Warm, golden, and loaded with melted cheese and garlic flavor, this homemade cheesy garlic bread is the perfect side dish or snack. Crisp on the edges, soft in the center, and bursting with savory goodness, it’s a recipe that feels comforting and indulgent while being incredibly easy to prepare at home.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe delivers bakery-style cheesy garlic bread using simple ingredients you likely already have. It’s quick to prepare, highly customizable, and pairs beautifully with pasta, soups, or salads. The balance of buttery garlic spread and gooey cheese makes every bite rich and satisfying without being complicated or time-consuming.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
French baguette, 1 large (about 12 to 14 ounces)
Unsalted butter, 1/2 cup (113 g), softened
Garlic cloves, 4, finely minced
Fresh parsley, 2 tablespoons, finely chopped
Salt, 1/4 teaspoon
Mozzarella cheese, 1 1/2 cups (170 g), shredded
Cheddar cheese, 1/2 cup (60 g), shredded
Grated parmesan cheese, 1/4 cup (25 g)
Directions
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Slice the baguette in half lengthwise and place it cut-side up on a large baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
In a bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, and salt. Mix until smooth and evenly blended.
Spread the garlic butter mixture generously over both halves of the bread, covering all the edges.
In a separate bowl, mix the mozzarella, cheddar, and parmesan cheeses. Sprinkle the cheese mixture evenly over the buttered bread.
Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly. For a lightly golden top, switch the oven to broil and cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.
Remove from the oven, let cool slightly, then slice and serve warm.
Servings and timing
Servings: 6 to 8 slices
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 12 to 14 minutes
Total time: about 25 minutes
Variations
For extra flavor, add a pinch of chili flakes to the garlic butter for a mild heat.
Use a blend of cheeses such as provolone or Monterey Jack for a different texture.
Add finely chopped fresh herbs like basil or oregano for a more aromatic finish.
Turn it into a more filling option by topping with sautéed mushrooms, olives, or cooked chicken pieces.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftover garlic bread in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in foil in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, place the bread in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 8 to 10 minutes until warmed through and crisp again. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the bread soft and chewy instead of crisp.
FAQs
Can I use pre-shredded cheese?
Yes, but freshly shredded cheese melts more smoothly and gives a better texture.
What type of bread works best?
A French baguette or Italian loaf works best because it holds up well to butter and cheese.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
You can assemble the bread a few hours ahead, cover it, refrigerate, and bake just before serving.
How do I prevent the bread from becoming soggy?
Make sure the butter is evenly spread and avoid overloading with cheese.
Can I freeze cheesy garlic bread?
Yes, wrap it tightly and freeze unbaked for up to 2 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes.
Is fresh garlic better than garlic powder?
Fresh garlic provides stronger flavor, but garlic powder can be used in a pinch.
Can I make it less buttery?
You can reduce the butter slightly, but it may affect flavor and crispness.
What can I serve with cheesy garlic bread?
It pairs well with pasta dishes, soups, salads, or as a party appetizer.
How do I make it extra crispy?
Bake the bread directly on the oven rack for the last few minutes or broil briefly.
Can I make this without parsley?
Yes, parsley is optional and can be replaced with other herbs or omitted entirely.
Conclusion
This cheesy garlic bread recipe is a reliable favorite that delivers bold flavor with minimal effort. Whether you’re serving it alongside dinner or enjoying it on its own, it’s a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that’s sure to disappear fast from the table.
Warm, buttery, and loaded with melted cheese and garlic, this homemade cheesy garlic bread is a comforting side dish that pairs beautifully with pasta, soup, or salad. Crispy on the edges and soft in the center, it’s irresistibly good and easy to make.
Ingredients
1 large French baguette (12 to 14 ounces)
1/2 cup (113 g) unsalted butter, softened
4 garlic cloves, finely minced
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups (170 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup (60 g) shredded cheddar cheese
1/4 cup (25 g) grated parmesan cheese
Instructions
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Slice the baguette in half lengthwise and place both halves cut-side up on the baking sheet.
In a bowl, mix the softened butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, and salt until smooth.
Spread the garlic butter mixture evenly over the bread halves.
In a separate bowl, combine mozzarella, cheddar, and parmesan cheese. Sprinkle the cheese mix generously over the buttered bread.
Bake for 10–12 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly. For a golden finish, broil for an additional 1–2 minutes, watching carefully.
Let cool slightly, slice, and serve warm.
Notes
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the butter for a spicy twist.
Substitute parsley with fresh basil or oregano for added flavor.
For an extra crispy crust, bake directly on the oven rack for the last few minutes.
