When you’re craving comfort food that brings everyone to the table, nothing beats Cheesy Garlic Bread. Imagine golden, crackly edges and a gooey, fragrant cheese pull in every bite—this is the ultimate side dish that transforms any meal into a mini celebration. Whether you’re pairing it with pasta, soup, or just sneaking bites straight off the tray, this Cheesy Garlic Bread is the kind of recipe you’ll reach for whenever you want to impress (or simply treat yourself) with something irresistibly savory and satisfying.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Cheesy Garlic Bread is in its simplicity—each ingredient has a purpose, and together they create magic. These pantry staples come together quickly and let you customize according to your taste, making this a truly essential recipe for bread lovers.
- French bread: Its crispy crust and soft interior soak up all that delicious garlic butter, and the shape is perfect for holding heaps of cheese.
- Unsalted butter: Softened butter melds with the garlic and herbs, creating a savory base that seeps into every bite.
- Garlic: Freshly minced cloves provide that signature zing and aromatic punch—don’t be shy with it!
- Mozzarella cheese: Delivers the melt and stretch factor, giving every slice a wonderfully gooey texture.
- Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty bite that balances the richness of the mozzarella perfectly.
- Chopped fresh parsley: A pop of green elevates the look and adds a subtle fresh note to cut the richness.
- Dried oregano: Brings a hint of earthy, Italian-inspired flavor that pairs beautifully with the cheese.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors—season to taste, especially if your butter is unsalted.
How to Make Cheesy Garlic Bread
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Bread
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F. Grab your French bread and slice it lengthwise so you have two even halves, perfect for spreading with all that garlicky goodness.
Step 2: Make the Garlic Butter Mixture
In a small bowl, mix your softened unsalted butter with minced garlic, chopped parsley, dried oregano, and a generous pinch of salt. Stir everything together until you have a well-blended and aromatic garlic butter that’s ready to elevate your bread.
Step 3: Spread and Top with Cheese
Spread the garlic butter mixture evenly over both bread halves, making sure to reach all the way to the edges. Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese generously over the buttered bread, then follow with a layer of grated Parmesan for that unbeatable flavor combo.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Arrange the loaded bread halves, cut side up, on a baking sheet. Bake in your preheated oven for 10–12 minutes, just until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and starting to turn golden. If you love extra crispy cheese, switch on the broiler for 1–2 minutes, keeping close watch so nothing burns.
Step 5: Rest and Slice
Once the bread is perfectly cheesy and golden, pull it out of the oven and let it cool for a minute or two. This helps the cheese set just slightly, making it easier to slice. Grab a sharp bread knife, slice your Cheesy Garlic Bread into generous portions, and serve warm.
How to Serve Cheesy Garlic Bread
Garnishes
For a finishing flourish, scatter a bit of extra chopped fresh parsley or basil over the hot Cheesy Garlic Bread. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes adds pleasant heat, while flaky sea salt gives a touch of elegance and crunch.
Side Dishes
This bread is a superstar next to classic pasta dishes like spaghetti or fettuccine, but don’t stop there—it’s wonderful with tomato soup, hearty salads, or as an indulgent side for your favorite grilled meats and vegetables. It even takes center stage as an appetizer at gatherings.
Creative Ways to Present
Make your Cheesy Garlic Bread party-ready by cutting it into mini sticks or bite-sized cubes for easy sharing. For extra flair, serve each piece on a little wooden skewer or tuck the slices into a bread basket lined with a colorful napkin for that cozy, inviting look.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftover Cheesy Garlic Bread (a rare occurrence!), wrap slices tightly in foil or place them in an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to keep them fresh and delicious.
Freezing
For longer storage, assemble the bread with garlic butter and cheese, then wrap in foil and freeze before baking. When the craving strikes, bake straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to ensure everything’s hot and bubbly.
Reheating
To recapture that fresh-from-the-oven goodness, reheat slices in the oven at 350°F until the cheese is melty and the bread is crisp again. Avoid microwaving if possible—it can make the bread chewy rather than crispy.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Side Dish
Absolutely! Italian or sourdough loaves work wonderfully and add a unique twist. Just pick a bread with a sturdy crust so it holds up to all the toppings.
What cheeses can I use besides mozzarella and Parmesan?
You can get creative with your cheese blend—fontina, provolone, or even a bit of sharp cheddar will all melt beautifully and bring fantastic flavor to your Cheesy Garlic Bread.
How can I make my Cheesy Garlic Bread spicier?
To turn up the heat, sprinkle a pinch of red pepper flakes into your garlic butter mixture or over the top before baking. Fresh chopped jalapeño is another fun option if you like extra kick!
What’s the best way to keep the bread from getting soggy?
Be sure to bake your Cheesy Garlic Bread cut side up and don’t overload it with butter—a light but even layer does the trick. Serving right after baking also ensures maximum crispness.
Can I make Cheesy Garlic Bread ahead for a party?
Yes! Prep the bread with butter and cheese, then wrap and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. This makes party day a breeze, letting you enjoy warm, fresh bread with minimal fuss.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a side that steals the spotlight or the perfect snack to share, don’t hesitate to try this Cheesy Garlic Bread. It’s easy, crowd-pleasing, and guaranteed to disappear in record time—so go on, make a batch and watch it become everyone’s new favorite!
Print
Cheesy Garlic Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Cheesy Garlic Bread recipe. Crispy French bread slathered in a savory garlic butter, topped with a gooey blend of mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, and baked to golden perfection.
Ingredients
Bread:
- 1 loaf French bread (halved lengthwise)
Garlic Butter:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt to taste
Cheese Topping:
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F.
- Prepare garlic butter: Mix softened butter, minced garlic, parsley, oregano, and salt until well combined.
- Spread butter: Spread the garlic butter mixture on the cut sides of the bread.
- Add cheese: Sprinkle mozzarella, then Parmesan over the buttered bread.
- Bake: Bake for 10–12 minutes until cheese is melted.
- Broil: Broil for 1–2 minutes for extra browning.
- Serve: Let cool slightly, slice, and serve warm.
Notes
- You can use Italian or sourdough bread for variation.
- For a spicier kick, add red pepper flakes to the garlic butter.
- Perfect pairing with pasta, soups, or as a party appetizer.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 390mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
