Cozy Up with This Cheesy Garlic Bread Everyone Loves

Crafting the perfect cheesy garlic bread can turn an ordinary meal into a memorable feast.

Fragrant herbs and melted cheese create a symphony of flavors that dance across your palate.

Crispy edges and a soft, buttery center make this side dish irresistible.

Kitchens come alive with the aroma of garlic and golden-brown bread emerging from the oven.

Home cooks adore this simple yet elegant accompaniment that complements countless dishes.

Warm, gooey, and packed with robust flavors, this recipe promises to be your new favorite comfort food.

One bite will have everyone at the table reaching for another slice.

Cheesy Garlic Bread Buttery Crispy Cheesy Delight

• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Delivers irresistible cheesy goodness that appeals to both kids and adults, making it an ideal party appetizer or family gathering treat.
• Flexible Flavor Booster: Can be customized with different cheese varieties, added herbs, or spices to match personal taste preferences and complement main course dishes.
• Minimal Effort, Maximum Taste: Requires simple ingredients and basic kitchen skills, ensuring even novice cooks can create a restaurant-quality side dish with minimal preparation.

Cheesy Garlic Bread Baking List

• French Bread: Sturdy base for delicious garlic spread and cheese, select a fresh loaf with a crisp crust.
• Parchment Paper or Foil: Helps with easy cleanup and prevents sticking to baking sheet.

• Parmesan Cheese: Adds sharp, salty flavor, choose freshly grated for best taste.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Provides creamy, melty texture, select full-fat version for optimal stretch.

• Butter: Creates rich garlic base, use unsalted for better control of saltiness.
• Garlic: Delivers robust, aromatic flavor, fresh minced garlic provides the most intense taste.
• Italian Seasoning: Adds herbal complexity, a blend of dried herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme.
• Fresh Herbs: Optional garnish for bright, fresh finish, parsley or basil work well.

Cheesy Garlic Bread Instructions

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to a toasty 400°F.

Grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper or aluminum foil for super easy cleanup.

Slice your French bread right down the middle lengthwise, creating two perfect halves.

Place these bread pieces cut-side up on your prepared baking sheet.

If one half seems wobbly, give it a quick trim so it sits flat and stable.

Step 2: Create Magic Garlic Butter

Pop your butter into a microwave-safe bowl and zap it for 45-60 seconds until beautifully melted.

Stir in minced garlic and a sprinkle of Italian seasoning.

Using a pastry brush, spread this aromatic butter generously across the bread’s exposed surface, making sure every inch gets coated with flavor.

Step 3: Shower with Cheese

Rain down a layer of Parmesan cheese across both bread halves.

Follow this with a luxurious blanket of mozzarella cheese, covering the entire surface with cheesy goodness.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Slide the baking sheet onto the middle rack of your oven.

Let it bake for approximately 12 minutes, waiting for the cheese to melt into a smooth, tempting layer.

Step 5: Broil for Golden Deliciousness

Switch your oven to high broil.

Watch carefully as you broil the bread for 2-3 minutes, creating a golden-brown, bubbly cheese topping.

Keep your eyes peeled to prevent any burning!

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Sprinkle some fresh chopped herbs on top if you’re feeling fancy.

Add an extra dusting of Parmesan for good measure.

Serve piping hot and watch it disappear in moments!

Garlic Bread Tips With Cheesy Texture

• Choose high-quality French bread with a crisp exterior and soft interior for the best texture and flavor.
• Experiment with different cheese combinations like fontina, provolone, or sharp cheddar to create unique flavor profiles.
• Adjust garlic amount based on personal preference – use fresh minced garlic for stronger flavor or roasted garlic for a mellower taste.
• Toast bread lightly before adding butter and cheese to maintain a crispy texture and prevent moisture absorption.
• Sprinkle finely chopped fresh herbs like parsley or basil just before serving to add color, freshness, and an aromatic touch.

Garlic Bread Stays Soft When Stored Right

• Store leftover cheesy garlic bread in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Wrap tightly in aluminum foil to prevent moisture and maintain texture.
• Warm bread at 350°F for 8-10 minutes, uncovered, to restore crispy edges and melty cheese. Avoid microwave to prevent soggy results.
• Wrap completely cooled bread in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for maximum 1 month. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.
• For best taste and texture, consume within 2 days. Reheated garlic bread works great as a side dish or quick snack.

Best Additions To Garlic Bread

• Savor Wine Companions: Crisp Pinot Grigio or light Chardonnay perfectly balance the rich, cheesy garlic bread with refreshing acidity and subtle fruit notes.
• Complement Side Dishes: Caesar salad or tomato bruschetta create a delightful Italian-inspired meal with complementary flavors and textures.
• Enhance Protein Pairings: Grilled chicken or shrimp provide excellent protein companions that match the bread's garlicky, cheesy profile without overwhelming its delicate taste.
• Create Dipping Delights: Marinara sauce or herbed olive oil transform the garlic bread into an interactive appetizer, allowing guests to customize their flavor experience.

Crispy Garlic Bread Upgrades

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace French bread with gluten-free baguette or cauliflower crust for a wheat-free alternative.
• Vegan Cheese Option: Swap mozzarella and Parmesan with dairy-free cheese alternatives like nutritional yeast or plant-based mozzarella shreds.
• Low-Carb Transformation: Use zucchini slices or portobello mushroom caps as bread substitute for a lighter, carb-conscious version.
• Herb-Infused Variation: Experiment with different herb combinations like rosemary, thyme, or basil instead of traditional Italian seasoning for unique flavor profiles.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of bread for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute French bread with Italian bread, ciabatta, or sourdough. Just ensure the bread is crusty and can hold the cheese and butter mixture well.

• How do I prevent the bread from becoming too greasy?

Use a light hand when brushing the garlic butter and drain excess butter before adding cheese. Choose a bread that isn’t too dense to help avoid sogginess.

• Is it possible to make this recipe ahead of time?

Prepare the bread with butter and cheese, cover, and refrigerate for up to 2 hours before baking. Do not let it sit longer to maintain bread’s texture and prevent sogginess.

• What if I don't have Italian seasoning?

Create a quick substitute by mixing dried oregano, basil, thyme, and a pinch of rosemary. Alternatively, use dried herbs you have on hand for similar flavor profiles.

Cheesy Garlic Bread Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 35 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Crispy cheesy garlic bread brings comfort and indulgence to any meal, offering a golden-brown symphony of melted cheese and aromatic herbs. Delightful slices promise warm, buttery satisfaction that will elevate your dining experience with irresistible flavor.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound (454 grams) fresh French bread, halved vertically
• 3 cups (340 grams) shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
• 1/3 cup (40 grams) freshly grated Parmesan cheese, divided

Flavor Enhancers:

• 1/2 cup (113 grams) unsalted butter, melted
• 45 cloves garlic, finely minced
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Garnish:

• Fresh parsley, basil, or oregano (optional)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Craft a pristine baking surface by lining a sheet with parchment paper, positioning the oven rack to its middle setting, and heating the environment to a precise 400°F for optimal bread transformation.
2. Transform the French bread into twin longitudinal segments, ensuring each half rests evenly and stable on the prepared baking surface. Trim edges if necessary to guarantee a level foundation.
3. Liberate butter’s potential through gentle microwave heating, creating a luxurious base for flavor infusion. Incorporate minced garlic and aromatic Italian seasoning, whisking until harmoniously blended.
4. Artfully distribute the herbed butter across the bread’s exposed interior, ensuring comprehensive and uniform coverage that penetrates every crevice.
5. Cascade Parmesan cheese as a foundational layer, followed by a generous cascade of mozzarella, creating a cascading landscape of dairy decadence across the bread’s surface.
6. Nestle the prepared bread into the preheated oven, allowing approximately 12 minutes for cheese to transform into a molten, interconnected blanket.
7. For those desiring additional caramelization, activate the broiler’s intense heat for 2-3 minutes, watching vigilantly to achieve a golden, bubbling cheese crown without risking charring.
8. Elevate the presentation by adorning with fresh herb confetti and an optional Parmesan dusting, serving immediately to capture the pinnacle of textural and flavor brilliance.

Notes

• Bread Selection Matters: Choose a crusty French bread with sturdy structure to prevent sogginess and ensure crispy, golden edges.
• Garlic Intensity Control: Adjust garlic quantity based on personal preference, using fresh minced garlic for more robust flavor or roasted garlic for mellow sweetness.
• Cheese Flexibility: Experiment with different cheese combinations like sharp cheddar, gruyère, or fontina to create unique flavor profiles.
• Dietary Modifications: Swap regular butter with olive oil for a lighter version, use gluten-free bread for celiac-friendly option, and select dairy-free cheese alternatives for vegan adaptation.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Snacks, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 290
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 470 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 23 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 9 g
• Cholesterol: 60 mg