The Extra Cheesy Garlic Bread Recipe is an absolute game-changer for anyone who loves buttery, garlicky bread topped with melty cheeses. It perfectly balances a crispy crust with a gooey, flavorful center, making it the kind of side dish you won’t stop craving. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or a special gathering, this recipe brings warmth and comfort with every bite. Trust me, once you try this Extra Cheesy Garlic Bread Recipe, it will quickly become your go-to for adding that irresistible cheesy garlic goodness to your meals.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These simple yet essential ingredients come together to create a beautifully balanced Extra Cheesy Garlic Bread Recipe. Each one plays a role in enhancing flavor, texture, or color, making the final dish irresistibly delicious.
- Butter (1/2 cup, softened): This rich base infuses the bread with moisture and creamy flavor.
- Garlic cloves (4, minced): Fresh garlic adds sharp, aromatic notes that define the recipe.
- Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): Helps to deepen the garlic flavor throughout the bread.
- Italian seasoning (1/2 teaspoon): A perfect blend of herbs that adds subtle complexity.
- Fresh parsley (1 tablespoon chopped + extra for garnishing): Brightens the dish and adds a vibrant green pop.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Enhances the overall flavors without overpowering the dish.
- Pepper (to taste): Adds a gentle kick and balances the richness.
- French bread loaf (16 ounces): The ideal sturdy, crusty bread to hold all the savory toppings.
- Parmesan cheese (1 cup freshly grated): Adds a nutty, salty edge with a lovely texture.
- Mozzarella cheese (2 cups shredded): Creates that stretchy, melty cheese pull everybody loves.
How to Make Extra Cheesy Garlic Bread Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Butter Mixture
Start by taking the butter out of the fridge at least an hour before you begin to let it soften—that makes mixing much easier and ensures smooth spreading. Mix the softened butter with freshly minced garlic, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Use a fork to mash everything together until it’s thoroughly combined and aromatic.
Step 2: Prepare the Bread
Preheat your oven to 400°F and position the rack in the upper third of the oven where the heat will crisp up the bread beautifully. Slice the French bread horizontally, aiming for even halves so each side cooks uniformly. Lay these halves cut-side up on a baking sheet, ready to be generously topped.
Step 3: Spread and Layer Cheese
Slather the butter-garlic mixture evenly across the cut sides of the bread. This buttery layer is the secret to that rich garlic flavor in every bite. Then sprinkle the grated parmesan cheese over the butter, followed by a generous topping of shredded mozzarella. This layering ensures an even melt and that perfect cheesy finish.
Step 4: Bake and Broil to Perfection
Bake the bread for 12 minutes until the cheese is starting to melt and the bread crust begins to crisp. Then switch to broil for a few minutes to achieve that glorious golden brown, bubbly cheese topping. Watch it closely during broiling because it can go from perfectly toasted to burnt very quickly!
Step 5: Slice and Serve Warm
Once out of the oven, cut the cheesy garlic bread into slices and sprinkle a little extra fresh parsley on top. Serve it immediately while the cheese is hot and stretchy for the ultimate indulgent treat.
How to Serve Extra Cheesy Garlic Bread Recipe
Garnishes
Aside from freshly chopped parsley, you can add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if you love a little heat or a drizzle of good-quality olive oil for an added fruity richness. These little details enhance the flavor and make your Extra Cheesy Garlic Bread Recipe look as delightful as it tastes.
Side Dishes
This cheesy garlic bread pairs wonderfully with classic Italian dishes like pasta marinara, creamy Alfredo, or even a fresh green salad. It’s also perfect alongside hearty soups or as a side to grilled chicken or steak, elevating any meal with its bold, comforting flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this bread as part of a party platter with dipping sauces like roasted red pepper hummus, garlic butter, or marinara. You can also cut it into bite-sized pieces for easy finger food at get-togethers. No matter how you present it, this Extra Cheesy Garlic Bread Recipe is sure to steal the spotlight.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers (although that’s rare!), wrap them tightly in aluminum foil or place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep their flavor for up to 3 days but are best enjoyed fresh.
Freezing
You can freeze the bread before baking by wrapping it well in plastic wrap and then foil. When ready to enjoy, thaw it in the fridge overnight and bake as directed for a warm, fresh taste. This way, you always have a homemade Extra Cheesy Garlic Bread Recipe ready on hand.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through and cheese is melted again. Avoid microwaving as it tends to make the bread soggy and cheese rubbery, and we definitely want to keep that crispy, cheesy goodness intact!
FAQs
Can I use different types of cheese for this recipe?
Absolutely! While mozzarella and parmesan are classic for this Extra Cheesy Garlic Bread Recipe, feel free to experiment with provolone, cheddar, or even gouda for different flavor profiles. Just be mindful of melting qualities to maintain that perfect cheesy texture.
Is there a way to make this recipe vegan?
Yes! Swap out the butter for a vegan spread, use plant-based cheeses designed for melting, and ensure your bread is free of dairy. The flavors will differ slightly, but you can still enjoy a delicious cheesy garlic experience.
Can I prepare the garlic butter mixture ahead of time?
Definitely. You can make the garlic butter mixture up to a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just bring it back to room temperature before spreading it on the bread for easier application.
What type of bread works best for this recipe?
A sturdy French bread loaf is ideal because it holds the butter and cheese well without becoming too soggy. Artisan Italian bread or a rustic baguette can also work, but avoid very soft white bread to maintain texture balance.
How do I prevent the garlic bread from getting soggy?
Make sure you spread the butter and garlic mixture evenly, and bake the bread at a high enough temperature so the crust crisps up nicely. Broiling at the end also helps create a lovely golden crust which keeps sogginess at bay.
Final Thoughts
This Extra Cheesy Garlic Bread Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Perfectly crispy bread topped with garlicky, melted cheesy goodness is hard to beat. I encourage you to try making it soon—it’s simple, quick, and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser that you’ll reach for again and again!
Print
Extra Cheesy Garlic Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 slices
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Extra Cheesy Garlic Bread recipe combines a rich blend of garlic butter, Italian seasoning, and a generous topping of Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses, baked until golden and bubbly for a deliciously savory appetizer or side dish. Perfectly crispy on the outside while soft and cheesy inside, this garlic bread is a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
Ingredients
Garlic Butter Mixture
- 1/2 cup butter (1 stick), softened
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley, plus extra for serving
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Pepper, to taste
Bread and Cheese Topping
- 1 (16-ounce) loaf French bread
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Prepare Butter: Take the butter out of the fridge at least an hour before starting to ensure it is softened to make mixing easier and spread evenly on the bread.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and position the rack in the top third of the oven to optimize the baking and broiling process.
- Mix Garlic Butter: In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper. Mash everything together with a fork until well incorporated.
- Prepare Bread: Slice the loaf of French bread horizontally into two equal halves. Place each half cut-side up on a baking sheet, ensuring they lie flat and even for topping.
- Assemble: Spread the prepared garlic butter mixture evenly over the cut sides of both bread halves. Then, sprinkle the Parmesan cheese evenly on top, followed by the mozzarella cheese layer.
- Bake and Broil: Bake the bread in the preheated oven for 12 minutes. Then switch to broil mode and broil for a few minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown. Watch carefully to avoid burning.
- Serve: Remove the bread from the oven, cut into slices, and serve immediately garnished with extra fresh parsley for added flavor and color.
Notes
- Make sure the butter is softened to room temperature for easy mixing and spreading.
- Keep an eye on the bread while broiling to prevent burning, as broil times can vary by oven.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and melt quality.
- For extra garlic flavor, add an additional minced clove to the butter mixture.
- This recipe can be doubled if serving a larger crowd.
- Leftovers can be reheated in the oven to maintain crispiness.
