheesy Garlic Bread is the kind of recipe that everyone should have up their sleeve — simple, quick, and absolutely crowd-pleasing. Whether you’re planning a comfort-food dinner or just want something special on the side, I promise this one always hits the spot. Give it a try and don’t be surprised if your friends and family start requesting it at every meal!
Print
Cheesy Garlic Bread Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious and cheesy garlic bread recipe that’s perfect for any occasion. This easy recipe combines the flavors of garlic, butter, and two types of cheese on a crispy French bread base.
Ingredients
Bread:
- 1 (14 oz) loaf French bread (or Italian bread)
Garlic Butter:
- 1/4 cup salted butter, softened
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- 2 tsp minced garlic (or 1 tsp granulated garlic)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Cheese Topping:
- 1 1/4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/3 cup finely shredded parmesan cheese
- 1 Tbsp finely chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Slice the bread in half lengthwise.
- Prepare bread: Place the bread halves on a foil-lined baking sheet.
- Make garlic butter: In a bowl, mix butter, olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper. Spread this mixture over the bread halves.
- Bake: Wrap the bread in foil and bake for 10 minutes. Then, uncover the bread, sprinkle with cheeses, and bake for an additional 5-6 minutes until cheese is melted.
- Finish: Sprinkle parsley over the top, slice, and serve warm.
Notes
- For extra flavor, you can add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or dried herbs to the garlic butter mixture.
- Make sure to watch the bread closely while broiling to prevent burning.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 240
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 430mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 19g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: Cheesy Garlic Bread, Garlic Bread Recipe, Cheesy Bread, Appetizer, Party Food
