If you’re searching for a crowd-pleasing appetizer that’s impossible to resist, this Cheesy Bread is here to steal the show! Imagine golden, buttery slices of bread piled with bubbling mozzarella and fresh herbs, with just enough garlic aroma to make your whole kitchen feel like a cozy trattoria. Equally perfect for weeknight dinners or game day spreads, this recipe comes together in a flash and pairs seamlessly with almost any meal. Let’s dive right in—you’ll want to make a double batch!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Cheesy Bread lies in its simple but essential ingredients. Each item in this recipe plays a crucial role, contributing flavor, melty texture, and that unforgettable aroma straight from the oven. Here’s exactly what you’ll need, plus tips for making each one shine.
- French or Italian bread: This sturdy loaf provides the perfect canvas for all that cheesy, garlicky goodness. Choose a fresh, crusty loaf for best results.
- Unsalted butter: Room-temperature butter blends smoothly with seasonings and helps infuse every bite with rich flavor.
- Mozzarella cheese: For that ultra-gooey, stretchy topping, nothing beats classic mozzarella. Freshly shredded is ideal for perfect melting.
- Parmesan cheese: Parmesan adds a punch of savory, nutty depth to balance out the creamy mozzarella.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic is essential for maximum flavor—don’t be tempted to skip it!
- Fresh parsley: A handful of chopped parsley brightens up the finished bread and adds fresh color.
- Italian seasoning: This blend provides that iconic herby note (think oregano and basil) to pull the whole bread together.
- Salt: Just a pinch brings the flavors to life without making anything too salty.
- Black pepper: A little ground pepper for gentle warmth and balance.
How to Make Cheesy Bread
Step 1: Prep the Bread
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cut your loaf in half lengthwise, creating two open-faced pieces. Place both, cut-side up, on a baking sheet lined with parchment if you want to keep cleanup easy. This simple foundation sets you up for maximum cheesy surface area!
Step 2: Mix the Garlic Butter
In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Make sure your butter is truly softened so it mixes like a dream—this savory spread will soak into every nook and cranny of your bread.
Step 3: Slather the Bread
Now, generously spread your aromatic garlic butter mixture over each bread half. Go right to the edges—every bite deserves that herby, garlicky kick. The butter creates a flavor barrier that fuses the bread and cheese together beautifully in the oven.
Step 4: Pile on the Cheese
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan evenly over both halves of bread. Don’t be shy—more cheese means more pull! The balance of gooey mozzarella and punchy Parmesan is classic Cheesy Bread magic at its best.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Slide the tray into your preheated oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbling. If you love a golden-brown top, switch to broil mode for an extra 1 to 2 minutes—just keep an eye out so it doesn’t scorch.
Step 6: Slice and Savor
Let the Cheesy Bread cool for a minute or two before slicing into thick, generous pieces. Serve them warm so the cheese is still melty and irresistible. Trust me, these won’t last long once they hit the table!
How to Serve Cheesy Bread
Garnishes
For a vibrant finishing touch, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or a dash of red pepper flakes over your Cheesy Bread just before serving. The herbs provide a pop of color and freshness, while red pepper flakes add a subtle kick—totally optional, but highly recommended!
Side Dishes
Cheesy Bread is a fantastic companion to a steamy bowl of tomato soup, your favorite Italian pasta, or a big green salad with a zippy vinaigrette. It’s also the ultimate sidekick for classic comfort foods like lasagna or chicken Parmesan. Basically, wherever there’s sauce, Cheesy Bread is happy to join the party.
Creative Ways to Present
Elevate your Cheesy Bread experience by cutting it into bite-sized cubes for game day snacks, twisting it into breadsticks before baking, or serving it as the edible base for bruschetta-style toppings. You can even slice it into strips for dunking into marinara sauce or creamy dips—the options are as tasty as your imagination!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftover Cheesy Bread (I know, it’s rare!), just let it cool to room temperature, then store slices in an airtight container or zipper bag. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days without losing its satisfying texture.
Freezing
Cheesy Bread freezes beautifully! Arrange cooled slices in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep for up to 2 months—perfect for when a cheesy craving strikes!
Reheating
To reheat, pop refrigerated or thawed Cheesy Bread slices on a baking sheet in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 6 to 8 minutes, or until nicely warmed and the cheese is melted again. For a crisper base, reheat directly on the oven rack.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Appetizer, Side Dish
Absolutely! While French or Italian bread is ideal for its crust and crumb, you can substitute sourdough, ciabatta, or even whole wheat baguette if that’s what you have on hand. The important thing is to pick a loaf firm enough to hold all the cheese and toppings.
Is it possible to make Cheesy Bread in advance?
Yes—you can prepare the bread ahead up until the baking step, then wrap it tightly and refrigerate for up to 8 hours. When you’re ready, bake according to the original instructions. It’s perfect for prepping before guests arrive.
What cheeses work best besides mozzarella and Parmesan?
Mozzarella and Parmesan are a classic pair, but don’t hesitate to experiment! Try provolone for extra meltiness, cheddar for bolder flavor, or even a sprinkle of crumbled feta for tanginess. Mix and match to suit your cheese-loving heart.
How do I avoid soggy Cheesy Bread?
The trick is not to overload the bread with butter or use cheese that’s too moist. Bake until the cheese is bubbly but the bread still feels crisp on the edges. Broiling for a minute or two at the end also adds crunch and helps drive off extra moisture.
Can I make this Cheesy Bread gluten-free?
Definitely! Just swap in your favorite gluten-free baguette or bread loaf. The garlic butter and cheese topping are already gluten-free, so it’s an easy substitution to accommodate gluten sensitivities.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something about fresh-from-the-oven Cheesy Bread that brings smiles and second helpings every single time. It’s impossible not to fall in love with that golden, gooey, garlicky goodness! I hope you’ll give this recipe a try soon and make it a new favorite at your table—trust me, your friends and family will thank you.
Print
Cheesy Bread Recipe
- Total Time: 17 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the gooey goodness of this Cheesy Bread recipe that combines the richness of mozzarella and Parmesan with flavorful herbs on a crusty French or Italian loaf, perfect for any gathering or as a delicious side.
Ingredients
For the Cheesy Bread:
- 1 loaf French bread or Italian bread, halved lengthwise
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Pinch of salt
- Pinch of black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare the Bread: Place bread halves, cut side up, on a baking sheet.
- Make the Herb Butter: In a small bowl, mix softened butter, garlic, parsley, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Spread this mixture evenly over the bread halves.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly over the herb butter.
- Bake: Bake for 10–12 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Broil: For a golden top, broil for an additional 1–2 minutes, watching carefully.
- Serve: Slice and serve the Cheesy Bread warm.
Notes
- For extra flavor, sprinkle red pepper flakes over the cheese before baking.
- You can also use a blend of cheeses such as provolone or cheddar for a flavor variation.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, Italian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 240
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 420 mg
- Fat: 13 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 10 g
- Cholesterol: 35 mg
