If you love the idea of warm, gooey cheese melting into fragrant, buttery garlic bread, then you are going to adore this Cheesy Garlic Bread Recipe. It’s the perfect combination of crispy crust, rich garlic butter, aromatic herbs, and two kinds of cheese that come together in under 30 minutes. Whether you’re looking for a crowd-pleaser appetizer or a comforting side to your favorite pasta, this recipe is downright irresistible and totally foolproof.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are beautifully simple yet essential to achieving that perfect balance of flavors, textures, and colors in your Cheesy Garlic Bread Recipe. From fresh garlic that adds punch, to the cheeses that bring creamy indulgence, each item plays a starring role.
- 1 loaf Italian, French, or sourdough bread: Choose a sturdy loaf with a nice crust to hold up to the toppings without getting soggy.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: Provides creamy richness and carries the garlic and herbs beautifully.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic offers bold, aromatic flavor that is essential for that signature garlicky kick.
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped: Adds a bright, herbaceous note and lovely green flecks throughout.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Brings a subtle earthiness and depth to the butter mixture.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Provides just a hint of warmth and complexity.
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully to create that gooey, stretchy texture we all crave.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a lovely nutty, salty finish that complements the mozzarella perfectly.
- Optional red pepper flakes: For those who like a touch of heat to cut through the richness.
How to Make Cheesy Garlic Bread Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Garlic Butter
Start by combining softened butter, freshly minced garlic, chopped parsley, dried oregano, salt, and pepper in a medium bowl. Mix it all together until the flavors meld beautifully. Taste the mixture and tweak your seasoning if needed — this mixture is the foundational flavor carrier, so getting it just right is key.
Step 2: Preheat Your Oven
Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s ready to welcome your cheesy masterpiece. A nicely preheated oven ensures the bread crisps up perfectly while the cheese melts evenly.
Step 3: Slice the Bread
Take your loaf and slice it lengthwise into two even halves. For an extra touch, you can score the cut sides with shallow diagonal cuts. This helps the flavors deeply penetrate the bread and creates fun crispy bits inside.
Step 4: Spread the Garlic Butter
Generously slather the garlic butter mixture onto the cut sides of both bread halves. Don’t be shy — the butter is what brings richness and moisture, so covering every nook and cranny ensures every bite sings with garlic goodness.
Step 5: Add the Cheeses
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over both halves, followed by a dusting of grated Parmesan. The mozzarella will melt into luscious gooeyness, while the Parmesan offers delightful sharpness and texture contrast.
Step 6: Bake Until Bubbling and Golden
Place your bread halves on a parchment-lined baking sheet and pop them into the preheated oven. Bake for about 12 to 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and starts to turn a light golden brown. For an extra golden, crispy top, pop it under the broiler for the last minute or two, but keep a watchful eye to prevent burning.
Step 7: Cool Slightly and Slice
Once baked, allow the bread to cool for a few minutes so the cheese settles ever so slightly, making it easier to slice without all the cheese sliding off. Then cut into slices and get ready to enjoy!
How to Serve Cheesy Garlic Bread Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley or a few red pepper flakes on top can elevate the bread’s presentation and add an extra flavor dimension. If you want a touch of brightness, a drizzle of good quality olive oil or a scatter of chopped green onions is wonderful too.
Side Dishes
This Cheesy Garlic Bread Recipe pairs famously with Italian classics like spaghetti bolognese, creamy tomato basil soup, or a fresh Caesar salad. It also makes a brilliant side to hearty stews or even just a bowl of your favorite chili.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn your cheesy bread into a party centerpiece by slicing it into smaller pieces for sharing or layering it with toppings like sliced tomatoes, olives, or pepperoni before baking. You can even transform it into a flatbread pizza by adding spices and extra toppings right before serving.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftover cheesy garlic bread, wrap it tightly in foil or plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and flavorful for up to three days, making for a convenient snack or side.
Freezing
For longer storage, you can freeze the bread either before or after baking. Wrap it securely in aluminum foil and place it in a freezer bag or airtight container. It will keep well for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To bring your leftover cheesy garlic bread back to life, bake it at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes until warmed through and the cheese is melty again. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the bread soggy rather than delightfully crispy.
FAQs
Can I use other types of bread for this recipe?
Absolutely! While Italian, French, or sourdough bread are ideal for their sturdy crusts and texture, you can experiment with ciabatta or even a baguette. Just be mindful of the size and thickness to ensure the bread holds up well with the toppings.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?
Yes! Swap the butter for a plant-based margarine and use vegan cheese alternatives that melt well. Keep in mind the flavor will be slightly different, but still delicious and satisfying.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
You can mix the garlic butter in advance and store it in the fridge. Assemble the bread right before baking to keep it fresh and crispy. Avoid pre-baking too early, or the bread may lose its crunch.
How do I get the cheese perfectly melted without burning the bread?
Baking at 375°F with careful timing is key. Keep an eye on your bread in the final few minutes, and finish under the broiler for just a minute if you want extra browning. Remember, a quick broil goes a long way and can burn quickly!
What can I do if I like my cheesy garlic bread extra garlicky?
Feel free to increase the amount of minced garlic or add a touch of garlic powder to the butter mixture. Roasted garlic cloves mixed in can also add a sweeter, milder garlic flavor if you prefer something less sharp but still rich.
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Garlic Bread Recipe is one of those magical dishes that instantly feels like a warm hug. It’s simple to make, utterly delicious, and endlessly versatile. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just treating yourself, I highly encourage you to try it soon. Once you do, I promise it will become a go-to favorite for all your cozy meal times and gatherings.
Print
Cheesy Garlic Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Cheesy Bread Quick Easy recipe is the perfect go-to for a delicious, cheesy appetizer or side. Featuring a crispy crusty bread base topped with a flavorful garlic butter spread and a melty blend of mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, this recipe comes together in just 30 minutes. Ideal for sharing and customizable with optional toppings.
Ingredients
Bread
- 1 loaf (1 pound) Italian bread, French bread, or sourdough bread
Garlic Butter Spread
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Optional
- Red pepper flakes, for a touch of heat
- Sliced tomatoes, olives, pepperoni, or other toppings as desired
Instructions
- Prepare Garlic Butter: In a medium bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly to create a flavorful spread. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed to suit your preference.
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and allow it to fully heat while you prepare the bread.
- Slice Bread: Carefully slice the loaf lengthwise into two equal halves to form the base for your cheesy bread.
- Score Bread (Optional): For better cheese penetration and texture, make shallow diagonal cuts across the cut surfaces of each bread half, avoiding slicing through the crust.
- Spread Garlic Butter: Generously spread the prepared garlic butter mixture evenly over the cut sides of both halves, ensuring flavor throughout.
- Add Cheese: Evenly sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over both halves, then top with grated Parmesan to add depth and richness.
- Optional Toppings: Add any desired toppings like sliced tomatoes, olives, pepperoni, or red pepper flakes to customize your cheesy bread.
- Bake: Place the bread halves on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted, bubbly, and starts to turn golden brown.
- Broil (Optional): For an extra golden and crispy cheese topping, broil the bread for the last 1-2 minutes. Watch closely to prevent burning.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the cheesy bread from the oven, let it cool slightly to avoid burns, then slice and serve warm for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- You can use Italian, French, or sourdough bread depending on your preference for crustiness and flavor.
- Adjust garlic and herbs to taste for a milder or stronger flavor.
- Optional toppings like pepperoni or vegetables can be added before baking for a customized twist.
- Broiling at the end enhances cheese browning but requires careful attention to avoid burning.
- Leftover cheesy bread can be reheated in the oven to regain crispiness.
