This Ultimate Cheesy Garlic Bread is the perfect side dish for any meal. With crispy, buttery garlic bread topped with a generous amount of melted cheese, it’s the ideal accompaniment to pasta, soups, or even as a snack on its own. The combination of garlic, cheese, and herbs makes it irresistible.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

If you love cheesy, buttery bread with a hint of garlic, this recipe is for you! The bread is toasted to perfection, crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. The garlic butter mixture is rich and flavorful, and the melted cheese adds that gooey, indulgent factor that’s simply mouthwatering. It’s quick to make and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

French baguette or Italian bread
Unsalted butter, softened
Fresh garlic, minced
Parmesan cheese, grated
Mozzarella cheese, shredded
Italian seasoning (or dried oregano)
Fresh parsley, chopped
Salt
Pepper

You’ll find the full list of ingredients with measurements below.

Directions

Preparing the Garlic Butter

In a small bowl, mix the softened butter with minced garlic, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until everything is well combined.

Slicing the Bread

Cut the baguette or Italian bread into slices about 1 to 1.5 inches thick. You can also slice it in half lengthwise if you prefer a larger serving.

Spreading the Garlic Butter

Generously spread the garlic butter mixture on each slice of bread, making sure to cover all edges for maximum flavor.

Adding the Cheese

Top each buttered slice with a generous amount of shredded mozzarella cheese and a light sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese.

Baking the Bread

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the bread slices on a baking sheet, arranging them so they’re not touching. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the edges of the bread are golden brown.

Garnishing and Serving

Remove the bread from the oven and sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley. Serve immediately while the cheese is still gooey and the bread is warm.

Expert Tips and Tricks

Fresh Garlic: Use fresh garlic for the best flavor. If you don’t have fresh garlic, you can substitute with garlic powder.
Cheese Options: For a richer flavor, add a mix of sharp cheddar, provolone, or even a bit of cream cheese.
Crispier Edges: For extra crispy edges, broil the bread for the last 1-2 minutes, but keep an eye on it to avoid burning.

Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions

Add Bacon: For a savory twist, top the cheesy garlic bread with crumbled bacon or pancetta before baking.
Herb-Infused Butter: Add fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or basil to the butter for added fragrance and flavor.
Vegan Version: Use dairy-free butter and vegan mozzarella to make this recipe vegan-friendly.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

This Ultimate Cheesy Garlic Bread goes great with:

Pasta Dishes: Serve alongside spaghetti, lasagna, or fettuccine alfredo for the perfect meal.
Soups and Stews: It’s fantastic when paired with creamy soups like tomato basil or hearty stews.
Salads: Enjoy it with a fresh green salad or Caesar salad to balance out the richness.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Store leftover cheesy garlic bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To reheat, place the bread on a baking sheet and warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes until the cheese is melted again.

FAQs

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the garlic butter and slice the bread in advance. When ready, simply spread the butter and bake as directed.

Q: Can I freeze cheesy garlic bread?
A: Absolutely! Assemble the bread, but don’t bake it. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 1 month. Bake directly from the freezer at 375°F (190°C) for about 15-18 minutes.

Q: How can I make the garlic butter more flavorful?
A: Add a bit of lemon zest or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a zesty, spicy kick.

Q: Can I use other types of bread?
A: Yes, you can use sourdough, whole wheat, or any bread you prefer. Just adjust the baking time based on the thickness of the slices.

Conclusion

This Ultimate Cheesy Garlic Bread is a simple yet indulgent treat that takes your meal to the next level. With a golden, crispy exterior and a melty, cheesy interior, it’s perfect for sharing—or not! Whether you’re pairing it with a big bowl of pasta or enjoying it as a snack, this cheesy garlic bread will definitely be a hit. Enjoy every cheesy, garlicky bite!

Ultimate Cheesy Garlic Bread

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star No reviews

Author: Jake
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Category: Side Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Print Recipe

Description

This Ultimate Cheesy Garlic Bread Recipe is a perfect side dish or appetizer to accompany any meal. With a crispy, buttery crust, loaded with garlic, and topped with a generous layer of melted cheese, it’s a crowd-pleasing favorite that will elevate any dinner.

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Slice the loaf of bread in half lengthwise and place it on a baking sheet, cut side up.
In a small bowl, mix together the softened butter, minced garlic, parsley, oregano, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
Spread the garlic butter mixture evenly over the cut sides of the bread.
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese generously over the buttered bread.
Sprinkle red pepper flakes (if using) on top of the cheese for a little heat.
Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the bread is golden and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Remove from the oven, garnish with chopped fresh parsley, and slice. Serve warm.

Notes

For an extra cheesy version, add more mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. If you prefer a softer texture, cover the bread with foil while baking, and remove the foil for the last few minutes to allow the cheese to brown.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 250 kcal
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 450 mg
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Unsaturated Fat: 7g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 20g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 9g
Cholesterol: 40 mg