This Cheesy Garlic Bread is the perfect side dish to any meal! With a crispy, buttery crust, gooey melted cheese, and the irresistible aroma of garlic, it’s the ultimate comfort food. Best of all, it’s homemade and easy to make—ready in just 15 minutes!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
This Cheesy Garlic Bread is simple, cheesy, and totally irresistible. It’s the perfect addition to pasta, soup, or a salad, and it’s guaranteed to be a hit at any dinner table. The combination of garlic butter and melted cheese on crispy bread is one of those classic pairings that everyone loves. And did I mention it’s incredibly easy to make?
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need for this cheesy, garlicky goodness:
- French bread or Italian baguette
- Butter (softened)
- Garlic (minced)
- Parmesan cheese
- Mozzarella cheese (shredded)
- Fresh parsley (optional)
For the full list of ingredients, check below!
Directions
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure your garlic bread gets perfectly crispy and golden.
Step 2: Prepare the Garlic Butter
In a small bowl, mix together the softened butter, minced garlic, and half of the grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until well combined. The garlic butter is the secret to that rich, flavorful base.
Step 3: Slice the Bread
Slice your French bread or Italian baguette into thick slices, about 1 to 1 ½ inches wide. Lay the slices flat on a baking sheet, making sure they don’t overlap.
Step 4: Spread the Garlic Butter
Generously spread the garlic butter mixture over each slice of bread. Be sure to get it all the way to the edges for maximum flavor.
Step 5: Add the Cheese
Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded mozzarella cheese over each slice. Then, top with the remaining Parmesan cheese for extra flavor and a nice golden finish.
Step 6: Bake the Bread
Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for about 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the edges of the bread are golden brown and crispy.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Once your cheesy garlic bread is baked to perfection, remove it from the oven and sprinkle with fresh parsley for a touch of color and flavor. Serve hot and enjoy the cheesy, garlicky goodness!
Expert Tips and Tricks
- For extra flavor: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter for a little kick of heat.
- Make it extra cheesy: If you’re a cheese lover, go ahead and double the mozzarella for an extra cheesy, gooey bite.
- Fresh garlic or garlic powder: Fresh garlic gives the best flavor, but if you’re in a pinch, garlic powder can work too—just use about 1 tsp.
Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions
- Different cheeses: Try adding other cheeses like cheddar, provolone, or fontina for a different twist.
- Dairy-free version: Use dairy-free butter and vegan cheese for a delicious dairy-free option.
- Herb variations: Experiment with other herbs like thyme, oregano, or basil mixed into the butter for a flavor boost.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
This Cheesy Garlic Bread pairs wonderfully with any Italian dish, like pasta, pizza, or lasagna. It’s also a great side for soups, stews, or even as a snack with marinara dipping sauce.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store leftover cheesy garlic bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To reheat, pop it in the oven for a few minutes at 350°F (175°C) until the cheese is melted again, or you can toast it for extra crispiness.
4 FAQs
- Can I use regular bread instead of French bread? Yes, you can use any bread you prefer! A baguette works best because of its crispy texture, but sandwich bread or sourdough will also work.
- Can I make this ahead of time? Yes! You can prepare the garlic butter and spread it on the bread slices ahead of time. Just store them in the fridge and bake when you’re ready to serve.
- How do I make this garlic bread without cheese? Simply skip the cheese and bake the garlic butter-coated bread as is for a tasty, garlic-butter version of the classic.
- Can I freeze this garlic bread? Yes, you can freeze the prepared bread before baking! Wrap the slices in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 1 month. When ready to bake, just pop them in the oven from frozen and bake until golden.
Conclusion
This Cheesy Garlic Bread is the ultimate side dish that everyone will love. It’s quick, easy, and packed with flavor, making it the perfect addition to any meal. Whether you’re pairing it with pasta, soup, or enjoying it on its own, this homemade garlic bread is always a hit! Enjoy!
PrintCheesy Garlic Bread Recipe Homemade Easy
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings (1 slice per person) 1x
- Category: Side Dish, Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This cheesy garlic bread is the perfect side dish to complement any meal. With a crispy golden crust and a gooey, melty cheesy center, this homemade garlic bread is loaded with flavor. The combination of garlic, butter, and two types of cheese makes this recipe an easy favorite that’s sure to please everyone.
Ingredients
- 1 loaf French bread or Italian bread
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Garlic Butter Mixture:
- In a small bowl, mix together the softened butter, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
- Prepare the Bread:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Slice the loaf of bread in half lengthwise. If it’s a large loaf, you can cut it into smaller sections for easier serving.
- Spread the Garlic Butter:
- Spread the garlic butter mixture evenly over the cut sides of the bread, making sure to cover the entire surface.
- Top with Cheese:
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the buttered bread.
- Bake:
- Place the bread on a baking sheet, cut side up.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden brown.
- Finish and Serve:
- Remove the cheesy garlic bread from the oven and let it cool for a minute. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley, if desired.
- Slice and serve immediately as a side dish with pasta, soup, or any of your favorite meals.
Notes
- For an extra kick, sprinkle some red pepper flakes over the cheese before baking.
- You can use a combination of cheddar cheese and mozzarella for a different flavor.
- If you prefer a crispier crust, broil the bread for 1-2 minutes after baking, but keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8 of recipe)
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 30mg