Best Cheesy Garlic Bread Recipe

Introduction

Cheesy garlic bread is a beloved comfort food that combines golden, buttery garlic flavors with gooey melted cheese. Perfect as a side dish or a snack, this recipe creates a delicious homemade treat that’s crispy on the outside and soft inside.

Ingredients

• 1 Loaf of Italian Bread or French Baguette (about 12–16 inches long)
• 1 Cup (2 Sticks) Unsalted Butter, Softened
• 8 Cloves Garlic, Minced
• 1/2 Cup Fresh Parsley, Finely Chopped
• 1 Teaspoon Salt
• 1/2 Teaspoon Black Pepper, Freshly Ground
• 2 Cups Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
• 1 Cup Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese
• 1/2 Cup Grated Parmesan Cheese
• Optional: 1/4 Teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes (or to taste)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Slice the loaf lengthwise without cutting all the way through the bottom crust, creating two halves like an open book.
2. Step 2: In a medium bowl, mix the softened butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using, until smooth and well combined.
3. Step 3: Spread the garlic butter generously over the cut surfaces of both bread halves, covering every part evenly.
4. Step 4: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly over the buttered bread, followed by the sharp cheddar, then top with the grated Parmesan cheese.
5. Step 5: Place the bread halves on a baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden, and the edges of the bread are crisp.
6. Step 6: Remove from the oven and let rest for a couple of minutes before slicing into serving pieces. Serve warm.

Tips & Variations

• For extra garlic flavor, increase the cloves to 10 or reduce to 6 for a milder taste.
• Use fresh herbs like chives or oregano to vary the flavor profile.
• Shred mozzarella from a block for better melting and fresher taste compared to pre-shredded cheese.
• Line your baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
• Add cooked bacon bits or caramelized onions for a savory twist.

Storage

Store leftover garlic bread in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in foil at room temperature for up to 2 days. To reheat, place it in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-7 minutes to restore crispness and melt the cheese. Avoid microwaving to keep the bread from becoming soggy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen bread for this recipe?

It’s best to use fresh or fully thawed bread. Frozen bread can be too moist or dry unevenly, affecting how well it absorbs the garlic butter and melts the cheese.

What can I substitute for fresh parsley?

If fresh parsley isn’t available, use 2 tablespoons of dried parsley or try fresh herbs like chives or oregano for a different but delicious flavor.

Best Cheesy Garlic Bread Recipe

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5 from 66 reviews

This Best Cheesy Garlic Bread recipe combines a crusty Italian or French bread base with a rich, aromatic garlic butter and a triumvirate of melting cheeses—mozzarella, sharp cheddar, and Parmesan. Baked to golden perfection, it’s a deliciously indulgent appetizer or side dish bursting with fresh garlic, herbaceous parsley, and a touch of spice from optional red pepper flakes.

• Author: nova
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Bread

• 1 Loaf of Italian Bread or French Baguette (about 12–16 inches long)

Garlic Butter Mixture

• 1 Cup (2 Sticks) Unsalted Butter, softened
• 8 Cloves Garlic, minced
• 1/2 Cup Fresh Parsley, finely chopped
• 1 Teaspoon Salt (kosher or sea salt preferred)
• 1/2 Teaspoon Black Pepper, freshly ground
• Optional: 1/4 Teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes (to taste)

Cheese Toppings

• 2 Cups Shredded Mozzarella Cheese (low-moisture, part-skim preferred)
• 1 Cup Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese
• 1/2 Cup Grated Parmesan Cheese (freshly grated recommended)

Instructions

1. Preheat Your Oven and Prepare the Bread: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the loaf of Italian bread or baguette on a cutting board and slice it lengthwise, careful not to cut all the way through the bottom crust, creating two halves like an open book. This provides a large surface area for toppings.
2. Make the Garlic Butter: In a medium bowl, combine softened unsalted butter, minced garlic, finely chopped fresh parsley, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly distributed. Stir in red pepper flakes if using.
3. Spread the Garlic Butter Generously: Evenly spread the garlic butter mixture on both cut surfaces of the bread halves, covering every part including edges, ensuring the butter will soak in during baking.
4. Layer the Cheeses: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella evenly over both halves, followed by the shredded sharp cheddar cheese, then finish with grated Parmesan cheese. Spread the cheese layers evenly to ensure smooth melting.
5. Bake to Golden Perfection: Place the cheese-topped bread halves on a baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown and the bread edges are crisp. Watch closely during the last minutes to avoid burning.
6. Rest and Serve: Remove the baked bread from the oven and let it rest for 2 minutes on the baking sheet so the cheese sets slightly. Slice into serving pieces using a sharp knife or pizza cutter and serve hot.

Notes

• Use freshly minced garlic for the best flavor; avoid garlic powder or pre-minced jarred garlic.
• The softer the butter, the easier it spreads and blends with the garlic and herbs.
• Adjust garlic quantity between 6 to 10 cloves depending on your preference for intensity.
• Fresh parsley adds the best color and flavor, but dried parsley can substitute (use 2 tablespoons).
• If using salted butter, reduce or omit added salt to taste.
• Freshly grated Parmesan melts better than pre-grated store-bought versions.
• Optional red pepper flakes can be added for a mild spicy kick.
• Line the baking sheet with parchment paper for easier cleanup.
• Watch the bread closely near the end of baking to prevent burning.

Keywords: cheesy garlic bread, garlic bread recipe, easy appetizer, homemade garlic bread, baked garlic bread, cheesy appetizer