Cheesy garlic bread is the ultimate comfort food—crispy on the outside, soft and buttery on the inside, and loaded with gooey melted cheese. Whether served as a side dish, appetizer, or snack, this indulgent bread is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy: Ready in just 25 minutes with minimal effort.
- Perfectly crispy and cheesy: The combination of mozzarella and parmesan creates a rich, savory flavor.
- Versatile: Pairs well with soups, salads, pasta, or can be enjoyed on its own.
- Customizable: Adjust seasonings, cheese, or even add spice for a unique twist.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 large loaf of French bread (12 oz)
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4-5 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- ½ cup parmesan cheese, shredded
- ⅛ tsp paprika
- ⅛ tsp chili flakes (optional)
- ⅛ tsp dried basil
Directions
- Preheat the oven: Set to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
- Prepare the bread: Cut the French bread in half lengthwise and place it cut-side up on the baking sheet.
- Make the garlic butter: In a small bowl, mix softened butter, minced garlic, 1 tbsp parsley, paprika, and salt until well combined.
- Spread the mixture: Evenly spread the garlic butter over both halves of the bread, ensuring full coverage from edge to edge.
- Add cheese and seasonings: Sprinkle mozzarella and parmesan over the bread. Top with dried basil and chili flakes if using.
- Bake: Place in the oven and bake uncovered for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Garnish and serve: Slice the bread and sprinkle with the remaining fresh parsley. Enjoy immediately!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Garlic Bread: Add extra chili flakes or drizzle with hot honey for a spicy-sweet kick.
- Herb-Infused: Mix in rosemary, thyme, or oregano for extra flavor.
- Cheese Blend: Try using cheddar, gouda, or provolone for a different cheese combination.
- Healthier Option: Use whole wheat bread and olive oil instead of butter.
Storage and Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Wrap in foil and freeze for up to 1 month. Reheat directly from frozen.
- Reheating: Warm in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes or in an air fryer at 350°F for 5 minutes. Avoid microwaving, as it may make the bread soggy.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of bread?
Yes, sourdough, Italian bread, or baguettes work well for this recipe.
What’s the best way to get crispy garlic bread?
Baking uncovered at a high temperature ensures a crispy exterior while keeping the inside soft.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the bread and refrigerate until ready to bake. Add a few extra minutes to the baking time if chilled.
Can I use pre-minced garlic?
Fresh garlic provides the best flavor, but pre-minced garlic can be used in a pinch.
What dipping sauces go well with garlic bread?
Marinara, ranch, garlic butter, or even a creamy cheese sauce pair perfectly.
Can I make this garlic bread without cheese?
Yes, simply omit the cheese and bake as usual for a classic garlic bread.
How can I make this bread extra garlicky?
Use roasted garlic instead of raw for a deeper, sweeter garlic flavor.
What’s the best way to slice garlic bread?
Use a serrated knife to ensure clean cuts without crushing the bread.
Can I cook this in an air fryer?
Yes! Air fry at 350°F (175°C) for about 8-10 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
What’s the best cheese combination for garlic bread?
A mix of mozzarella and parmesan gives the perfect balance of gooey and sharp flavors.
Conclusion
This cheesy garlic bread is an irresistible blend of buttery garlic goodness and melty cheese, making it the perfect addition to any meal. Whether you’re serving it alongside pasta, soup, or enjoying it as a standalone snack, this easy homemade recipe is sure to become a favorite. Try it today and savor the cheesy, garlicky perfection!
Print
Cheesy Garlic Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer, Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This cheesy garlic bread is crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and loaded with buttery garlic flavor and gooey melted cheese. Made with French bread, mozzarella, parmesan, garlic butter, and herbs, this quick and easy recipe is perfect as a side dish, appetizer, or snack. Serve it with soups, pasta, or enjoy it on its own!
Ingredients
1 large French bread loaf (about 12 oz)
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
4–5 garlic cloves, minced
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
1/2 cup parmesan cheese, shredded
1/8 teaspoon paprika
1/8 teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
1/8 teaspoon dried basil
Instructions
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
Prepare the bread – Cut the French bread in half lengthwise and place it cut-side up on the baking sheet.
Make garlic butter – In a small bowl, mix softened butter, minced garlic, 1 tablespoon parsley, paprika, and salt until well combined.
Spread butter – Evenly spread the garlic butter mixture on both halves of the bread.
Add cheese – Sprinkle mozzarella, parmesan, dried basil, and chili flakes over the bread.
Bake uncovered for 20 minutes or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.
Garnish & Serve – Sprinkle with the remaining fresh parsley, slice, and serve immediately.
Notes
- Customize the cheese – Swap mozzarella for cheddar, provolone, or gouda for different flavors.
- Want extra crunch? – Bake for an additional 2-3 minutes under the broiler.
- Spice it up – Add extra chili flakes or a drizzle of hot honey for a sweet-heat combo.
- Olive oil alternative – Swap butter for olive oil for a healthier option.
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