There’s something truly magical about a plate of cheesy garlic bread. Crispy on the outside, warm and soft on the inside, and loaded with gooey, melted cheese that stretches with every bite. It’s the kind of snack or side dish that draws people in, making your kitchen smell like heaven and instantly becoming the highlight of any meal. Whether you’re having it alongside your favorite pasta, serving it at a party, or simply snacking on it during a cozy night in, this Ultimate Cheesy Garlic Bread recipe will surely become a household favorite.
This recipe was born from my love of comforting, cheesy dishes, and it’s the perfect balance of crispy edges, creamy butter, aromatic garlic, and two kinds of cheese. It takes only a few minutes to prep and about 15 minutes in the oven for that golden-brown perfection. The result? A deliciously addictive bread that will have everyone reaching for seconds (or thirds!).
What I love most about this garlic bread is its versatility. While it’s great as a side dish, it’s also the perfect standalone snack when you’re craving something savory, cheesy, and satisfying. Serve it with marinara sauce for dipping, or enjoy it just as it is—either way, you can’t go wrong!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Quick and Easy: With just a handful of ingredients and 20 minutes of prep and cooking time, you’ll have the perfect cheesy garlic bread ready in no time.
- Gooey and Cheesy: The combination of mozzarella and Parmesan gives you that perfect melt and a delightful contrast of textures.
- Crispy Edges: Every slice has that satisfying crispy exterior, while the inside stays soft and buttery.
- Customizable: You can easily change up the cheese or add extras like chili flakes for a spicy kick!
INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED:
- 1 large French baguette or Italian bread, halved lengthwise
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
HOW TO MAKE ULTIMATE CHEESY GARLIC BREAD:
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS:
Step 1: Prepare the Garlic Butter
In a small bowl, combine the softened butter with minced garlic, chopped parsley, and salt. Mix everything together until smooth and well combined. The garlic and fresh parsley should be evenly distributed, giving you that beautiful aromatic blend of flavors.
Step 2: Spread the Butter
Take your halved baguette or Italian bread and spread the garlic butter mixture generously over the cut sides. Be sure to cover every inch of the bread to ensure every bite is packed with flavor.
Step 3: Add the Cheese
Now for the best part: the cheese! Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the buttered bread, making sure to cover it evenly. Follow up with the grated Parmesan cheese. The mozzarella will melt into a gooey, stretchy delight, while the Parmesan adds a savory, slightly nutty flavor that’s simply irresistible.
Step 4: Bake the Bread
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the buttered and cheese-covered bread halves on a baking sheet lined with foil or parchment paper. Bake for 10 minutes, then switch to broil for an additional 2-3 minutes. Keep a close eye on it during the broiling step—this is when the cheese gets beautifully bubbly and golden. The result should be a crispy, cheesy, golden bread that’s nearly impossible to resist.
Step 5: Slice and Serve
Once your garlic bread is perfectly baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a minute. Slice it into pieces and garnish with extra chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
Serve it warm alongside your favorite pasta, or enjoy it on its own with a bowl of marinara sauce for dipping. Either way, you’re in for a treat!
HELPFUL TIPS:
- Add a Spicy Kick: For those who like a little heat, try adding a sprinkle of red chili flakes to the garlic butter mixture before spreading it on the bread. It’ll give the garlic bread an unexpected yet delicious spicy twist.
- Cheese Variety: If you’re feeling adventurous, swap out the mozzarella for cheddar or a blend of cheeses. A mix of sharp cheddar and mozzarella creates a perfect blend of flavors.
- For Extra Crispiness: If you like your garlic bread extra crispy, bake it a little longer before switching to broil, or even pop it under the broiler for a minute longer for that perfect crunch.
DETAILS:
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes (plus 2-3 minutes broiling)
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 servings
- Category: Side Dish, Snack
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Vegetarian
NOTES:
- Storing Leftovers: If you somehow have any leftovers (which is rare), you can store the garlic bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To reheat, just pop it in the oven or toaster oven for a few minutes to get that crispiness back.
- Freezing Tip: To make garlic bread ahead of time, you can assemble the garlic butter and cheese on the bread, wrap it tightly in foil, and freeze it. When you’re ready to bake, just pop it in the oven directly from the freezer and follow the usual baking instructions.
NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION (Per Slice):
- Calories: Approximately 300 kcal
- Fat: 19g
- Protein: 9g
- Carbs: 27g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 2g
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
Can I use a different type of bread?
Yes! While French baguette or Italian bread works wonderfully for this recipe, you can also use any crusty bread, such as ciabatta or sourdough. The key is to have a bread with a nice, hearty crust that can hold up to the butter and cheese.
Can I make this garlic bread ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the garlic butter mixture and even spread it on the bread ahead of time. Cover the bread tightly and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, simply add the cheese and bake as directed.
STORAGE INSTRUCTIONS:
Leftover garlic bread can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the bread after it’s been baked. Just wrap it tightly in foil or plastic wrap and store it in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. To reheat, bake from frozen at 375°F for about 10-12 minutes, or until warm and crispy.
Related Recipes
If you liked this recipe, you’ll definitely enjoy these other cheesy delights:
CONCLUSION:
This Ultimate Cheesy Garlic Bread is more than just a side dish; it’s the perfect combination of crispy, cheesy, garlicky goodness that will have everyone coming back for more. Whether served with pasta or enjoyed on its own with a warm marinara dip, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Quick to make, rich in flavor, and easy to customize, this is one recipe you’ll want to keep on hand for any occasion. Enjoy!
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Ultimate Cheesy Garlic Bread – Gooey, Buttery, and Irresistible!
Description
There’s something truly magical about a plate of cheesy garlic bread. Crispy on the outside, warm and soft on the inside, and loaded with gooey, melted cheese that stretches with every bite. It’s the kind of snack or side dish that draws people in, making your kitchen smell like heaven and instantly becoming the highlight of any meal. Whether you’re having it alongside your favorite pasta, serving it at a party, or simply snacking on it during a cozy night in, this Ultimate Cheesy Garlic Bread recipe will surely become a household favorite.
This recipe was born from my love of comforting, cheesy dishes, and it’s the perfect balance of crispy edges, creamy butter, aromatic garlic, and two kinds of cheese. It takes only a few minutes to prep and about 15 minutes in the oven for that golden-brown perfection. The result? A deliciously addictive bread that will have everyone reaching for seconds (or thirds!).
What I love most about this garlic bread is its versatility. While it’s great as a side dish, it’s also the perfect standalone snack when you’re craving something savory, cheesy, and satisfying. Serve it with marinara sauce for dipping, or enjoy it just as it is—either way, you can’t go wrong!
Ingredients
- 1 large French baguette or Italian bread, halved lengthwise
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Garlic Butter
In a small bowl, combine the softened butter with minced garlic, chopped parsley, and salt. Mix everything together until smooth and well combined. The garlic and fresh parsley should be evenly distributed, giving you that beautiful aromatic blend of flavors.
Step 2: Spread the Butter
Take your halved baguette or Italian bread and spread the garlic butter mixture generously over the cut sides. Be sure to cover every inch of the bread to ensure every bite is packed with flavor.
Step 3: Add the Cheese
Now for the best part: the cheese! Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the buttered bread, making sure to cover it evenly. Follow up with the grated Parmesan cheese. The mozzarella will melt into a gooey, stretchy delight, while the Parmesan adds a savory, slightly nutty flavor that’s simply irresistible.
Step 4: Bake the Bread
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the buttered and cheese-covered bread halves on a baking sheet lined with foil or parchment paper. Bake for 10 minutes, then switch to broil for an additional 2-3 minutes. Keep a close eye on it during the broiling step—this is when the cheese gets beautifully bubbly and golden. The result should be a crispy, cheesy, golden bread that’s nearly impossible to resist.
Step 5: Slice and Serve
Once your garlic bread is perfectly baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a minute. Slice it into pieces and garnish with extra chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
Serve it warm alongside your favorite pasta, or enjoy it on its own with a bowl of marinara sauce for dipping. Either way, you’re in for a treat!
Notes
- Storing Leftovers: If you somehow have any leftovers (which is rare), you can store the garlic bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To reheat, just pop it in the oven or toaster oven for a few minutes to get that crispiness back.
- Freezing Tip: To make garlic bread ahead of time, you can assemble the garlic butter and cheese on the bread, wrap it tightly in foil, and freeze it. When you’re ready to bake, just pop it in the oven directly from the freezer and follow the usual baking instructions.
