This Cheesy Garlic Bread is made with a buttery garlic spread, plenty of melty cheese, and toasted to golden perfection. Whether it’s a side dish or snack, this recipe delivers big comfort with minimal effort.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Servings: 4-6
🌟 Why You’ll Love It:
- Crispy edges, gooey center
- Only 15 minutes from start to finish
- Perfect with pastas, soups, or on its own
- Easily customizable with herbs, chili, or extra cheese
- Always a crowd-pleaser!
Ingredients:
- 1 loaf (about 1 pound) Italian or French bread
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 4-6 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup freshly chopped parsley (optional)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder (optional, for extra flavor)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper
Equipment:
- Cutting board
- Serrated knife
- Small bowl
- Spoon or small spatula
- Baking sheet
- Aluminum foil (optional, for easier cleanup)
Instructions:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Bread
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil for easier cleanup, if desired. Place the loaf of bread on the cutting board. Using a serrated knife, make diagonal cuts across the top of the loaf, about 1 inch apart, being careful not to cut all the way through to the bottom crust. Then, make another set of diagonal cuts in the opposite direction, creating a diamond pattern. This will help the garlic butter and cheese seep into the bread.
Step 2: Make the Garlic Butter
- In a small bowl, combine the softened butter and minced garlic. Add the chopped parsley (if using), garlic powder (if using), and a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper. Mix well with a spoon or small spatula until the garlic and parsley are evenly distributed throughout the butter.
Step 3: Spread the Garlic Butter on the Bread
- Using the spoon or small spatula, spread the garlic butter generously into the cuts of the bread, making sure to get some between each slice and on top of the loaf.
Step 4: Add the Cheese
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the buttered bread, making sure to get some cheese into the cuts as well. Then, sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese on top of the mozzarella.
Step 5: Bake the Garlic Bread
- Carefully transfer the prepared loaf to the preheated baking sheet. Bake in the oven for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the bread is lightly golden brown and crispy around the edges. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
- Once the cheesy garlic bread is golden and bubbly, carefully remove it from the oven. Let it cool for a minute or two before serving. The cuts you made earlier should allow for easy tearing or slicing into individual portions. Enjoy your delicious homemade cheesy garlic bread!
💡 Pro Tips
✔ Extra crispy edges? Butter the outside of the bread too before baking.
✔ Fresh vs. dried herbs: Use 3x more fresh herbs if substituting dried.
✔ Make ahead: Prep garlic butter and cheese topping up to 2 days in advance.
🍽 Serving Ideas
- With pasta: Perfect alongside spaghetti or lasagna.
- Dipping sauces: Marinara, ranch, or garlic aioli.
- Game-day snack: Cut into small squares for parties.
📊 Nutrition (Per Slice, 1/6th of recipe)
Calories: ~300 | Protein: 10g | Fat: 18g | Carbs: 25g | Fiber: 1g
🧀 Variations
- Extra Cheesy: Add cream cheese or provolone under the shredded cheese.
- Vegan: Use vegan butter + dairy-free cheese (like Violife).
- Meaty: Top with cooked bacon bits or pepperoni before baking.
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