Cheesy garlic bread is the ultimate side dish that pairs perfectly with pasta, soups, and even grilled meats. With its crispy crust, buttery garlic spread, and gooey melted cheese, this homemade version is far superior to any store-bought option. It’s easy to make and requires just a few simple ingredients, making it an excellent choice for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes with minimal prep work.
- Irresistibly Cheesy: A perfect combination of gooey mozzarella and flavorful Parmesan.
- Garlicky Goodness: Infused with rich, aromatic garlic butter for a bold taste.
- Versatile: Pairs well with a variety of dishes or can be enjoyed as a standalone appetizer.
- Customizable: Easily adapt the recipe by using different cheeses, herbs, or seasonings.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- French or Italian bread
- Unsalted butter, softened
- Garlic cloves, minced
- Mozzarella cheese, shredded
- Parmesan cheese, grated
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Olive oil (optional, for extra crispiness)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Directions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare the Garlic Butter: In a small bowl, mix the softened butter, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
- Slice the Bread: Cut the French or Italian bread in half lengthwise and place it on the prepared baking sheet.
- Spread the Butter Mixture: Evenly spread the garlic butter mixture over the cut sides of the bread.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan generously over the buttered bread.
- Bake: Place the bread in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Broil (Optional): For a golden, crispy top, broil the bread for an additional 2-3 minutes. Keep a close eye to prevent burning.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and slice into pieces before serving.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6-8
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter for a bit of heat.
- Three-Cheese Blend: Mix in cheddar or provolone for an extra cheesy flavor.
- Herbed Garlic Bread: Incorporate dried oregano or basil into the butter mixture.
- Stuffed Garlic Bread: Slice the bread partially and stuff each section with cheese before baking.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free bread to make this recipe suitable for those with dietary restrictions.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftover cheesy garlic bread in an airtight container or wrap it in foil. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes or until heated through. Avoid microwaving as it can make the bread soggy.
- Freezing: Wrap the bread tightly in foil and freeze for up to 1 month. Reheat directly from frozen at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes.
FAQs
How do I make garlic bread extra crispy?
To achieve extra crispiness, brush the bread with a light layer of olive oil before baking. Broiling for a couple of minutes at the end also helps.
Can I use pre-minced garlic instead of fresh?
Fresh minced garlic provides the best flavor, but you can use pre-minced garlic in a pinch. Adjust the quantity based on its intensity.
What type of bread is best for cheesy garlic bread?
French or Italian bread works best as they have a firm crust and a soft interior, which holds up well to the butter and cheese.
Can I make cheesy garlic bread ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the bread and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. You can also freeze it before baking.
Can I use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic?
Yes, substitute fresh garlic with ½ teaspoon of garlic powder for a milder flavor.
What cheese works best for garlic bread?
Mozzarella and Parmesan are great choices, but you can also use cheddar, provolone, or a blend of cheeses.
How do I prevent the bread from becoming too soggy?
Use a moderate amount of butter and avoid overloading with cheese. Also, bake at a high enough temperature to keep the bread crisp.
Can I make this without an oven?
Yes, you can use a toaster oven or an air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for about 8-10 minutes.
Is there a dairy-free version?
Use dairy-free butter and vegan cheese alternatives to make this recipe dairy-free.
What can I serve with cheesy garlic bread?
It pairs well with pasta, soups, salads, or even as a side for grilled meats.
Conclusion
Cheesy garlic bread is a simple yet delicious side dish that enhances any meal. With a perfect balance of crispy bread, garlicky butter, and melted cheese, this homemade version is bound to be a family favorite. Whether you enjoy it as an appetizer or a complement to your main course, this recipe guarantees bold flavors and satisfying textures. Try it today and elevate your dining experience!
Print
Best Cheesy Garlic Bread
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 slices 1x
- Category: Side Dish, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Best Cheesy Garlic Bread recipe is crispy on the outside, soft and buttery inside, and loaded with gooey, melted cheese. Made with fresh garlic, butter, herbs, and a blend of cheeses, this homemade garlic bread is the perfect side dish for pasta, soups, or as a snack on its own. Ready in just 20 minutes!
Ingredients
- 1 loaf French bread or Italian bread, sliced in half lengthwise
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded parmesan cheese
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Set the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare garlic butter: In a bowl, mix softened butter, minced garlic, parsley, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
- Spread the butter: Evenly spread the garlic butter mixture over the cut sides of the bread.
- Add cheese: Sprinkle mozzarella and parmesan cheese generously over the bread. Add red pepper flakes if desired.
- Bake: Place the bread on the baking sheet and bake for 10 minutes until the cheese is melted.
- Broil for crispiness: Turn on the broiler for 1-2 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Serve: Let cool slightly, then slice and enjoy!
Notes
- Use a mix of cheeses like cheddar or provolone for extra flavor.
- Add roasted garlic for a deeper garlic taste.
- Serve with marinara sauce for dipping.
- Details
Nutrition
- Calories: ~220 kcal
- Sugar: ~1g
- Sodium: ~350mg
- Fat: ~12g
- Saturated Fat: ~7g
- Unsaturated Fat: ~4g
- Trans Fat: ~0g
- Carbohydrates: ~22g
- Fiber: ~1g
- Protein: ~8g
- Cholesterol: ~25mg
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