Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Garlic Bread
What’s not to love? The combination of gooey, stretchy mozzarella with nutty Parmesan creates that Instagram-worthy cheese pull that makes everyone grab their phones.
The garlic butter seeps into every nook of the bread, creating flavor in each bite.
And the convenience factor? Unmatched. You probably have most ingredients already.
Perfect alongside pasta, soups, or, let’s be honest, eaten straight from the baking sheet.
What Ingredients are in Cheesy Garlic Bread?
The beauty of cheesy garlic bread lies in its simplicity—just a handful of quality ingredients coming together to create something truly magical.
When these basic components meet heat, they transform into a gooey, aromatic masterpiece that can elevate any meal from ordinary to extraordinary. And honestly, who among us hasn’t been tempted to make a meal out of garlic bread alone?
The ingredient list is straightforward, but each element plays an essential role.
- 1 large loaf French bread or Italian bread, sliced in half lengthwise
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (plus more for garnish)
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano (optional)
- Pinch of salt
When shopping for these ingredients, quality makes a difference. Opt for a freshly baked loaf with a crisp crust and soft interior—it’ll provide the perfect foundation.
For the cheeses, pre-shredded varieties work in a pinch, but freshly grated will melt more smoothly without the anti-caking agents.
And about that garlic? Fresh cloves deliver a more potent flavor than the jarred stuff, though we’ve all reached for convenience in a time crunch.
The beauty of this recipe is its flexibility—you can easily adjust the garlic intensity or cheese ratio to match your personal preference.
How to Make This Cheesy Garlic Bread
Making this irresistible cheesy garlic bread couldn’t be simpler, and the results are nothing short of spectacular. Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil—trust me, this small step saves major cleanup headaches later.
While the oven works its way to temperature, prepare your garlic butter mixture by combining ½ cup (that’s one whole stick) of softened unsalted butter with 3 cloves of minced garlic, 2 tablespoons of fresh chopped parsley, ½ teaspoon of dried oregano if you’re using it, and just a pinch of salt. Mix until smooth and fragrant. Can you smell that garlic already? That’s the aroma that makes neighbors wonder what amazing thing you’re cooking.
Next comes the fun part. Take your large loaf of French or Italian bread, sliced lengthwise to create two long halves, and generously spread that heavenly garlic butter mixture across both cut surfaces. Don’t be shy here—every inch deserves that garlicky goodness.
Now for the cheese, which transforms this from merely garlic bread to something transcendent: sprinkle 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese and ½ cup of grated Parmesan evenly over both buttered halves. The combination of these two cheeses creates the perfect balance of stretch and flavor.
Pop the loaded bread halves onto your prepared baking sheet and slide them into the oven for 12-15 minutes, until the cheese becomes a bubbly, melted blanket of deliciousness.
For that perfect finishing touch, switch your oven to broil for just 1-2 minutes at the end of baking. But remember, the difference between beautifully golden and burned beyond recognition happens in seconds under the broiler, so this isn’t the time to check your phone or wander off. Watch it like a hawk.
Once your cheesy garlic bread emerges with that irresistibly golden top, garnish with a little extra chopped parsley for a fresh pop of color and flavor. Slice it up while still warm, and try not to eat half the loaf before it reaches the table. The contrast of the crisp exterior with the soft, buttery interior and the gooey, stretchy cheese is what comfort food dreams are made of.
Cheesy Garlic Bread Substitutions and Variations
While this cheesy garlic bread recipe is already a crowd-pleaser, you can easily customize it to suit your taste preferences or accommodate what’s already in your pantry.
I often swap the mozzarella for provolone when I want a sharper flavor, or mix in some cheddar for a more complex taste. No French bread? Ciabatta or even hamburger buns work in a pinch.
For herb variations, try rosemary or basil instead of parsley.
And for a spicy kick, sprinkle red pepper flakes before baking.
Dairy-free? Plant-based cheese and butter substitutes melt surprisingly well here.
What to Serve with Cheesy Garlic Bread
Pairing your homemade cheesy garlic bread with the right dishes elevates any meal from basic to memorable.
I love serving mine alongside pasta classics like spaghetti bolognese or fettuccine alfredo—the bread is perfect for sopping up those rich sauces. It’s also wonderful with a hearty minestrone or tomato soup for dipping.
For lighter options, try a crisp Caesar salad or roasted vegetable platter.
Having a pizza night? Skip the breadsticks and serve this instead.
Trust me, your dinner guests will be reaching for seconds before they’ve finished their first slice.
Final Thoughts
Although this cheesy garlic bread is incredibly simple to make, it’s the kind of recipe that never fails to impress.
I’ve served it at everything from casual movie nights to holiday dinners, and the pan is always empty by the end.
The beauty of this recipe is its versatility.
Don’t have mozzarella? Use another melty cheese. Want it spicier? Add red pepper flakes.
Trust me, it’s hard to go wrong.
Remember that golden-brown cheese is what we’re after.
Those extra two minutes under the broiler? Worth it.
Your family will thank you.
Cheesy Garlic Bread
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
- In a bowl, combine softened butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, dried oregano (if using), and salt. Mix until smooth.
- Spread the garlic butter mixture generously across both cut surfaces of the bread.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan evenly over both buttered halves.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Switch oven to broil for 1-2 minutes to achieve a golden brown top. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
- Garnish with additional chopped parsley and serve warm.
