Crispy on the outside, soft and buttery inside, and smothered in garlic and melted cheese — this cheesy garlic bread is my go-to side for just about any meal. Whether I’m serving it alongside pasta, soup, or simply enjoying it on its own, it always disappears fast.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
1 large loaf French bread or Italian bread
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
3–4 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Salt, to taste
Directions
I preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with foil.
I slice the loaf in half lengthwise and place the halves cut-side up on the sheet.
In a small bowl, I mix the softened butter, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt.
I spread this garlic butter mixture generously over both halves of the bread.
Then I sprinkle the mozzarella and Parmesan evenly over the top.
I bake the bread for 10–12 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbling.
For an extra golden finish, I broil it for 1–2 minutes — but I keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn.
Finally, I sprinkle fresh parsley on top, slice it up, and serve it warm.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes about 8 servings. It takes roughly 10 minutes to prep and 12–14 minutes to cook, so I have it ready in around 25 minutes total. It’s ideal when I need something quick but satisfying.
Variations
Spicy kick: I like to add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the butter mix when I want some heat.
Cheese swap: Sometimes I use a mix of mozzarella and cheddar for a sharper flavor or add provolone for a meltier texture.
Herb twist: I switch up the herbs by adding dried oregano, basil, or Italian seasoning to the butter.
Loaded version: For a heartier version, I add bits of cooked bacon or diced tomatoes before baking.
Vegan option: I use plant-based butter and cheese substitutes, and it still turns out delicious.
Storage/Reheating
If I have leftovers, I store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I pop the slices in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5–7 minutes until warm and crispy again. The microwave works in a pinch, but it softens the crust.
FAQs
How do I keep the bread from getting soggy?
I make sure not to use too much butter and always bake it uncovered so the moisture can evaporate and the top crisps up.
Can I make cheesy garlic bread ahead of time?
Yes, I often assemble it a few hours ahead, cover it, and refrigerate until I’m ready to bake. It’s a great prep-ahead option for parties.
What kind of bread works best?
I prefer a French or Italian loaf with a firm crust and soft interior — they hold up well and soak in the garlic butter perfectly.
Can I freeze it?
Yes, I freeze the unbaked bread after spreading on the butter and cheese. Then I bake it straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the bake time.
What can I serve this with?
I usually pair it with pasta dishes like spaghetti or lasagna, but it’s also great with soups, salads, or even as a snack on its own.
Conclusion
This cheesy garlic bread is my foolproof way to elevate any meal. It’s simple, quick, and packed with flavor — the kind of recipe I find myself making again and again. Whether it’s a casual dinner or a dinner party, it always steals the show.
📖 Recipe:
Print
Best Cheesy Garlic Bread
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This cheesy garlic bread is crispy on the outside, soft and buttery inside, and topped with a flavorful blend of garlic, mozzarella, and Parmesan. Perfect as a side for pasta, soup, or even as a snack, it’s quick to make and always a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
1 large loaf French bread or Italian bread
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
3–4 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Salt, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with foil.
- Slice the loaf in half lengthwise and place the halves cut-side up on the sheet.
- In a small bowl, mix the softened butter, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt.
- Spread the garlic butter mixture generously over both halves of the bread.
- Sprinkle the mozzarella and Parmesan evenly over the top.
- Bake the bread for 10–12 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbling.
- Broil for 1–2 minutes for a golden finish, watching carefully to avoid burning.
- Sprinkle fresh parsley on top, slice, and serve warm.
Notes
Add red pepper flakes or hot sauce to the butter for a spicy version.
Use a mix of mozzarella and cheddar or add provolone for variation.
Try different herbs like oregano, basil, or Italian seasoning in the butter mix.
For a loaded version, add cooked bacon bits or diced tomatoes before baking.
Use vegan butter and cheese substitutes for a plant-based option.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5–7 minutes to keep it crispy.
You can freeze unbaked bread and bake directly from frozen with a few extra minutes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12–14 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
