BEST CHEESY GARLIC BREAD

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! 🤤💛

🛒 Ingredients

• 1 large French baguette or Italian loaf (cut in half lengthwise)
• ½ 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
• ½ 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 🔥
• 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!