Best Cheesy Garlic Bread

This Cheesy Garlic Bread is everything I crave in a side dish—crispy on the outside, soft and buttery on the inside, with a golden, gooey layer of melted cheese on top. It’s the ultimate companion to pasta, soups, or even served on its own as a comforting snack. I love how quickly it comes together and how it fills the kitchen with the irresistible aroma of garlic and toasted bread.

Why I Love This Recipe

I keep coming back to this recipe because it’s:

• Easy to Make: It takes just a few minutes to prep and under 15 minutes to bake.
• Super Flavorful: Garlic, butter, herbs, and a generous helping of cheese create layers of savory flavor.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Whether it’s for a family dinner or a party, this bread disappears fast.
• Customizable: I can mix and match cheeses, herbs, or even add toppings like crispy bacon or fresh tomatoes.

Ingredients

• 1 loaf French bread or Italian bread, halved lengthwise
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3–4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried parsley)
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes or Italian seasoning for added flavor

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup.

2. In a bowl, mix the softened butter, minced garlic, parsley, and salt until well combined.

3. Spread the garlic butter evenly over the cut sides of the bread.

4. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly over the buttered bread. Add red pepper flakes or Italian seasoning if desired.

5. Place the bread halves on the prepared baking sheet, cheese side up.

6. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

7. For a golden top, switch the oven to broil for the last 1–2 minutes—just keep a close eye on it to avoid burning.

8. Let it cool slightly, then slice and serve warm.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 8–10 slices
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 10–12 minutes
• Total Time: 15–17 minutes

Variations

• Different Cheeses: I sometimes mix mozzarella with cheddar, provolone, or gouda for a richer flavor.
• Stuffed Style: Add a second bread half on top for a sandwich-style cheesy garlic bread.
• Add Toppings: I love adding crumbled bacon, chopped green onions, or sliced tomatoes before baking.
• Vegan Version: Use plant-based butter and cheese alternatives for a dairy-free option.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Wrap leftovers in foil and store in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in a 350°F oven for 5–7 minutes or in a toaster oven until warm and crisp. I avoid microwaving—it makes the bread soggy.
• Freezing: I freeze unbaked bread after adding the butter and cheese. When ready to eat, I bake it straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the cook time.

FAQs

What type of bread should I use?

I prefer French or Italian bread for its crusty exterior and soft interior, but any thick, sturdy loaf will do.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, I often prep the garlic butter mixture and spread it on the bread a few hours in advance. I refrigerate it until ready to bake.

What’s the best cheese for garlic bread?

Mozzarella melts beautifully, and Parmesan adds salty depth. I sometimes blend in provolone or cheddar for variety.

Can I use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic?

Yes, in a pinch I use ½ teaspoon garlic powder per clove of fresh garlic, but fresh garlic gives the best flavor.

How do I prevent soggy bread?

To avoid sogginess, I bake the bread directly on a baking sheet without wrapping it in foil, and broil for a minute at the end to crisp the top.

Conclusion

This Cheesy Garlic Bread is the kind of side dish that steals the show. It’s rich, gooey, garlicky, and so satisfying. I love how easy it is to make, and how every bite delivers that perfect combo of crispy, chewy, and cheesy. It’s a must-have for pasta nights—or really, any night.

Best Cheesy Garlic Bread

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• Author: Mary
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 10–12 minutes
• Total Time: 15–17 minutes
• Yield: 8–10 slices
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Baked
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Best Cheesy Garlic Bread is the ultimate side dish—crispy, buttery, garlicky, and topped with gooey melted cheese. This quick and easy garlic bread recipe is the perfect companion to pasta, soup, or salad, and doubles as a satisfying snack. With its golden crust and irresistible aroma, it’s sure to become a family favorite for any meal.

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Ingredients

• 1 loaf French bread or Italian bread, halved lengthwise
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3–4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried parsley)
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes or Italian seasoning

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, mix softened butter, minced garlic, parsley, and salt until well combined.
3. Spread garlic butter evenly over the cut sides of the bread.
4. Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly over the top. Add optional seasonings if using.
5. Place bread halves on the baking sheet, cheese side up.
6. Bake for 10–12 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. For a golden finish, broil for 1–2 minutes, watching closely.
8. Let cool slightly, then slice and serve warm.

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Notes

• Mix cheeses for more flavor—cheddar, provolone, or gouda are great additions.
• Add toppings like crumbled bacon, green onions, or tomatoes before baking.
• For a vegan version, use dairy-free butter and cheese alternatives.
• To freeze: prepare and freeze before baking, then bake straight from freezer when ready.