Cheesy Garlic Bread Recipe
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 8 slices
Difficulty: Easy
Description
Crispy on the edges, soft in the middle, loaded with buttery garlic and stretchy melted cheese—this Cheesy Garlic Bread Recipe is everything a side dish should be. It’s the ultimate comfort food that pairs beautifully with pasta, soups, or as a crave-worthy snack on its own.
Made in under 30 minutes, this recipe takes classic garlic bread and elevates it with a golden, cheesy crust. Ideal for family dinners, parties, or when you just want something really good to munch on.
Ingredients
🥖 For the Bread:
- 1 loaf of Italian bread or French baguette, sliced in half lengthwise
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cloves garlic, minced or pressed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon parsley (dried or fresh, finely chopped)
🧀 For the Cheese Topping:
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup shredded cheddar (optional, for extra flavor and color)
Optional Add-Ons:
- Crushed red pepper flakes
- Fresh basil for garnish
- A drizzle of garlic butter post-baking
Kitchen Tools Needed
- Baking sheet
- Mixing bowl
- Small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl
- Knife and cutting board
- Spoon or pastry brush
- Oven or toaster oven
Instructions
🔹 Step 1: Prep the Garlic Butter
Intensity: Low
Time: 5 minutes
- In a small bowl, mix softened butter, olive oil, minced garlic, salt, oregano, and parsley.
- Blend until smooth and spreadable. If the butter is too hard, microwave it for 10 seconds—just enough to soften, not melt.
💡 Flavor Tip: For extra depth, gently sauté the garlic in the olive oil for 2 minutes before mixing it into the butter.
🔹 Step 2: Prepare the Bread
Intensity: Easy
Time: 2 minutes
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Slice your loaf in half lengthwise, creating two flat halves.
- Place the bread cut side up on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil.
🔹 Step 3: Spread the Garlic Butter
Intensity: Low
Time: 2 minutes
- Evenly spread the garlic butter mixture over the cut sides of the bread using a spoon or pastry brush.
- Be generous—you want flavor in every bite!
🔹 Step 4: Add the Cheese
Intensity: Low
Time: 1 minute
- Sprinkle a layer of mozzarella, followed by Parmesan, and optional cheddar over the garlic-buttered bread.
- For a more dramatic cheese pull, pile the cheese slightly higher in the center.
🧀 Cheese Tip: Use freshly shredded cheese for the best melt and stretch—pre-shredded varieties may have anti-caking agents that affect texture.
🔹 Step 5: Bake the Bread
Intensity: Medium
Time: 10–12 minutes
- Place the baking sheet on the middle rack of your preheated oven.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the edges are golden brown.
🔥 Optional: Broil on high for the last 1–2 minutes to achieve a deeply golden, crispy top. Watch closely to avoid burning!
🔹 Step 6: Slice and Serve
Intensity: None
Time: Immediate (serve hot)
- Remove the bread from the oven and let cool for 1–2 minutes.
- Slice into 2-inch pieces and serve warm.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with pasta dishes like spaghetti Bolognese, lasagna, or fettuccine Alfredo.
- Serve as an appetizer with marinara dipping sauce.
- Add to a soup night with creamy tomato or broccoli cheddar.
- Use leftovers to make cheesy garlic croutons or a decadent sandwich base.
Storage & Reheating
- Store: Wrap leftovers in foil and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Bake at 350°F for 5–7 minutes or until heated through.
- Do not microwave, as this makes the bread soggy.
- Freeze: You can freeze prepared garlic bread before baking. Wrap tightly in foil, and store for up to 2 months. Bake directly from frozen—just add a few extra minutes.
Nutrition Information (Per slice, approx. based on 8 servings)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 240 kcal |
| Protein | 7 g |
| Carbohydrates | 22 g |
| Sugars | 1 g |
| Fat | 14 g |
| Saturated Fat | 7 g |
| Cholesterol | 30 mg |
| Sodium | 330 mg |
| Fiber | 1 g |
Note: Nutritional values may vary depending on bread type and cheese used.
Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Garlic Bread
- 🧄 Bold Flavor: Every bite bursts with garlicky, buttery richness.
- 🧀 Melted Cheese Heaven: Stretchy mozzarella, salty Parmesan, and optional cheddar make it irresistible.
- ⏱️ Fast and Easy: On the table in under 30 minutes.
- 🍽️ Versatile Pairing: Works with nearly any savory meal or can be enjoyed on its own.
- 🎉 Crowd-Pleaser: Great for gatherings, holidays, game day, or just Tuesday night!
Customization Ideas
- Make it Spicy: Add red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne to the garlic butter.
- Add Protein: Sprinkle cooked bacon bits or crumbled Italian sausage on top before baking.
- Vegan Version: Use plant-based butter and vegan cheese alternatives.
- Herb Explosion: Mix fresh basil, thyme, and chives into the garlic butter.
FAQs
Can I use a different bread?
Absolutely. French baguettes give a crispier texture, while Italian loaves are soft and chewy. Ciabatta works well too!
What cheese melts best?
Mozzarella is the king of melt. Parmesan adds flavor, and cheddar gives extra sharpness and color. Feel free to experiment with provolone or Monterey Jack.
Can I prep this ahead?
Yes! Assemble the bread up to 4 hours ahead, cover with foil, and refrigerate. Bake just before serving.
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Garlic Bread recipe is simple yet sensational. Whether it’s for pasta night, a holiday feast, or just satisfying that late-night craving, it delivers on flavor and comfort every time. With crispy edges, gooey cheese, and layers of garlicky goodness, it’s a side dish that might just steal the spotlight.
