If you’re on the hunt for the ultimate crowd-pleasing side, look no further: Garlic Cheese Bread is the answer to every carb-lover’s prayer. This irresistible combination of crusty bread, creamy garlic butter, gooey mozzarella, and a touch of parmesan is as easy to make as it is to devour. Whether you’re serving it alongside a bubbling lasagna, dunking it in hot soup, or eating it straight from the tray (guilty!), this comforting classic delivers bold flavor and unbeatable satisfaction in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best things about Garlic Cheese Bread is how effortlessly the magic happens with a handful of humble ingredients. Each element matters, from the crisp base to the herby finishing touch, coming together for the perfect balance of crunch, melt, and aroma.
- French or Italian bread (1 loaf, halved lengthwise): Choose a sturdy loaf for a crisp exterior and chewy crumb; this is your canvas for all the cheesy goodness.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, softened): Letting it soften ensures every nook of the bread gets a buttery, flavorful coating.
- Garlic (3–4 cloves, minced): Freshly minced garlic guarantees an aromatically punchy spread that really lives up to the bread’s name.
- Fresh parsley (2 tablespoons, chopped): Adds bright, herby freshness and a pop of color against the golden cheese.
- Mozzarella cheese (1 1/2 cups, shredded): The star of the show! Melts into stringy, creamy bliss on top of the bread.
- Parmesan cheese (1/4 cup, grated): Brings salty, nutty depth and that bit of toasty edge when baked.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Enhances all those bold, savory flavors in every layer.
- Red pepper flakes or Italian seasoning (optional, for garnish): A sprinkle of heat or an herby Italian note elevates every bite.
How to Make Garlic Cheese Bread
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan
Start off by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). For easy cleanup, line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. While the oven heats up, take a moment to cut your bread loaf in half, lengthwise, making sure each piece has a sturdy surface for all the toppings that are coming its way.
Step 2: Make the Garlic Butter
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the softened butter with your minced garlic, freshly chopped parsley, and a dash of salt. You want to stir it all together until you have a fragrant, evenly blended spread—no streaks of plain butter hiding in the corners!
Step 3: Spread the Love
Take your buttery, garlicky mixture and spread it equally over both halves of the bread. Be generous! This layer is what gives Garlic Cheese Bread its iconic flavor. Make sure the mixture reaches right up to the edges so every slice is loaded with taste.
Step 4: Get Cheesy
Next up, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese all over the buttered bread halves. Don’t be shy—the cheesier, the better. Then, shower the tops with grated parmesan for a double cheese whammy. If you like extra flavor or a bit of spice, now’s the time to add those optional red pepper flakes or a sprinkle of Italian seasoning.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Arrange the bread halves on your prepared baking sheet, and slide them into the hot oven. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, just until the cheese is melted and bubbling with some golden spots. For that irresistible toasty finish, turn the oven to broil for a final 1 to 2 minutes—just keep a close eye so nothing burns.
Step 6: Cool, Slice, and Serve
Let your Garlic Cheese Bread rest for a couple of minutes out of the oven so the cheese sets slightly (if you can resist!). Then, cut it into thick slices and serve while it’s warm, gooey, and absolutely dreamy.
How to Serve Garlic Cheese Bread
Garnishes
Give your bread a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a crisp, vibrant look, or add a touch more grated parmesan right before serving for extra richness. If you’re after a kick, a light dusting of red pepper flakes really wakes up the flavor and adds a little heat in each bite.
Side Dishes
Garlic Cheese Bread loves company! Pair it with anything from a hearty bowl of tomato soup to a leafy Caesar salad, or serve it alongside classic pastas like spaghetti and meatballs. Its savory, cheesy profile complements Italian mains especially well, and it never fails as a starter at casual gatherings.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties or game nights, try slicing your Garlic Cheese Bread into strips for dipping in marinara or ranch. If you want to impress, stack slices in a bread basket lined with a checkered napkin for that cozy bakery feel. Or, for a fun twist, cut it into bite-sized cubes and skewer with cherry tomatoes and fresh basil for ready-to-eat appetizers.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extra slices (lucky you!), let the bread cool completely, then wrap it in foil or seal in an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, and the flavor will still be top-notch for a quick snack or side.
Freezing
Garlic Cheese Bread freezes beautifully! Arrange slices in a single layer on a tray and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. This way they won’t stick together, and you can pull out just as many as you want. For best taste and texture, enjoy within a month.
Reheating
To bring your bread back to cheesy greatness, reheat slices in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through. For a crispier edge, unwrap foil-wrapped bread for the last few minutes or broil briefly, keeping a close watch so the cheese doesn’t scorch.
FAQs
Can I use pre-shredded cheese for Garlic Cheese Bread?
Absolutely! Pre-shredded mozzarella is a convenient option and melts well, though freshly shredded cheese will deliver an extra creamy, next-level melt and flavor due to fewer anti-caking agents.
Can I add other toppings to my Garlic Cheese Bread?
Definitely! Feel free to toss on cooked bacon, sliced olives, diced tomatoes, or a bit of chopped sun-dried tomato before baking. The base recipe is delicious on its own, but it also welcomes experimentation.
How do I keep Garlic Cheese Bread from getting soggy?
To prevent soggy bread, start with a fresh, crusty loaf and don’t overload the butter mixture. Baking at a high heat helps toast the bottom, and serving promptly after baking is always best!
Is there a way to make it gluten-free?
Yes, you can make gluten-free Garlic Cheese Bread simply by starting with your favorite gluten-free bread or baguette. All the other ingredients in the recipe are naturally gluten-free.
Can I make Garlic Cheese Bread ahead of time?
You sure can. For maximum freshness, assemble the bread with butter and cheese, then wrap and refrigerate it. Bake it off just before you’re ready to serve for that perfect warm, gooey finish.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Cheese Bread is a keeper—effortless, outrageously cheesy, and always a guaranteed hit. Give it a try the next time you want to wow your dinner crowd or simply treat yourself to some comfort food bliss. One slice is never enough, so don’t be surprised when you find yourself making it on repeat!
Print
Garlic Cheese Bread Recipe
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 8 slices 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the irresistible combination of garlic, gooey mozzarella, and savory Parmesan with this easy-to-make garlic cheese bread. Perfect as a side dish or appetizer, this cheesy bread is a crowd-pleaser that will disappear in no time!
Ingredients
Bread:
- 1 loaf French or Italian bread (halved lengthwise)
Garlic Butter:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 3–4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Cheese Topping:
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Optional: red pepper flakes or Italian seasoning for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare garlic butter: In a bowl, mix softened butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, and salt until well combined.
- Assemble the bread: Spread the garlic butter mixture evenly over both halves of the bread. Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese, then top with Parmesan cheese. Add red pepper flakes or Italian seasoning if desired.
- Bake: Place the bread halves on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 10–12 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly. Broil for 1–2 minutes for extra browning.
- Serve: Remove from oven, let cool slightly, slice, and serve warm.
Notes
- Pair this garlic cheese bread with pasta, soups, or salads.
- You can make it ahead and reheat before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 310 mg
- Fat: 13 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 17 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg
