Let’s be real who can resist the smell of freshly baked garlic bread wafting through the kitchen? Now, imagine that garlic bread with gooey melted cheese, crispy edges, and a buttery, herb-infused flavor. That’s exactly what you get with this Cheesy Garlic Bread. It’s the ultimate side dish or snack that’s ridiculously easy to make, but so delicious you’ll want to make it every week. Trust me, this recipe is a total game-changer!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This cheesy garlic bread isn’t just another side dish; it’s the kind of bread you’ll be dreaming about. Whether you’re enjoying it with pasta, serving it at a casual dinner party, or just snacking on it while binge-watching your favorite show, it’s always a hit. Here’s why it’s a favorite:
Versatile:
It goes with practically everything! Serve it with spaghetti, salads, soups, or even as a snack on its own.
Budget-Friendly:
This recipe doesn’t require any fancy ingredients—just a loaf of bread, cheese, and some pantry staples. It’s simple, affordable, and oh-so-tasty!
Quick and Easy:
With just a few minutes of prep and 15 minutes in the oven, you’ll have cheesy garlic bread on your table in no time.
Customizable:
Want more cheese? Go for it! Add some extra herbs or spices to make it your own. This recipe is all about making it work for you.
Crowd-Pleasing:
Who can resist warm, melty cheese on a crispy, buttery slice of bread? It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Here’s the magic of this cheesy garlic bread: it’s made with a few basic ingredients, but the result is utterly irresistible. Let’s break it down:
Bread:
A good loaf of bread is essential for this recipe. A baguette, ciabatta, or any thick, crusty bread works perfectly. It’s the foundation of this cheesy creation!
Garlic:
Fresh garlic is key to giving the bread that bold, aromatic punch. It infuses the bread with that classic garlicky flavor we all crave.
Butter:
The rich, creamy butter coats the bread and helps it become golden and crispy while adding that luxurious flavor. Trust me, you don’t want to skip this part.
Cheese:
Mozzarella cheese is the gooey, melty cheese that makes this bread so irresistible. For extra flavor, a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese adds a delightful salty kick.
Herbs:
Italian seasoning or fresh parsley adds a pop of color and flavor to the bread, complementing the garlic and cheese perfectly.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create this cheesy, garlicky masterpiece:
Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures the bread gets perfectly crispy and the cheese melts beautifully.
Prepare the Garlic Butter:
In a small bowl, combine softened butter with minced garlic. Add some Italian seasoning or fresh parsley to the mixture for extra flavor. Stir everything together until it’s well blended.
Spread the Butter:
Spread the garlic butter mixture evenly on both halves of your loaf of bread. Make sure every inch gets a generous coating—it’s the key to making this bread extra flavorful.
Add the Cheese:
Sprinkle a generous amount of mozzarella cheese over the buttered bread, making sure it’s evenly covered. Then, add a little Parmesan cheese on top for that savory, tangy finish.
Bake to Perfection:
Place the bread on a baking sheet and bake it in the preheated oven for about 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the edges of the bread are golden brown and crispy.
Serve and Enjoy:
Once the cheesy garlic bread is done, take it out of the oven and let it cool for a minute before slicing. Serve it warm, and enjoy the cheesy, garlicky goodness!
Nutrition Facts:
Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 280
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
How to Serve Cheesy Garlic Bread
This cheesy garlic bread is super versatile, and you can serve it with a variety of dishes. Here are a few serving suggestions to enhance your meal:
- Pasta dishes: It’s a match made in heaven with spaghetti, lasagna, or fettuccine Alfredo. The cheesy bread is perfect for dipping in your favorite pasta sauce.
- Salads: Pair it with a fresh, crisp salad to balance out the richness of the cheese and garlic.
- Soup: A bowl of creamy tomato soup or a hearty vegetable soup is made even better when paired with this cheesy bread.
- As a snack: Grab a slice of this cheesy garlic bread for a snack anytime you’re craving something indulgent.
Additional Tips
Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:
- For extra cheesy goodness, you can add more cheese on top halfway through baking.
- If you like a bit of spice, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter mixture.
- For a crispy crust, bake the bread directly on the oven rack, but be careful to avoid burning the bottom.
FAQs
Can I use regular white bread?
Yes! Any type of bread will work, but a thick, crusty bread will give you the best results.
Can I use pre-minced garlic?
While fresh garlic has the best flavor, pre-minced garlic can be used in a pinch.
Can I freeze cheesy garlic bread?
Yes! You can freeze the unbaked bread for later. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then bake it when you’re ready to enjoy.
How can I make this bread extra crispy?
Bake the bread a little longer, or place it under the broiler for the last 2 minutes of cooking to get that perfect crispy crust.
Can I add extra toppings?
Definitely! Feel free to add sliced tomatoes, olives, or even cooked bacon for extra flavor.
Can I make this recipe without cheese?
You can make a garlic bread without cheese, but the cheese adds that melty, irresistible texture that makes this recipe a favorite.
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Yes, margarine can be used, though the flavor might not be as rich as with butter.
Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?
Absolutely! Fresh herbs like parsley or basil work wonderfully in this recipe.
Can I make cheesy garlic bread with a bread machine?
If you have a bread machine, you can use it to make fresh bread, then follow the instructions to add the garlic butter and cheese afterward.
How long does this bread stay fresh?
Cheesy garlic bread is best served fresh, but it will stay good for 1-2 days in an airtight container.
Conclusion
This Cheesy Garlic Bread is more than just a side dish it’s a flavor-packed treat that’s sure to make any meal even better. Whether you’re pairing it with pasta, enjoying it on its own, or using it to scoop up your favorite soup, this bread is guaranteed to hit the spot every time. Grab your ingredients, preheat that oven, and get ready for some seriously cheesy goodness!
Print
Cheesy Garlic Bread
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delightful twist on traditional garlic bread, this version is loaded with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, creating a rich and savory treat that’s perfect as a side dish or appetizer.
Ingredients
- 1 loaf French bread
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
-
Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
-
Prepare the Garlic Butter:
- In a bowl, mix together the softened butter, minced garlic, and Italian seasoning until well combined.
-
Prepare the Bread:
- Slice the French bread in half lengthwise.
- Place the bread halves, cut side up, on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
-
Assemble the Bread:
- Spread the garlic butter evenly over the cut sides of the bread.
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheeses evenly over the buttered bread.
-
Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- For a golden, crispy top, you can broil the bread for an additional 1-2 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.
-
Serve:
- Remove from the oven and let it cool for a couple of minutes.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired.
- Slice and serve warm.
Notes
- Bread Selection: Using a fresh loaf of French bread ensures a crispy crust and soft interior, ideal for holding the garlic butter and cheese.
- Cheese Variations: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses like cheddar or provolone for varied flavors.
- Herb Additions: Adding herbs such as basil or oregano to the garlic butter can enhance the flavor profile.
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven to restore crispiness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 237 kcal
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 364mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 38mg