Who doesn’t love a warm, buttery, cheesy garlic bread fresh out of the oven? This Easy Cheesy Garlic Bread is the perfect companion to pasta dishes, soups, or just as a snack when you’re craving something indulgent and comforting. With golden, crispy edges and a gooey cheese center, this bread is a crowd-pleaser that’s sure to disappear in seconds. Trust me, it’s ridiculously easy to make, and the results are absolutely irresistible!
Why You’ll Love This Easy Cheesy Garlic Bread
This isn’t your regular garlic bread—this one’s loaded with melty cheese and extra garlic goodness that makes every bite pure bliss. Here’s why it’s worth making:
Cheesy Goodness: Packed with ooey-gooey melted cheese, this bread is the ultimate cheesy indulgence.
Garlic Lovers’ Dream: If you love garlic, this bread is heaven. The garlic butter takes it to a whole new level.
Quick and Simple: Ready in just 20 minutes, so you can satisfy your cravings without any hassle.
Perfect for Sharing: This is the kind of bread that disappears quickly at any dinner table.
Customizable: Add herbs like parsley or oregano, or throw in some red pepper flakes for a little heat.
Ingredients for Easy Cheesy Garlic Bread
You don’t need much to make this bread delicious—just a few basic ingredients that work together to create the perfect cheesy, garlic-flavored masterpiece:
- A loaf of French bread or baguette
- Butter (softened)
- Garlic (minced)
- Mozzarella cheese (shredded)
- Parmesan cheese (grated)
- Fresh parsley (chopped, optional)
- Salt
- Pepper
(Note: full measurements are provided in the recipe card.)
Instructions
Here’s how to make this cheesy garlic bread in just a few simple steps:
1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). A hot oven ensures that the cheese melts beautifully while the bread crisps up perfectly.
2. Prepare the Garlic Butter: In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth and well-blended.
3. Slice the Bread: Slice your loaf of French bread in half lengthwise, making sure to keep the slices thick enough to hold the cheese without falling apart.
4. Spread the Garlic Butter: Spread the garlic butter mixture generously on each half of the bread. Be sure to cover the bread evenly, from edge to edge.
5. Add the Cheese: Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded mozzarella cheese over the buttered bread. Then, add a light dusting of Parmesan cheese for an extra cheesy kick.
6. Bake: Place the bread on a baking sheet, cut side up, and bake in the oven for about 10–12 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown and the bread is crispy on the edges.
7. Garnish and Serve: Once the bread is out of the oven, sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the top (if desired) and serve while hot. Slice into individual pieces, and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4
Calories per serving: ~250–300 (depending on cheese amount)
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 17 minutes
How to Serve Easy Cheesy Garlic Bread
This cheesy garlic bread is a versatile side dish that pairs perfectly with so many meals. Here are a few serving suggestions:
- Serve alongside pasta dishes like spaghetti or lasagna for the ultimate comfort meal.
- Perfect as an appetizer at your next dinner party or BBQ.
- Pair with a warm soup, such as tomato soup or creamy mushroom soup, for a cozy meal.
- Serve with a salad for a lighter meal that still hits all the right notes.
Additional Tips
- For a cheesy crunch, add a sprinkle of shredded Parmesan on top of the mozzarella before baking.
- Want a bit of spice? Sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes over the top before baking.
- If you don’t have fresh garlic, garlic powder works just as well—use about ½ teaspoon.
- For an extra indulgent version, try adding a layer of cream cheese under the garlic butter.
- If you’re using a larger loaf, just double the butter and cheese to ensure every bite is packed with flavor.
FAQ’s
1. Can I use a different type of bread?
Yes! You can use any type of bread you prefer, such as ciabatta, sourdough, or Italian bread. Just adjust the baking time accordingly.
2. Can I make this bread ahead of time?
You can prep the bread with the garlic butter and cheese, then store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. When you’re ready, just pop it in the oven.
3. Can I use pre-shredded cheese?
While pre-shredded cheese is convenient, freshly shredded cheese melts better and gives you a creamier texture.
4. Can I make this recipe without cheese?
Yes, you can skip the cheese if you want a lighter version, but it won’t have that signature cheesy goodness. You could still enjoy the garlic butter flavor!
5. How do I store leftovers?
If you have leftovers (which is rare!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, just place it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5–7 minutes.
6. Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Yes, margarine can be used as a substitute for butter if you prefer, though butter does provide a richer flavor.
7. Can I freeze this garlic bread?
Absolutely! You can freeze the bread before baking. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Bake it directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
8. How can I make this garlic bread more flavorful?
Add a drizzle of olive oil along with the butter for extra richness. You could also mix in some Italian seasoning for an herb-packed flavor.
9. Can I use garlic butter spread instead of making my own?
Yes, you can use store-bought garlic butter for convenience, but homemade garlic butter is super easy and allows you to control the flavor.
10. Can I use this recipe to make garlic breadsticks?
Yes! Just slice the bread into sticks before spreading the garlic butter and cheese, then bake them like that. You’ll get perfectly crispy, cheesy garlic breadsticks.
Conclusion
There’s something about Easy Cheesy Garlic Bread that makes every meal feel special. It’s cheesy, garlicky, crispy, and absolutely delicious, and it takes only minutes to prepare. Whether you’re serving it alongside a hearty pasta dish or enjoying it all on its own, this bread is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen!
Print
Easy Cheesy Garlic Bread
- Prep Time: 10min
- Cook Time: 15min
- Total Time: 25min
- Yield: 8servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Easy Cheesy Garlic Bread is a quick and delicious side dish that’s perfect for any meal. With a golden, crispy crust topped with a flavorful garlic butter spread and melted cheese, it’s sure to be a hit at your table.
Ingredients
– 1 loaf French bread
– ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
– 2 tablespoons minced garlic
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon dried parsley
– ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Slice the French bread in half lengthwise and place it on a baking sheet.
3. In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, garlic powder, dried parsley, and grated Parmesan cheese.
4. Spread the garlic butter mixture evenly over the cut sides of the bread.
5. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the buttered bread.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for 12–15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. For a crispier top, broil for an additional 1–2 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.
8. Remove from the oven, slice, and serve warm.
Notes
– For added flavor, you can sprinkle some red pepper flakes over the cheese before baking.
– This garlic bread pairs wonderfully with pasta dishes, soups, or as a standalone snack.
– Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheated in the oven for best results.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1slice
- Calories: 210 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 35mg