Garlic Bread with Cheese Recipe

Crispy Homemade Garlic Bread with Cheese Recipe

Garlic bread with cheese upgrades ordinary bread into a mouthwatering delicacy that sparks instant cravings.

Crispy, golden edges and a rich, aromatic profile make this side dish irresistibly tempting.

Melted cheese creates a luxurious blanket over perfectly seasoned bread, elevating simple ingredients into something extraordinary.

Home cooks and food enthusiasts alike adore this classic comfort recipe that bridges warmth and indulgence.

Mediterranean culinary traditions inspire its robust flavor profile, combining humble ingredients with sophisticated technique.

Aromatic herbs and carefully selected seasonings elevate this dish beyond basic expectations.

The magical combination of garlic, butter, and cheese promises a sensory experience that delights every palate.

Why Garlic Bread with Cheese Is Everyone’s Favorite Side

  • Melt-in-Your-Mouth Cheesy Goodness: This garlic bread transforms simple French bread into a gooey, cheesy delight that oozes with melted mozzarella and parmesan, creating an irresistible combo that'll make taste buds dance.
  • Lightning-Fast Kitchen Magic: With just 18 minutes of total baking time and minimal prep, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality garlic bread without requiring professional cooking skills or complicated techniques.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Party Starter: Perfect for gatherings, game nights, or as a side dish, this garlic bread offers maximum flavor with minimal effort, guaranteed to impress friends and family with its golden-brown crispy edges and rich, aromatic profile.
  • Customizable Comfort Food: Easily adaptable by switching cheeses or adding herbs, this recipe allows home cooks to personalize their garlic bread while maintaining a foolproof method that ensures delicious results every single time.

Ingredients That Make Garlic Bread with Cheese Extra Good

Bread Base:
  • French Bread: A soft, crusty bread perfect for soaking up delicious flavors and creating a crispy base for this cheesy garlic bread.
Seasoning and Flavor Enhancers:
  • Garlic, Salted Butter, Italian Salad Dressing: A flavor-packed trio that brings rich, savory, and herbal notes to the bread, creating a mouthwatering spread.
Cheese Topping:
  • Parmesan Cheese, Mozzarella Cheese: Sharp, aged Parmesan adds depth and saltiness, while melty mozzarella creates a gooey, stretchy cheese layer that makes this garlic bread irresistible.
Garnish:
  • Fresh Parsley: A bright, fresh herb that adds a pop of color and subtle green flavor to finish the dish.

How to Bake Perfect Garlic Bread with Cheese

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Fire up your oven to 350°F (175°C) and let it get toasty while you prepare the delicious ingredients.

Step 2: Create Garlic Cheese Spread

In a mixing bowl, combine:
  • Softened butter
  • Finely chopped garlic
  • Italian seasoning
  • Shredded mozzarella cheese

Blend everything together until smooth and creamy.

Step 3: Slice And Prepare Bread

Carefully slice the French bread lengthwise, creating two long halves.

Generously coat each bread surface with the garlic cheese spread, ensuring complete coverage.

Step 4: Layer With Cheese

Arrange bread halves on a baking sheet with buttered sides facing upward.

Sprinkle over the top:
  • Grated Parmesan cheese
  • Remaining mozzarella cheese

Step 5: Bake And Transform

Slide the cheesy bread into the preheated oven.

Bake for 10 minutes until cheese starts melting.

Crank up the temperature to 450°F (230°C).

Bake an additional 8 minutes, watching carefully to achieve golden brown perfection.

Step 6: Final Touches

Remove bread from oven and let cool briefly.

Slice into delectable 1-inch pieces.

Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant finish.

Serve and enjoy your mouthwatering cheesy garlic bread!

Tips for Cheesy, Buttery Garlic Bread That Melts

  • Select Premium Ingredients: Choose high-quality French bread with a crispy crust and soft interior for the best texture and flavor.
  • Control Garlic Intensity: Adjust the amount of minced garlic based on personal preference, ensuring a balanced and not overpowering taste.
  • Achieve Perfect Cheese Melt: Watch the bread closely during the final baking stage to get a golden-brown cheese crust without burning.
  • Create Uniform Spread: Use a silicone spatula or back of a spoon to evenly distribute the garlic butter mixture across the bread's surface.
  • Enhance Serving Presentation: Cut the bread diagonally into elegant slices and sprinkle fresh parsley for a professional and appetizing look.

Reheating Garlic Bread with Cheese Without Losing Crunch

  • Refrigerate: Wrap leftover garlic bread tightly in aluminum foil or store in an airtight container. Keeps fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Reheat in Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F, place bread on a baking sheet, and warm for 5-7 minutes until cheese melts and bread becomes crispy again.
  • Microwave Option: For quick reheating, place a slice on a microwave-safe plate and heat for 15-20 seconds. Note that microwaving might make the bread slightly less crispy compared to oven reheating.

What to Serve with Garlic Bread and Cheese

  • Savor with Robust Red Wine: Pair this cheesy garlic bread with a bold Italian Chianti or Sangiovese, whose rich tannins complement the creamy, garlicky flavors and cut through the cheese's richness.
  • Match with Hearty Tomato Soup: Dunk these crispy, cheesy slices into a warm, zesty tomato soup for a comforting combination that balances the bread's richness with tangy, bright notes.
  • Elevate with Grilled Protein Sidekick: Serve alongside grilled chicken, steak, or shrimp to create a satisfying meal where the garlic bread acts as a delicious, cheese-laden accompaniment that soaks up meat juices.
  • Refresh with Crisp Green Salad: Balance the indulgent bread with a light, herb-dressed mixed green salad featuring arugula and vinaigrette, which provides a refreshing counterpoint to the rich, melted cheese.

Garlic Bread with Cheese Variations to Explore

  • Spicy Jalapeño Cheese Bread: Add finely chopped jalapeños to the garlic butter mixture for a fiery kick. Sprinkle red pepper flakes on top before baking to enhance the heat.
  • Mediterranean Herb Garlic Bread: Incorporate chopped fresh basil, oregano, and thyme into the butter mixture. Top with crumbled feta cheese instead of mozzarella for a Mediterranean-inspired version.
  • Bacon and Cheddar Loaded Bread: Mix crispy bacon bits into the garlic butter spread. Replace mozzarella with sharp cheddar cheese for a rich, smoky flavor profile.
  • Pesto Cheese Bread: Swirl homemade or store-bought pesto into the garlic butter mixture before spreading. Use a blend of mozzarella and provolone cheeses for added complexity.
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Garlic Bread with Cheese Recipe

Garlic Bread with Cheese Recipe


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4.8 from 16 reviews

  • Total Time: 28 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Cheesy garlic bread brings Italian comfort to your table with crispy edges and melted goodness. Crusty baguette slathered with herbed butter and gooey cheese creates a perfect side that draws everyone closer to savor each irresistible bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 loaf French bread (about 454 grams / 1 lb)
  • 1 stick salted butter (113 grams / 4 ounces), at room temperature
  • 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated

Flavor Enhancers:

  • 6 cloves garlic, minced
  • ¼ cup Italian salad dressing

Garnish:

  • Fresh parsley

Instructions

  1. Warm the oven to a moderate temperature of 350°F (175°C), preparing the cooking environment for the savory garlic bread.
  2. Create a luxurious spread by blending softened butter with finely chopped garlic, incorporating Italian dressing and a portion of mozzarella cheese until the mixture becomes smooth and aromatic.
  3. Split the French bread horizontally, revealing its soft interior.
  4. Generously coat both bread halves with the prepared garlic-cheese mixture, ensuring complete and even coverage across the surface.
  5. Position the bread halves on a baking sheet with the buttered side facing upward.
  6. Lavishly sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the bread, followed by an additional layer of mozzarella cheese, creating a decadent cheese topping.
  7. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt and become bubbly.
  8. Increase the oven temperature to 450°F (230°C) and continue baking for an additional 8 minutes, monitoring closely to achieve a golden-brown cheese crust without burning.
  9. Extract the bread from the oven and let it rest briefly to settle the melted cheese.
  10. Slice the bread into bite-sized portions and garnish with freshly chopped parsley, adding a vibrant finishing touch to the rich, cheesy creation.

Notes

  • Cheese transforms this simple garlic bread into a mouthwatering indulgence that will make everyone crave more.
  • Parmesan and mozzarella create a gooey, golden crust that elevates the classic bread to a delectable appetizer or side dish.
  • Freshly chopped parsley adds a vibrant pop of color and bright herbal notes that complement the rich, melted cheeses.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 18 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 450 mg
  • Fat: 20 g
  • Saturated Fat: 12 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 10 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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