Hey y’all! If you’re searching for the ultimate comfort food that’s golden, cheesy, and bursting with buttery garlic flavor, this Garlic Cheese Bread Recipe is just what you need. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner, enjoying a cozy night in, or looking for the ideal side for your favorite pasta, this bread has you covered. It’s crispy on the outside, ooey-gooey on the inside, and totally irresistible to everyone. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Garlic Cheese Bread
- Ready in under 25 minutes for last-minute cravings or hungry guests.
- Combines melty cheese and zesty garlic for a flavor-packed bite.
- Perfectly crispy edges with a soft, cheesy center everyone loves.
- Customizable with your favorite cheeses and herbs.
- Pairs perfectly with soups, salads, and pasta dishes.
Ingredients
- 1 large French baguette or Italian loaf (about 16 inches)
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes for a kick
Directions
Step 1: Prep the Bread
Preheat your oven to 400°F (205°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup. Slice the baguette or loaf lengthwise in half, creating two long pieces.
Step 2: Make Garlic Butter
In a bowl, combine softened butter, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and chopped parsley. Mix until fully blended and fragrant.
Step 3: Assemble
Spread the garlic butter mixture evenly over each bread half. Sprinkle mozzarella and parmesan cheeses on top. For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes now.
Step 4: Bake
Place the bread halves, cut side up, on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly with golden brown edges. For extra crispiness, broil for 1-2 minutes at the end—just watch closely!
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Remove from the oven, sprinkle with extra parsley, and let it cool for 2 minutes. Slice and serve warm.
Notes
- Soften butter fully for effortless mixing and spreading.
- If using salted butter, reduce added salt to 1/4 teaspoon.
- Use pre-shredded cheese for convenience or shred your own for even better melt!
Variations
- Four Cheese Garlic Bread: Add provolone and sharp cheddar to the cheese blend.
- Pesto Garlic Bread: Swirl a tablespoon of basil pesto into the garlic butter mixture before spreading.
- Vegan Garlic Cheese Bread: Use plant-based butter and shredded vegan cheese substitutes.
Required Equipment
- Baking sheet
- Sharp bread knife
- Mixing bowl
- Spatula or spoon
- Parchment paper or foil
Storage Instructions
Store leftover garlic cheese bread in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, bake at 350°F (177°C) for 8-10 minutes or until warmed through; avoid microwaving, as the bread may become soggy. For longer storage, wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.
Suggested Pairings & Serving Recommendations
- Serve alongside tomato soup, creamy pasta, or a fresh Caesar salad for a balanced meal.
- Great as an appetizer or party snack—pair with marinara sauce for dipping!
- Enjoy with hearty mains like lasagna, grilled chicken, or roasted veggies.
Pro Tips for Perfect Garlic Cheese Bread
- Use room temperature butter for easy spreading and an even coating.
- Broil briefly at the end to achieve that delicious golden cheese topping.
- Let the bread cool slightly before slicing for clean, neat pieces every time.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I make garlic cheese bread ahead of time?
- Yes! Assemble the bread ahead and refrigerate until ready to bake, then add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
- What bread works best for this recipe?
- A crusty French baguette or Italian loaf delivers the ideal texture: crispy on the edges, soft inside.
- How do I make this gluten-free?
- Simply use your favorite gluten-free baguette or loaf to enjoy gluten-free garlic cheese bread.
Prep Time:
10 minutes
Cook Time:
12-15 minutes
Total Time:
22-25 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 large baguette or Italian bread loaf
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
-
1Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
-
2Slice the baguette in half horizontally and place both halves, cut side up, on the prepared baking sheet.
-
3In a medium bowl, mix the softened butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, oregano, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
-
4Spread the garlic butter mixture evenly over the cut sides of the bread. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese evenly on top.
-
5Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the edges of the bread are golden. Optionally, broil for an extra 1-2 minutes for a crispier top.
-
6Remove from the oven, slice, and serve warm.
CLICK FOR NUTRITION INFO
↑
Approximate Information for One Serving
Serving Size:
1 serving
Calories:
270 caloriescal
Protein:
10gg
Fat:
13gg
Saturated Fat:
0g
Trans Fat:
0g
Cholesterol:
0mg
Sodium:
0mg
Potassium:
0mg
Total Carbs:
28gg
Fiber:
0g
Sugar:
0g
Net Carbs:
0g
Vitamin A:
0
Vitamin C:
0mg
Calcium:
0mg
Iron:
0mg
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
Did you make this recipe?
Please consider Pinning it!!
