Cheesy Garlic Bread Recipe

Easy Homemade Cheesy Garlic Bread Recipe That Wows Guests

Cheesy garlic bread revolutionizes ordinary slices into a mouthwatering sensation that tantalizes taste buds with its irresistible aroma.

Fragrant herbs and melted cheese create a harmonious symphony of flavors that elevate any meal from mundane to magnificent.

Crisp edges and soft, buttery centers promise a delightful culinary experience that speaks directly to comfort food lovers.

garlic bold personality infuses each bite with rich, aromatic complexity that makes this dish impossible to resist.

Simple ingredients combine in a magical dance of textures and tastes that guarantee instant crowd-pleasing results.

Home cooks of all skill levels can master this classic side dish with minimal effort and maximum satisfaction.

The magic happens when golden-brown surfaces meet gooey, stretchy cheese in a celebration of pure deliciousness.

Ingredients for Cheesy Garlic Bread

Bread Base:
  • French Bread Loaf: Classic base for garlic bread, provides crispy exterior and soft interior with great texture.
Cheese and Dairy:
  • Mozzarella Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Melty, rich cheeses that create golden brown, stretchy topping with deep savory flavor.
  • Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and helps create a smooth, spreadable mixture.
  • Real Mayonnaise: Brings creamy consistency and helps bind ingredients together.
Herbs and Seasonings:
  • Fresh Italian Parsley, Fresh Chives: Bright, fresh herbs that add color and subtle onion-like flavor.
  • Minced Garlic: Provides intense, aromatic garlic flavor central to the dish.
  • Onion Powder: Enhances overall savory profile with mild onion undertones.
  • Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: Optional ingredient for adding gentle heat and slight spiciness.

Baking Guide for Cheesy Garlic Bread

Step 1: Preheat Oven

Heat the oven to 350°F. Line a large baking sheet with aluminum foil and lightly coat with cooking spray.

Step 2: Prepare Bread

Using a serrated knife, carefully slice the bread into 1-inch intervals, keeping the bottom of the bread intact. Place the bread on the prepared baking sheet.

Step 3: Create Flavor Mixture

In a mixing bowl, combine the following ingredients:
  • Mayonnaise
  • Softened butter
  • Parmesan cheese
  • Fresh parsley
  • Chopped chives
  • Minced garlic
  • Onion powder
  • Red pepper flakes

Blend all ingredients thoroughly until well mixed.

Step 4: Stuff and Cover Bread

Generously spread the cheese mixture between each bread slice. Cover the bread completely with a second piece of foil sprayed with cooking spray.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Bake the covered bread for 25 minutes. Remove the top foil and continue baking for an additional 5 minutes until the surface turns golden brown.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Remove from the oven and serve immediately. Pair with pizza sauce for an extra flavor kick as a delightful side dish or appetizer.

Tips for Golden, Crisp Cheesy Bread

  • Slice with Precision: Use a sharp serrated knife and cut bread carefully, keeping bottom intact for a perfect pull-apart texture.
  • Mix Thoroughly: Whisk cheese mixture ingredients until completely blended to ensure even flavor distribution across every slice.
  • Control Moisture: Cover bread with foil during initial baking to prevent excessive drying and maintain soft interior.
  • Golden Brown Finish: Remove foil in final baking stage to achieve crispy, beautifully caramelized cheese topping.
  • Serve Immediately: Enjoy bread hot and fresh from the oven for maximum cheese stretch and optimal garlic flavor intensity.

Storage and Reheating Cheesy Garlic Bread

  • Refrigerate: Store leftover cheesy garlic bread in an airtight container for up to 3 days, keeping the crispy texture intact.
  • Reheat in Oven: Wrap bread in foil and warm at 350°F for 10-15 minutes to restore its original crispy exterior and melty cheese.
  • Microwave Option: Quickly zap individual slices for 20-30 seconds, but expect slightly softer texture compared to oven reheating.

Beverage and Salad Pairings for Garlic Bread

  • Elevate with Italian Wine Pairing: Complement the rich, garlicky flavors with a crisp Pinot Grigio or a bold Chianti, cutting through the cheesy goodness and enhancing the bread's herbal notes.
  • Dip into Zesty Pizza Sauce: Maximize flavor by dunking each slice into a tangy, herb-infused pizza sauce, creating a burst of complementary tastes that dance on your palate.
  • Create a Hearty Appetizer Platter: Serve alongside charcuterie meats like salami, prosciutto, and a selection of olives to transform this side dish into a stunning starter that'll impress guests.
  • Match with Fresh Salad Companion: Balance the bread's richness by pairing with a light, crisp green salad dressed in a lemony vinaigrette, providing a refreshing contrast to the heavy, cheesy textures.

Flavor Variations on Cheesy Garlic Bread

  • Mediterranean Magic: Swap Parmesan for crumbled feta cheese, add sun-dried tomatoes, and sprinkle with oregano for a Greek-inspired version that transports your taste buds to the Mediterranean coast.
  • Spicy Southwestern Spin: Replace chives with chopped jalapeños, mix in some cumin, and use pepper jack cheese to create a zesty bread with a kick of southwestern flavor that pairs perfectly with chili or tacos.
  • Herb Garden Goodness: Incorporate a blend of fresh rosemary, thyme, and basil instead of parsley, then mix in some goat cheese for a fragrant and creamy herb-infused garlic bread that feels like a walk through a summer garden.
  • Italian Stallion: Fold in some chopped salami, swap regular garlic for roasted garlic, and dust with Italian seasoning to transform the bread into a hearty appetizer that channels the spirit of an authentic Italian trattoria.

Cheesy Garlic Bread with Melted Mozzarella

  • Burst with Flavor: This cheesy garlic bread delivers an explosion of savory tastes with its perfect blend of Parmesan, herbs, and zesty red pepper flakes.
  • Effortless Crowd-Pleaser: The simple slicing technique and easy mixing method make this recipe beginner-friendly, allowing anyone to create a restaurant-quality side dish in under an hour.
  • Versatile Comfort Food: Perfectly pairs with pizza, serves as a standalone appetizer, and brings warmth to casual gatherings or family dinners with its golden, crispy exterior and gooey cheese interior.
  • Quick Weeknight Win: With just 10 minutes of prep and 30 minutes of cooking, this recipe provides a delicious solution for busy home cooks craving something special without spending hours in the kitchen.
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Cheesy Garlic Bread Recipe

Cheesy Garlic Bread Recipe


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4.8 from 20 reviews

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Irresistible cheesy garlic bread brings Italian comfort straight to kitchen tables with golden-brown edges and melted mozzarella. Fragrant garlic, herb-infused butter, and crispy toasted bread create a mouthwatering side dish you cannot resist sharing with family and friends.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 18-inch French bread loaf
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Herbs and Seasonings:

  • ¼ cup chopped fresh Italian parsley
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives
  • 1 ½ tablespoons minced garlic
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Additional Components:

  • ¾ cup real mayonnaise

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to a moderate temperature of 350°F and prepare a large baking sheet by lining it with aluminum foil and lightly coating with cooking spray.
  2. Using a sharp serrated knife, create precise diagonal cuts across the bread loaf, spacing them approximately one inch apart. Ensure the bottom of the bread remains intact, maintaining its structural integrity.
  3. Combine creamy mayonnaise, softened butter, grated Parmesan, finely chopped fresh herbs, minced garlic, aromatic onion powder, and a hint of red pepper flakes in a mixing bowl. Whisk the ingredients until thoroughly blended.
  4. Fold in additional shredded cheese to enhance the mixture’s richness and create a more complex flavor profile.
  5. Carefully distribute the herbed cheese mixture between each bread slice, ensuring even coverage and penetration into the cuts.
  6. Cover the bread loosely with a second piece of foil that has been lightly sprayed with cooking oil to prevent sticking.
  7. Bake the bread in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the cheese to become wonderfully melty.
  8. Remove the protective foil and return the bread to the oven for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the top to develop a golden, crispy texture.
  9. Serve the bread piping hot, accompanied by a zesty pizza sauce for dipping, making it an irresistible side dish or crowd-pleasing appetizer.

Notes

  • Crispy edges, gooey center, and bold garlic punch make this side dish a crowd-pleasing sensation that disappears faster than you can slice.
  • Perfect for game nights, dinner parties, or spontaneous comfort food cravings, this recipe guarantees smiles and empty plates every single time.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 720 mg
  • Fat: 30 g
  • Saturated Fat: 15 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
  • Trans Fat: 1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 21 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 8 g
  • Cholesterol: 50 mg
Alex Reed

Alex Reed

Founder & Lead Content Writer

Expertise

Recipe Development and Testing​, Culinary Education​, Food Writing and Blogging​, Sustainable Cooking Practices, Global Cuisine Exploration

Education

Johnson & Wales University

  • Degree: Bachelor of Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and contemporary cooking techniques, kitchen management, and menu development. Emphasized hands-on experience in diverse culinary traditions.​

Le Cordon Bleu Paris

  • Program: Diplôme de Cuisine
  • Focus: Advanced instruction in French culinary techniques, including sauce preparation, pâtisserie, and haute cuisine.​

Alex Reed is an inventive chef and food creator with a passion for dishes that balance taste, health, and sustainability. 

Trained at Portland Community College and holding an Advanced Pastry Arts certificate from Oregon Culinary Institute, Alex brings more than 10 years of practical culinary experience to every recipe he develops. 

His background uniquely blends traditional cooking skills with modern, mindful eating principles. As the founder of Beard and Bonnet, Alex creates recipes that encourage readers to cook confidently.

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