Name: Quick Cheesy Garlic Bread
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 loaf French bread or Italian bread; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried); 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese; Salt to taste

Crispy, cheesy, and garlicky—this quick cheesy garlic bread is everything I want in a savory side dish. It comes together in just 15 minutes and always disappears fast at the table.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 loaf French bread or Italian bread

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

3 garlic cloves, minced

1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried)

1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese

Salt to taste

Directions

I start by preheating my oven to 400°F (200°C) and lining a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper.

Then I slice the loaf of bread in half horizontally.

In a small bowl, I mix the softened butter, minced garlic, parsley, and a pinch of salt until well combined.

I spread this garlic butter mixture generously over both cut sides of the bread.

Next, I sprinkle the mozzarella and parmesan cheeses evenly over the buttered bread.

I place the bread halves on the prepared baking sheet, cheese side up.

I bake for 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the edges of the bread are golden.

For that extra golden top, I broil the bread for 1–2 minutes, keeping a close eye to avoid burning.

Once out of the oven, I slice and serve it hot.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 6 servings. It takes just 5 minutes to prep and 10 minutes to bake, making the total time only 15 minutes. Each serving contains approximately 320 kcal.

Variations

I sometimes add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick, or swap out mozzarella for a blend of Italian cheeses to switch things up. For a touch of elegance, I like to drizzle a little truffle oil on top after baking. If I want to make it a meal, I add thin slices of pepperoni or cooked bacon before baking.

Storage/Reheating

To store leftovers, I wrap the slices in foil and keep them in the fridge for up to 3 days. When I want to reheat, I pop them in a 350°F oven for about 5–7 minutes until warm and crispy again. I avoid using the microwave, as it makes the bread soggy.

FAQs

How do I keep the bread from getting soggy?

I make sure to use a moderate amount of butter and bake it long enough to crisp up the edges. Using a hot oven also helps prevent sogginess.

Can I use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic?

Yes, when I’m out of fresh garlic, I substitute with about 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder. It works in a pinch, though fresh garlic gives a more intense flavor.

What type of bread works best?

I usually go for a French or Italian loaf with a good crust and soft center. Baguettes work too but have a firmer bite.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, I prepare the bread and refrigerate it (unbaked) for up to a day. When I’m ready to serve, I bake it straight from the fridge.

Is it freezer-friendly?

Absolutely. I wrap the unbaked, buttered, and cheese-topped bread in foil and freeze it. When I need it, I bake straight from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes.

Conclusion

This quick cheesy garlic bread is my go-to for a fast and satisfying side that pairs with almost anything. It’s buttery, garlicky, and loaded with melty cheese—the perfect way to elevate a meal without much effort. I always find myself coming back to it whenever I want to serve something guaranteed to please.

Recipe: