Easy Cheesy Garlic Bread Recipe
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The Side Dish Everyone Actually Wants
I honestly don’t think there’s ever a bad time for cheesy garlic bread. It’s one of those recipes that feels ridiculously simple but somehow always steals attention from the actual main dish. Crispy bread, melted cheese, garlic butter, and marinara on the side just works every single time.
Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Garlic Bread
- Crispy edges with soft bread in the center
- Loaded with melted mozzarella cheese
- Garlic butter adds rich flavor throughout
- Uses simple pantry ingredients
- Easy side dish for pasta, pizza, soups, and salads
- Ready in about 20 minutes
- Perfect for family dinners or game day food
What Is Cheesy Garlic Bread?
Cheesy Garlic Bread is made by spreading garlic butter over sliced French bread and topping it with cheese before baking until golden and melted. Some versions use Italian bread or baguettes, but French bread creates the perfect balance of crispy crust and soft center.
Ingredients Needed To Make Cheesy Garlic Bread
- French bread loaf: French bread holds up well to the garlic butter and creates crispy edges while staying soft inside.
- Unsalted butter: Creates the rich buttery base for the garlic bread.
- Parmesan cheese: Adds salty flavor and helps build a richer garlic butter mixture.
- Salt: Balances the butter and cheese flavors.
- Garlic powder: Gives the bread classic garlic bread flavor without overpowering it.
- Parsley: Adds fresh flavor and color.
- Low-moisture mozzarella cheese: Melts evenly and creates the best cheesy texture without making the bread soggy.
How To Make Cheesy Garlic Bread
- Preheat the oven to 425 degrees. Line a baking tray with parchment paper.
- Slice the French bread loaf in half lengthwise and place both halves cut-side up on the prepared baking tray.
- In a mixing bowl, add the softened butter, parmesan cheese, salt, garlic powder, and parsley.
- Mix until fully combined and spreadable.
- Divide the garlic butter evenly between both halves of bread.
- Spread it all the way to the edges so every bite gets flavor.
- Place the bread into the oven and bake for 7–10 minutes, or until the edges begin to lightly brown and the butter melts into the bread.
- Remove the bread from the oven and evenly sprinkle the shredded mozzarella over the top.
- Return the bread to the oven for another 7–10 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and lightly golden on top.
- Let the bread cool for a couple of minutes before slicing.
- Serve warm with marinara sauce if desired.
Tips for the Best Cheesy Garlic Bread
- Use softened butter so it spreads evenly
- Low-moisture mozzarella melts best without making the bread soggy
- Bake the bread once before adding cheese for crispier texture
- Fresh parsley adds better flavor and color
- Slice after baking to help keep the cheese in place
- Serve immediately while the cheese is still melted
Storage and Reheating
- Store leftover cheesy garlic bread covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in a 350-degree oven until warmed through and crispy again. Avoid microwaving if possible since it softens the bread.
Easy Cheesy Garlic Bread
This Easy Cheesy Garlic Bread is made with crispy French bread, garlic butter, mozzarella, parmesan, and parsley for the perfect cheesy side dish.
Equipment
- Baking tray
- Rubber spatula or spoon
- Bread knife
Ingredients
- 1 French bread loaf (sliced in half lengthwise)
- 12 ounces shredded low-moisture mozzarella cheese
Garlic Butter
- 8 tbsp unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 3 tbsp grated parmesan cheese
- Pinch of salt
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp parsley (chopped)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425 degrees. Line a baking tray with parchment paper.
- Slice the French bread loaf in half lengthwise and place both halves cut-side up on the baking tray.
- In a bowl, combine the softened butter, parmesan cheese, salt, garlic powder, and parsley. Mix until smooth and combined.
- Spread the garlic butter evenly over both halves of bread, making sure to spread all the way to the edges.
- Bake for 7–10 minutes, or until the bread starts to lightly brown around the edges.
- Remove the bread from the oven and evenly sprinkle the mozzarella cheese over both halves.
- Return the bread to the oven and bake for another 7–10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and lightly golden.
- Let the bread cool slightly before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Low-moisture mozzarella melts best without making the bread soggy.
- Bake the bread before adding the cheese for the crispiest texture.
- Fresh parsley can be used instead of dried parsley.
- Serve warm with marinara sauce if desired.
Nutrition
Serving: 8slicesCalories: 109kcalCarbohydrates: 0.4gProtein: 1gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.4gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0.5gCholesterol: 32mgSodium: 35mgPotassium: 12mgFiber: 0.03gSugar: 0.02gVitamin A: 408IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 21mgIron: 0.1mg
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