Cheesy Garlic Bread Recipe
If you’re craving a crowd-pleasing, irresistible appetizer or side, Cheesy Garlic Bread is the answer every carb-lover dreams of. This classic recipe stars a crisp yet pillowy loaf of French bread, slathered with garlicky parsley butter and melted cheeses for a golden, bubbly finish. Few bites match the satisfaction of stringy mozzarella, nutty Parmesan, and that unmistakable roasted garlic aroma wafting from your oven. Whether you’re serving up Italian night or simply need a comforting treat, this recipe guarantees the kind of toasty, buttery, cheesy garlic bread that vanishes moments after it hits the table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Cheesy Garlic Bread comes from its simple, honest ingredients. Each one plays a key role, from the base of sturdy French bread to the mix of buttery richness, pungent garlic, and that gooey cheese pull everyone loves. Here’s the breakdown:
- French bread loaf: The perfect foundation—crisp on the outside, soft inside—strong enough to hold all the toppings.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, softened): Provides richness and helps meld the garlic and herbs into every nook and cranny of the bread.
- Garlic cloves (4, minced): The star of the show, delivering robust flavor and aroma in every bite.
- Fresh parsley (2 tbsp, chopped): Adds color and a pop of freshness that balances the richness of cheese and butter.
- Salt (1/2 tsp): Just the right amount to brighten and enhance the overall taste.
- Black pepper (1/4 tsp): Brings a gentle heat and earthy note that ties everything together.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (1 1/2 cups): The ultimate cheese pull—melty and gooey for that classic Cheesy Garlic Bread experience.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup): Adds savory depth and a slightly nutty, salty finish.
How to Make Cheesy Garlic Bread
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This high temperature gives you perfectly melted cheese and a golden crust in just over ten minutes, making Cheesy Garlic Bread as convenient as it is delicious.
Step 2: Mix the Garlic Butter
In a small bowl, combine the softened unsalted butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper. Use a fork or spatula to mash everything together until it forms a fully blended, fragrant spread. This is where the magic begins—the butter acts as the carrier for all that flavor, infusing every bite with garlicky goodness.
Step 3: Prepare the Bread
Slice your French bread loaf in half lengthwise, creating two long, open faces ready for toppings. Lay them cut-side up on a baking sheet. With a spoon or spatula, spread the garlic butter mixture generously over the entire surface of both bread halves, making sure every inch is covered. This is the secret to that crave-worthy flavor in every bite!
Step 4: Add the Cheese
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly across both buttered bread halves. Next, scatter the grated Parmesan cheese over the mozzarella, making sure you get to the very edges for those coveted golden-brown ends. The blend of cheeses ensures that blissful combination of gooey stretch and punchy flavor in your Cheesy Garlic Bread.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Place the prepared bread halves in the oven (cut side up) and bake for 10 to 12 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the cheese is fully melted and lightly bubbling. For an extra burst of golden color and a bit of crisp, switch on your broiler for an additional 1 to 2 minutes—just watch closely so it doesn’t burn. Remove, let cool slightly, then slice and serve your Cheesy Garlic Bread while it’s warm and irresistible.
How to Serve Cheesy Garlic Bread
Garnishes
After baking, a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley adds a bit of color and a final touch of garden-fresh flavor. For a spicy twist, consider a pinch of red pepper flakes or a light drizzle of olive oil right before serving. These little extras can make your Cheesy Garlic Bread look and taste restaurant-worthy.
Side Dishes
This savory bread is the ultimate companion for pastas, soups, and salads. Try serving it alongside a classic spaghetti marinara, a hearty lasagna, or a fresh Caesar salad. The garlicky, cheesy notes pair wonderfully with tomato-based dishes and crisp, bright greens.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress, slice the bread into bite-sized cubes and serve on a platter with toothpicks for sharing. Or, try arranging the slices in a bread basket lined with a colorful napkin. For a fun twist, cut the bread into sticks for dipping in marinara or creamy sauces—it gives a playful, game-day vibe to your Cheesy Garlic Bread presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftover Cheesy Garlic Bread, store slices in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in foil. Keep them in the refrigerator for up to three days—just make sure to get them fully cool before storing so they retain as much texture as possible.
Freezing
Want to have Cheesy Garlic Bread at your fingertips? Arrange fully assembled but unbaked bread halves on a baking sheet, then freeze until solid. Wrap in plastic wrap and foil before transferring to a freezer bag. When you crave cheesy comfort, bake straight from frozen, adding a couple extra minutes to the oven time.
Reheating
To bring leftover bread back to life, pop slices in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes until warmed and the cheese is once more gooey. For extra crispness, broil for a minute. Avoid the microwave if you want to keep that glorious crunch and melty cheese texture.
FAQs
Can I use a different kind of bread for Cheesy Garlic Bread?
Absolutely! While French bread gives you that classic texture, you can swap in ciabatta, Italian bread, or even a rustic sourdough for an earthier twist. Just choose a loaf with enough body to hold up under the weight of the toppings.
What’s the best way to keep the underside of the bread from getting soggy?
To ensure a crisp bottom, bake your Cheesy Garlic Bread on a wire rack set over a baking sheet. This lets air circulate underneath, keeping your crust crisp rather than soggy from trapped steam.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes! Substitute your favorite vegan butter, use a plant-based cheese blend, and skip the Parmesan or use a dairy-free alternative. Vegan Cheesy Garlic Bread is just as comforting—simply adjust baking time as needed to fully melt the cheese.
How should I reheat Cheesy Garlic Bread for the best results?
The oven is your friend here! Place slices on a baking sheet and reheat at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes to restore melty cheese and a crispy edge. Broil briefly at the end for extra golden brown spots.
Can I add other toppings to my Cheesy Garlic Bread?
Of course! Try adding thinly sliced tomatoes, a handful of chopped olives, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes before baking for an extra burst of flavor and color. Get creative and make your Cheesy Garlic Bread your own signature treat!
Final Thoughts
Once you’ve experienced the easy joy of homemade Cheesy Garlic Bread, you’ll never look at store-bought the same way again. Gather your ingredients, invite some friends, and treat yourself to this cheesy, garlicky masterpiece. One slice is never enough—so go ahead, bake a double batch!
Print
Cheesy Garlic Bread Recipe
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 8 slices 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Cheesy Garlic Bread recipe is a crowd-pleasing side dish that’s easy to make and bursting with savory flavors. Crispy French bread is slathered with a garlic herb butter, topped with a generous amount of melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, and baked to perfection. It’s the ultimate comfort food for any occasion.
Ingredients
French Bread:
- 1 loaf French bread halved lengthwise
Garlic Herb Butter:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Cheese Topping:
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Prepare Garlic Butter: In a small bowl, mix softened butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Assemble Bread: Spread the garlic butter mixture evenly over both halves of the bread. Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top.
- Bake: Place the bread halves on a baking sheet, cut side up. Bake for 10–12 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Broil: For a golden top, broil for 1–2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Serve: Slice and serve warm.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or drizzle with olive oil before baking.
- You can use Italian blend cheese instead of mozzarella for variation.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 390mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
