Golden, buttery garlic bread loaded with gooey melted cheese – this is my go-to comfort side that never disappoints. It’s crispy on the outside, soft and warm inside, and bursting with bold, garlicky flavor. Whether I’m serving it with pasta, soups, or as a party snack, this cheesy garlic bread always disappears fast.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
1 large loaf French bread or Italian bread
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for extra crispiness)
Directions
I preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
Then I cut the loaf in half lengthwise and place both halves cut-side up on the sheet.
In a small bowl, I mix the softened butter, minced garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper until smooth.
I spread this mixture generously over each half of the bread.
Next, I sprinkle on the mozzarella cheese, followed by the Parmesan.
For an extra crisp bite, I drizzle olive oil on top (totally optional, but I like the texture it adds).
I bake it for 12–15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbling.
To get that golden top, I switch the oven to broil for 1–2 minutes, keeping a close eye so it doesn’t burn.
Once done, I let it cool slightly, slice, and serve it warm.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes about 8 servings and takes only 25 minutes total—10 minutes to prep and 15 minutes to bake. Each serving is approximately 290 kcal.
Variations
Add spice: I sometimes sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
Different cheese: Swap mozzarella for provolone, cheddar, or an Italian blend.
Garlic overload: I’ve added roasted garlic for an even deeper flavor.
Herb twist: Try adding basil, oregano, or thyme to the butter mixture.
Stuffed version: I like to slice the bread partially and stuff the cheesy mix between slices for a pull-apart effect.
Storage/Reheating
I store any leftover slices in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5–7 minutes until warm and crispy again. For a quick fix, I also use the toaster oven. I avoid the microwave because it makes the bread too chewy.
FAQs
How do I prevent the bread from becoming soggy?
I make sure to bake it at a high temperature and avoid using too much butter. Drizzling a little olive oil helps it crisp up as well.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, I often prepare the garlic butter mixture and spread it on the bread ahead of time. I keep it wrapped in foil in the fridge and bake when ready.
Can I use pre-shredded cheese?
Absolutely, but I find freshly shredded cheese melts better and gives a more gooey texture.
Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
Yes, I freeze the prepared (unbaked) bread wrapped tightly in foil. When I want it, I bake straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the bake time.
What’s the best bread to use?
I prefer a sturdy loaf like French or Italian bread because it holds up well to the butter and cheese without getting soggy.
Conclusion
This cheesy garlic bread is one of those recipes I keep coming back to because it’s simple, fast, and always a crowd-pleaser. Whether I’m making it for a weeknight meal or a party snack, it delivers bold flavor and cheesy goodness every single time.
Recipe:
Print
Best Cheesy Garlic Bread
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Golden, buttery garlic bread loaded with gooey melted cheese. Crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and bursting with bold garlic flavor—perfect as a side or snack.
Ingredients
1 large loaf French bread or Italian bread
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for extra crispiness)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
- Cut the loaf in half lengthwise and place both halves cut-side up on the prepared baking sheet.
- In a small bowl, mix the softened butter, minced garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Spread the garlic butter mixture evenly over each half of the bread.
- Sprinkle mozzarella cheese evenly over the bread, followed by Parmesan cheese.
- Drizzle olive oil on top if desired for extra crispiness.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbling.
- Switch the oven to broil and broil for 1–2 minutes until the top is golden brown (watch closely to avoid burning).
- Remove from the oven, let cool slightly, slice, and serve warm.
Notes
For a spicier version, add crushed red pepper flakes before baking.
Try different cheeses like provolone or cheddar for a new twist.
Use roasted garlic for deeper, richer flavor.
Add herbs like basil, oregano, or thyme to the butter mixture.
Make it pull-apart style by slicing and stuffing the bread before baking.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat in the oven or toaster oven for best texture.
Freeze unbaked bread wrapped in foil and bake straight from frozen when needed.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
