Cheesy Garlic Bread Recipe | Easy, Soft, and Flavorful
I’ve always loved a warm, cheesy slice of garlic bread fresh from the oven, and after trying this recipe, I can confidently say it’s my new go-to. The soft, buttery interior paired with a crispy, golden crust and gooey melted cheese is pure comfort food at its finest. Making it from scratch is surprisingly easy, and I enjoy how customizable it is for different meals.
Every time I serve this, it disappears in minutes, and it’s always met with happy faces. Let me walk you through how I make my favorite Cheesy Garlic Bread Recipe at home. You can also enjoy similar indulgences like Red Velvet Cake Recipe or a refreshing Pineapple Lemonade alongside this bread for a complete treat.
Ingredients
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this irresistible cheesy garlic bread. Each ingredient has a purpose, so I’ll also share a little tip on why it works best.
- 1 loaf French bread – I love using fresh bakery bread for a soft inside and a crunchy crust.
- 1/2 cup salted butter, softened – Butter helps the bread brown and gives that rich flavor; I always use salted for extra taste.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder – Enhances the garlic flavor without overpowering the bread.
- 3 garlic cloves, minced – Fresh garlic gives texture and a stronger, aromatic flavor.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning – A perfect blend of herbs to make every bite flavorful.
- 1 cup Colby Jack cheese, shredded – Melts beautifully and adds a mild, creamy taste.
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded – Classic stretchy cheese that makes every bite gooey.
- Fresh chopped parsley for garnish – Adds a pop of color and freshness.
Note: Serves 12 slices
Variations
If you want to switch things up, here are some options I like:
- Dairy-free: Use vegan butter and a plant-based cheese blend for a fully vegan version.
- Spicy: Add red pepper flakes, paprika, or jalapeño slices to the butter spread for a kick.
- Extra flavor: Mix in some grated Parmesan cheese or a drizzle of olive oil before baking.
- Herb twist: Swap Italian seasoning with fresh rosemary or thyme for a fragrant touch.
Cooking Time
Here’s a quick glance at how long it takes to whip up this cheesy goodness:
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cooking Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
Equipment You Need
To make this recipe, I always have these handy:
- Baking sheet – Holds the bread while it bakes evenly.
- Small mixing bowl – Perfect for combining the butter, garlic, and seasonings.
- Knife – To slice the bread lengthwise.
- Cheese grater – For freshly shredding your cheeses for better melting.
- Oven mitts – Essential for handling the hot baking sheet safely.
How to Make Cheesy Garlic Bread Recipe
Making cheesy garlic bread is easier than it looks. Follow these steps, and you’ll have a crowd-pleaser in no time.
Prepare the Bread
I start by preheating my oven to 400°F (200°C). While it’s warming up, I slice the French bread loaf in half lengthwise and place the halves on a baking sheet, cut side up. This ensures the butter and cheese melt evenly.
Make the Garlic Butter Spread
In a small bowl, I mix the softened butter with garlic powder, minced garlic, and Italian seasoning. This mixture spreads easily over the bread and infuses every bite with garlic flavor.
Add the Cheese
Once the butter mixture is ready, I spread it evenly over the bread halves and top generously with shredded Colby Jack and mozzarella cheeses. This creates that classic gooey, melty cheese layer.
Bake to Perfection
I bake the bread in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes until the cheese melts and bubbles. For an extra crispy top, I sometimes broil it for 1-2 minutes at the end. The aroma is irresistible!
Garnish and Serve
Finally, I sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top for color and a subtle herb flavor. Then I slice it and serve immediately while it’s warm and cheesy.
Additional Tips for Making this Recipe Better
From my experience, a few tweaks can take this recipe to the next level:
- I always use fresh-shredded cheese; pre-shredded cheese often has anti-caking agents that affect melting.
- Let the bread rest a few minutes after baking before slicing to prevent cheese from sliding off.
- I lightly spray the baking sheet to avoid sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Experiment with toppings like cooked bacon bits, caramelized onions, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor.
- Don’t overcrowd the oven; baking one or two loaves at a time ensures even heat distribution.
How to Serve Cheesy Garlic Bread Recipe
Serving cheesy garlic bread is half the fun. I like to:
- Place it on a wooden board for a rustic, inviting presentation.
- Pair it with pasta dishes, soups, or a hearty salad.
- Garnish with additional herbs like basil or oregano for an appealing look.
- Cut the bread into thick slices for a substantial side or thin slices for appetizers.
Nutritional Information
Here’s a general idea of what you’re getting per slice:
- Calories: 237 kcal – A comforting treat that’s worth every bite.
- Protein: 9 g – Thanks to the cheese, it has a decent protein boost.
- Carbohydrates: 20 g – Mainly from the fresh bread.
- Fat: 14 g – Mostly from butter and cheese, making it rich and satisfying.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing
If you have leftovers, wrap the cheesy garlic bread tightly in foil or plastic wrap. It stays fresh in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Freezing
I like freezing extra bread before baking. Wrap it in foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Reheating
To reheat, I pop it in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-10 minutes until warm and bubbly. Avoid microwaving, as it makes the bread soggy.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Here are a few reasons this cheesy garlic bread is my favorite:
- Simple and quick – You can make it in just 20 minutes from start to finish.
- Versatile – Perfect as a side, appetizer, or snack.
- Fully customizable – Adjust cheese, herbs, or spices to suit your taste.
- Irresistible flavor – Soft, buttery, garlicky, and cheesy all at once.
- Crowd-pleaser – Everyone loves it, whether it’s a family dinner or a party.
This cheesy garlic bread has quickly become a staple in my kitchen. It’s easy, satisfying, and makes any meal feel special. Every time I bake it, I’m reminded why it’s a classic favorite that never goes out of style.
Cheesy Garlic Bread Recipe
Ingredients
Method
- I start by preheating my oven to 400°F (200°C). While it’s warming up, I slice the French bread loaf in half lengthwise and place the halves on a baking sheet, cut side up. This ensures the butter and cheese melt evenly.
- In a small bowl, I mix the softened butter with garlic powder, minced garlic, and Italian seasoning. This mixture spreads easily over the bread and infuses every bite with garlic flavor.
- Once the butter mixture is ready, I spread it evenly over the bread halves and top generously with shredded Colby Jack and mozzarella cheeses. This creates that classic gooey, melty cheese layer.
- I bake the bread in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes until the cheese melts and bubbles. For an extra crispy top, I sometimes broil it for 1-2 minutes at the end. The aroma is irresistible!
- Finally, I sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top for color and a subtle herb flavor. Then I slice it and serve immediately while it’s warm and cheesy.
Notes
- I always use fresh-shredded cheese; pre-shredded cheese often has anti-caking agents that affect melting.
- Let the bread rest a few minutes after baking before slicing to prevent cheese from sliding off.
- I lightly spray the baking sheet to avoid sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Experiment with toppings like cooked bacon bits, caramelized onions, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor.
- Don’t overcrowd the oven; baking one or two loaves at a time ensures even heat distribution.