Cheesy Garlic Bread Recipe
If you’ve ever craved the irresistible aroma and gooey pull of fresh Cheesy Garlic Bread, you’re in the right place! This classic comfort side instantly elevates any meal with its crusty edges, pillowy soft center, savory garlic butter, and two kinds of melty cheese. Whether you’re pairing it with pasta, serving it at a party, or just enjoying it as an indulgent snack, Cheesy Garlic Bread always steals the show with that unbeatable combination of flavors and textures.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe comes together with just a handful of simple, powerhouse ingredients. Each one contributes a burst of flavor, beautiful color, or perfect bite, so you get restaurant-quality Cheesy Garlic Bread with minimal fuss.
- French or Italian bread: Sturdy loaves hold up to toppings and bake up with that classic chewy texture and golden crust.
- Unsalted butter: Softened butter melds all the flavors together and gives richness to every bite.
- Garlic cloves: Fresh minced garlic infuses the bread with savory, aromatic punch (skip the jarred stuff if you can!).
- Fresh parsley: Chopped parsley brightens everything up with its herby green pop.
- Olive oil: Just a drizzle helps the butter spread beautifully and adds depth of flavor.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: The key to that signature gooey, stretchy cheesy layer.
- Shredded Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty note and browns beautifully in the oven.
- Salt: Just a pinch highlights all the savory notes.
- Red pepper flakes (optional): For a little extra kick and a pop of color as a finishing touch.
How to Make Cheesy Garlic Bread
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Bread
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C), so it’s nice and hot for baking. Grab your French or Italian bread and slice it in half lengthwise. Place the halves cut-side up on a large baking sheet—this gives you plenty of surface area for the garlicky goodness and cheese to cling to.
Step 2: Whip Up the Garlic Butter
In a small bowl, combine the softened butter with olive oil, minced garlic, chopped parsley, and just a pinch of salt. Give it a good stir until everything’s totally blended—this mixture is where all the bold flavors come together. Don’t rush this step: a well-mixed garlic butter means flavor in every bite!
Step 3: Spread the Flavor
Generously slather the garlic butter all over the cut sides of the bread. Make sure to spread it right to the edges for maximum flavor! This buttery base sets the stage for the cheese to melt, bubble, and brown perfectly.
Step 4: Pile on the Cheese
Evenly sprinkle the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the buttered bread. Don’t be shy here—cover every inch for a truly Cheesy Garlic Bread experience! The mozzarella gives you that iconic cheese pull, while Parmesan crisps up and adds depth.
Step 5: Bake and Broil
Pop the bread into your preheated oven and bake for about 10–12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbling with golden edges. For an extra-crispy top, slide the baking sheet under the broiler for 1–2 minutes. Just keep a close eye on it, as the cheese can go from perfect to scorched in seconds!
Step 6: Slice and Serve
Remove your Cheesy Garlic Bread from the oven and let it cool for a minute or two. Slice it into thick pieces—trust me, everyone will be fighting for a corner slice! Sprinkle with red pepper flakes if you like a little heat, and serve while warm and gooey.
How to Serve Cheesy Garlic Bread
Garnishes
A generous sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or a pinch of red pepper flakes on top of the hot bread just before serving adds vibrant color and a fresh, zesty burst. You can also add a dusting of extra Parmesan if you like a little extra cheese flair!
Side Dishes
Cheesy Garlic Bread makes a dream team with hearty pastas like spaghetti or lasagna, creamy soups such as tomato bisque, or crisp salads. It’s also fantastic alongside grilled veggies or as a dipping bread for your favorite marinara or pesto sauces.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut the bread into thin strips to make them perfect for dipping, or slice into cubes for a fun pull-apart appetizer. For an extra wow factor at parties, arrange pieces on a wooden board with small bowls of dipping sauces or extra shredded cheese—people will flock to it!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftover Cheesy Garlic Bread (lucky you!), simply wrap it tightly in foil or place it in an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The bread will retain much of its flavor and can be revived beautifully for your next meal.
Freezing
Want to make a batch ahead? Assemble the bread with butter and cheese, then freeze on a baking sheet until solid. Transfer to a freezer bag, and when ready to enjoy, bake straight from frozen at 400°F, adding a few extra minutes. The bread stays remarkably fresh and makes for an easy snack or party side in a pinch.
Reheating
For best results, reheat leftover Cheesy Garlic Bread in the oven at 350°F for about 8–10 minutes until hot and toasty; this keeps the crust crisp and the cheese melt-worthy. Avoid the microwave if possible—it tends to make the bread a little soggy.
FAQs
What’s the best bread for Cheesy Garlic Bread?
Go for a sturdy French or Italian loaf with a crispy crust and soft interior. These breads soak up the garlic butter and hold up under the weight of all that melty cheese without turning soggy.
Can I use pre-shredded cheese?
Absolutely! While freshly shredded cheese melts more smoothly and tastes fresher, pre-shredded mozzarella and Parmesan work in a pinch and certainly save prep time.
How do I make this bread spicier?
To add some kick, sprinkle red pepper flakes into the butter mixture or scatter sliced jalapeños on top before baking. The heat pairs deliciously with the richness of the cheese.
Can I prepare Cheesy Garlic Bread ahead and bake later?
Yes! Assemble the bread with all the toppings and wrap it tightly. Store in the fridge for up to 12 hours before baking. It’s a perfect make-ahead side for a busy night or when you’re entertaining guests.
What’s the secret to really golden, bubbly cheese?
The broiler is your best friend here! After baking, broil the bread for 1–2 minutes, watching continuously. This extra blast of heat gives Cheesy Garlic Bread that irresistible golden brown finish.
Final Thoughts
Nothing says comfort quite like homemade Cheesy Garlic Bread. It’s quick, endlessly adaptable, and always a crowd pleaser. Bake up a batch soon—your kitchen will smell heavenly and you’ll be amazed how fast it disappears!
Print
Cheesy Garlic Bread Recipe
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the irresistible combination of gooey cheeses, savory garlic butter, and crusty bread with this Cheesy Garlic Bread recipe. Perfect as a side dish or a delicious snack!
Ingredients
Bread:
- 1 large loaf French or Italian bread (cut in half lengthwise)
Garlic Butter:
- ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 4 garlic cloves (minced)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt to taste
Cheese Topping:
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- Optional red pepper flakes (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Prepare garlic butter: In a small bowl, mix softened butter, olive oil, minced garlic, parsley, and salt until well combined.
- Spread butter: Spread the garlic butter mixture evenly over the cut sides of the bread.
- Add cheese: Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses over the top.
- Bake: Place the bread halves on a baking sheet, cut-side up, and bake for 10–12 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Broil: For a golden top, broil for an additional 1–2 minutes, watching closely.
- Serve: Remove from the oven, slice, and serve warm, garnished with red pepper flakes if desired.
Notes
- You can use Italian seasoning instead of fresh parsley.
- For a twist, add crumbled bacon or sliced jalapeños.
- Best served fresh, but leftovers can be reheated in the oven for crispness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 330mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 21g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
