Description
This easy garlic cheesy bread recipe creates a comforting and quick dish perfect for busy weeknights or as a crowd-pleasing side. It features a crispy crust, a soft interior, rich garlic butter, and gooey melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, delivering maximum flavor with minimal effort. It's more than just a side dish; it’s a moment of pure, buttery, garlicky joy.
Ingredients
1 loaf Italian or French Bread
1/2 cup Unsalted Butter
4–6 cloves Garlic
2 tablespoons Fresh Parsley
1/2 teaspoon Dried Oregano
1/4 teaspoon Salt
Pinch Black Pepper
1 1/2 cups Mozzarella Cheese
1/4 cup Parmesan Cheese
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Slice your bread loaf in half lengthwise
- In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, fresh parsley, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined
- Generously spread the garlic butter mixture evenly over the cut sides of both bread halves
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the buttered bread halves, then top with grated Parmesan cheese
- Place the bread halves cheese-side up directly on a baking sheet. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the edges are golden brown. For extra crispiness, broil for the last 1-2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning
- Remove from oven, slice into desired portions, and serve immediately. Enjoy your amazing garlic cheesy bread recipe!
Notes
**Substitutions & Variations:** Try a blend of provolone and fontina instead of mozzarella. Sprinkle red pepper flakes for an extra kick. Swap Italian bread for a baguette or thick-sliced sourdough. Fold fresh herbs like chives or basil into the butter. Add a little onion powder to the butter mixture.
**Pro Tips:** Use freshly minced garlic for a huge difference in flavor. Ensure butter is truly softened (but not melted) for easy and even spreading. Do not overbake; aim for golden, bubbly cheese, not burnt. If using the broiler, stand by the oven as cheese can go from perfect to burned in seconds. Serve warm immediately for the best melty cheese and warm crust experience.
**Storage:** Wrap any leftover garlic cheesy bread tightly in aluminum foil or place it in an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 2-3 days.
**Reheating:** For best results, reheat in an oven or toaster oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes, or until warmed through and the cheese is re-melted. Alternatively, place slices in a single layer in an air fryer basket and cook at 325°F (160°C) for 3-5 minutes, or until crispy and hot.
**Make Ahead:** You can prepare the butter mixture and spread it on the bread, then wrap tightly and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add the cheese just before baking.
**Best Bread:** A sturdy loaf like Italian bread, a French baguette, or even a ciabatta works wonderfully. The recommended loaf size is 12-16 oz.
**Cheese Quality:** While pre-shredded cheese works fine, freshly shredded cheese melts even more smoothly and often has a better flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Keywords: garlic bread, cheesy bread, garlic cheesy bread, easy recipe, side dish, appetizer, comfort food, weeknight meal