Best Cheesy Garlic Bread Recipe

Introduction

This best cheesy garlic bread is a warm, melty delight perfect as a snack or side dish. With a buttery garlic base and a blend of three cheeses, it’s guaranteed to satisfy any craving for something rich and flavorful.

Ingredients

• 1 Loaf of Italian Bread or French Baguette (about 12–16 inches long)
• 1 Cup (2 Sticks) Unsalted Butter, Softened
• 8 Cloves Garlic, Minced
• 1/2 Cup Fresh Parsley, Finely Chopped
• 1 Teaspoon Salt
• 1/2 Teaspoon Black Pepper, Freshly Ground
• 2 Cups Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
• 1 Cup Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese
• 1/2 Cup Grated Parmesan Cheese
• Optional: 1/4 Teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes (or to taste)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the loaf on a cutting board and slice it lengthwise without cutting through the bottom, creating two halves like an open book.
2. Step 2: In a medium bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Mix thoroughly until evenly blended. Stir in red pepper flakes if using.
3. Step 3: Spread the garlic butter generously and evenly over the cut surfaces of both bread halves, covering every part up to the edges.
4. Step 4: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella evenly over the buttered bread, followed by shredded sharp cheddar, and then grated Parmesan, ensuring even coverage without overcrowding.
5. Step 5: Place the bread halves on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 12–15 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden, and the edges are crisp and toasted. Watch closely to prevent burning.
6. Step 6: Remove from the oven and let rest for a few minutes. Slice into serving pieces and serve immediately while hot and gooey.

Tips & Variations

• Use freshly grated Parmesan for better flavor and melting quality compared to pre-grated versions.
• For a milder garlic taste, reduce cloves to 6; use up to 10 cloves for more intensity.
• Substitute parsley with chives or oregano for a different herb profile.
• Try using a mix of mild and sharp cheddar for balanced sharpness.

Storage

Store any leftover cheesy garlic bread in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes to restore crispness and melt the cheese, avoiding the microwave to prevent sogginess.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use pre-sliced bread for this recipe?

Pre-sliced bread tends to dry out faster and may not hold the garlic butter and cheese as well. It’s best to use a whole loaf and slice it yourself for optimal texture and flavor.

Can I make this garlic bread ahead of time?

You can prepare the garlic butter and assemble the bread up to an hour before baking. Keep it covered in the refrigerator until ready to bake, then proceed with baking as directed.

Best Cheesy Garlic Bread Recipe

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4.5 from 350 reviews

This Best Cheesy Garlic Bread recipe transforms classic garlic bread into a rich, flavorful, and cheesy delight. Featuring a combination of mozzarella, sharp cheddar, and Parmesan cheeses spread over a garlic butter-smeared Italian or French baguette, this crowd-pleaser is baked to golden perfection with a crisp crust and gooey cheese. Perfect as a side or appetizer, it balances aromatic garlic, fresh parsley, and a hint of spice with melty, cheesy goodness.

• Author: Marco
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 8–10 servings 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian-American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

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Bread

• 1 Loaf of Italian Bread or French Baguette (about 12–16 inches long)

Garlic Butter

• 1 Cup (2 Sticks) Unsalted Butter, Softened
• 8 Cloves Garlic, Minced
• 1/2 Cup Fresh Parsley, Finely Chopped
• 1 Teaspoon Salt (kosher or sea salt recommended)
• 1/2 Teaspoon Freshly Ground Black Pepper
• Optional: 1/4 Teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes

Cheese

• 2 Cups Shredded Mozzarella Cheese (low-moisture, part-skim recommended)
• 1 Cup Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese
• 1/2 Cup Grated Parmesan Cheese (freshly grated preferred)

Instructions

1. Preheat Your Oven and Prepare the Bread: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the loaf on a cutting board and slice lengthwise with a serrated knife, stopping before cutting all the way through the bottom crust, creating two halves like an open book to maximize surface area.
2. Make the Garlic Butter: In a medium bowl, combine softened unsalted butter, minced garlic, chopped fresh parsley, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Mix thoroughly until well incorporated and aromatic. If using red pepper flakes, stir them in now.
3. Spread the Garlic Butter Generously: Spread the garlic butter evenly and liberally over the cut surfaces of both bread halves, ensuring full coverage up to the edges. This step infuses the bread with rich garlic flavor.
4. Layer the Cheeses: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella evenly over both halves, followed by the sharp cheddar, then top with the grated Parmesan. Spread the cheeses to allow even melting without overcrowding.
5. Bake to Golden Perfection: Place the prepared halves on a baking sheet (lining with parchment paper optional) and bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes. Bake until cheese is melted, bubbly, golden brown, and bread edges are crisp. Monitor closely to prevent burning.
6. Rest and Serve: Remove from oven and let the garlic bread rest for 2 minutes on the baking sheet to allow the cheese to set slightly. Slice into serving pieces with a sharp knife or pizza cutter and serve immediately while hot and cheesy.

Notes

• For a milder garlic flavor, use 6 cloves of garlic instead of 8; for stronger, use up to 10 cloves.
• Freshly minced garlic is essential for the best flavor—avoid garlic powder or pre-minced garlic.
• Fresh parsley is preferred, but dried parsley (about 2 tablespoons) can be used in a pinch.
• Unsalted butter is recommended so you can control salt levels; if using salted butter, adjust added salt accordingly.
• Shredding your own mozzarella from a block improves melting and flavor compared to pre-shredded cheese.
• Keep a close eye on the bread during baking as oven temperatures can vary and cheese can burn quickly.
• Optional red pepper flakes add a subtle heat but can be omitted if you prefer a milder flavor.
• Use a serrated knife to slice the bread to avoid squashing it.

Keywords: cheesy garlic bread, garlic bread recipe, cheesy appetizer, Italian bread recipe, mozzarella garlic bread, easy garlic bread