BEST CHEESY GARLIC BREAD

ByAva Cooks

This cheesy garlic bread is next-level delicious—crispy on the edges, fluffy in the middle, and loaded with melted cheese and rich garlic butter. Whether served as a side for pasta night, soup, or pizza, it steals the show every time. Quick, easy, and dangerously addictive, this is the only garlic Bread Recipe you’ll ever need! đŸ€€đŸ’›

🛒 Ingredients

  • 1 large French baguette or Italian loaf (cut in half lengthwise)
  • Âœ cup unsalted butter (softened)
  • 4 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional for extra crisp)
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • Âœ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional, for extra garlicky flavor)
  • Salt to taste

🔄 Substitutions

  • Bread: Use ciabatta, sourdough, or even sandwich bread in a pinch.
  • Butter: Dairy-free butter or olive oil can be used for a vegan version.
  • Cheese: Swap mozzarella with provolone, cheddar, or a blend for more flavor.
  • Garlic: Garlic paste or roasted garlic can replace raw garlic for a mellow taste.

👹‍🍳 How to Make

Step 1: Preheat Oven

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper.

Step 2: Make Garlic Butter

In a bowl, mix softened butter, minced garlic, parsley, garlic powder, olive oil, and a pinch of salt.

Step 3: Assemble Bread

Spread garlic butter evenly on each half of the bread. Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan generously over the top.

Step 4: Bake

Place bread halves on the baking sheet and bake for 10–12 minutes until cheese is melted and edges are golden brown.

Step 5: Broil for Crispy Top

(Optional) Switch oven to broil for 1–2 minutes until the cheese gets bubbly and slightly browned—keep a close eye!

Step 6: Slice & Serve

Let cool slightly, then slice and serve warm. Perfect with pasta, salad, soup—or just by itself!

🧀 Mix-ins (Optional)

  • Crushed red pepper flakes for heat đŸ”„
  • Italian seasoning or dried oregano
  • Chopped sun-dried tomatoes or olives
  • A drizzle of truffle oil for gourmet flair

✅ Recipe Tips

  • Use fresh garlic for bold flavor—but don’t overdo it unless you love it strong!
  • Don’t skip the broil step if you love a golden, bubbly cheese topping.
  • For ultra-gooey cheese, add a layer of provolone under the mozzarella.

📩 Storage

  • Fridge: Store leftovers in foil or airtight container for up to 3 days.
  • Freezer: Wrap in foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in oven or toaster oven for best results.

🌀 Recipe Variations

  • Cheesy Pesto Bread: Spread a thin layer of basil pesto under the cheese.
  • Buffalo Garlic Bread: Add a drizzle of buffalo sauce before baking.
  • Bacon Garlic Bread: Top with crispy bacon bits before adding cheese.
  • Garlic Bread Pizza: Add marinara, pepperoni, and Italian seasoning for a pizza-style twist!

❓ FAQs

Can I use pre-shredded cheese?
Yes, but freshly shredded cheese melts better and gives a smoother texture.

Why is my bread soggy?
Avoid overloading with butter or sauce, and always bake at high heat for crispiness.

Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve. Or freeze for an easy future side dish!

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