If you’re looking for the ultimate comfort food, this Cheesy Garlic Bread Recipe: Homemade & Easy is about to become your go-to favorite! Picture this: crusty bread slathered in a buttery, garlicky spread, loaded with melty mozzarella and a sprinkle of Parmesan, all baked to bubbly perfection. Every bite delivers a golden, cheesy crunch and an irresistible aroma that fills the kitchen. Whether you’re pairing it with pasta, dunking it in soup, or simply enjoying it as a snack, this homemade garlic bread is pure joy in every slice.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe is in its simple, everyday ingredients — but each one plays a starring role in flavor, texture, or that perfect cheesy pull. Here’s what you’ll need (and why you shouldn’t skip a single thing):
- French or Italian bread: The sturdy loaf provides the perfect base for all that cheesy, garlicky goodness, giving you the ideal combination of soft inside and crispy edges.
- Unsalted butter (softened): Helps all the flavors meld together and creates that rich, mouthwatering base for your toppings.
- Fresh garlic (minced): The soul of garlic bread — fresh garlic infuses every bite with bold, aromatic flavor.
- Fresh parsley (chopped) or dried: Adds a pop of color and a bit of freshness to balance the richness of the cheese and butter.
- Garlic powder: Doubles down on that addictive garlic flavor, making sure it’s pronounced in every bite.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Brings the ooey-gooey, stretchy cheese factor that makes this bread so crave-worthy.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty punch and helps the top get perfectly golden and crisp.
- Salt to taste: Just a pinch elevates all the other flavors—don’t skip it!
How to Make Cheesy Garlic Bread Recipe: Homemade & Easy
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures your bread bakes evenly and the cheese gets perfectly melted and bubbly. Having the oven hot and ready is key for that irresistible golden finish.
Step 2: Mix Up the Garlic Butter
In a small bowl, combine your softened butter, minced garlic, parsley, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt. Mix until everything is beautifully blended and flecked with green. This mixture is the heart of the Cheesy Garlic Bread Recipe: Homemade & Easy — it soaks into the bread and sets the foundation for all the cheesy magic to come!
Step 3: Slather the Bread
Take your loaf of French or Italian bread and slice it in half lengthwise. Use a spatula or butter knife to spread the garlic butter mixture generously over both halves. Don’t be shy — every inch should be covered so no bite is left behind!
Step 4: Cheese It Up
Sprinkle shredded mozzarella evenly over each half of the bread, then follow with a generous dusting of grated Parmesan. The mozzarella melts into gooey ribbons, while the Parmesan gives you that classic golden-brown finish. This step is where the Cheesy Garlic Bread Recipe: Homemade & Easy truly lives up to its name.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Place the prepared bread halves on a baking sheet (line it with parchment for easy clean-up if you like) and bake for 10–12 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the cheese is melted and bubbling, and the edges of the bread are getting toasty.
Step 6: Broil for Extra Crunch
If you love a crispy, golden cheese top, switch your oven to broil for 1–2 minutes right at the end. Keep a close eye — this step happens fast! Remove the bread once the top is beautifully browned to your liking.
Step 7: Slice and Serve
Let the bread cool for just a minute or two (it smells amazing, so this is the hardest part!), then slice into thick pieces. Serve it up warm and enjoy every gooey, garlicky bite.
How to Serve Cheesy Garlic Bread Recipe: Homemade & Easy
Garnishes
Sprinkle extra chopped fresh parsley over the hot bread for a pop of color and a hint of fresh flavor. For a bit of heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dusting of Italian seasoning takes things up a notch. If you’re feeling fancy, a drizzle of good olive oil right before serving is a lovely touch.
Side Dishes
This bread is a superstar alongside so many meals. Pair it with a classic Italian pasta like spaghetti or lasagna, dunk it into a steaming bowl of tomato soup, or serve it with a fresh green salad for a satisfying contrast. The Cheesy Garlic Bread Recipe: Homemade & Easy is also a hit at potlucks and family gatherings — it disappears fast!
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, slice the bread into strips for easy dipping, or cut it into bite-sized cubes for party platters. You can even serve it as the base for open-faced sandwiches topped with roasted veggies or meats. Get creative and make it the star of your next appetizer spread!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, wrap the cooled bread tightly in foil or plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator. It’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days, though it’s best enjoyed in the first day or two when the cheese is at its meltiest.
Freezing
To freeze, arrange sliced pieces in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. This way, you can grab just what you need later. The Cheesy Garlic Bread Recipe: Homemade & Easy freezes beautifully — just reheat straight from the freezer!
Reheating
For best results, reheat leftover garlic bread in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through and the cheese is melty again. You can also use a toaster oven. Avoid microwaving, as it tends to make the bread a bit soggy rather than crisp.
FAQs
Can I use pre-shredded cheese?
Absolutely! While freshly grated cheese melts a bit better, pre-shredded mozzarella works just fine and makes the Cheesy Garlic Bread Recipe: Homemade & Easy even quicker to prepare.
What’s the best bread for this recipe?
French or Italian loaves are classic because they’re sturdy and have a great crust, but you can use ciabatta or even a baguette if you like thinner slices with extra crunch.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Definitely! Swap the butter for your favorite plant-based spread and use vegan cheese alternatives. Garlic and parsley are naturally vegan, so you’ll still get tons of flavor.
How can I make this bread spicier?
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter mixture, or sprinkle them on top before baking. You can even use a spicy cheese blend for more kick!
Is it possible to prepare this ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the bread with butter and cheese, cover, and refrigerate for up to 8 hours before baking. This makes the Cheesy Garlic Bread Recipe: Homemade & Easy perfect for entertaining or meal prep.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something magical about pulling a tray of Cheesy Garlic Bread Recipe: Homemade & Easy from the oven — the smell alone will bring everyone to the kitchen! Give this recipe a try next time you want to impress friends, add something special to dinner, or treat yourself to a cozy, cheesy snack. You’ll be glad you did!
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Cheesy Garlic Bread Recipe: Homemade & Easy Recipe
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 8 slices 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This homemade cheesy garlic bread recipe is a delicious and easy side dish, perfect for pairing with pasta, soup, or salad. Made with a crusty French or Italian loaf, garlic butter, and a blend of mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, it’s baked to golden perfection with a melty, bubbly topping.
Ingredients
Bread
- 1 loaf French or Italian bread, halved lengthwise
Garlic Butter
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried parsley)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- salt to taste
Cheeses
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking the garlic bread.
- Make Garlic Butter Mixture: In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt, mixing thoroughly until evenly blended.
- Spread Mixture on Bread: Evenly spread the garlic butter mixture over the cut sides of the bread halves, ensuring full coverage for maximum flavor.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over both halves, then top each with grated Parmesan cheese.
- Bake: Place the bread halves on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the cheese melts and becomes bubbly.
- Broil for Crispiness: For a golden, crispy top, switch the oven to broil and broil the bread for an additional 1 to 2 minutes, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.
- Serve: Remove from the oven, let cool slightly, then slice the bread into 8 slices and serve warm.
Notes
- Add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Swap mozzarella for a blend of Italian cheeses like provolone and fontina for variety.
- Pairs perfectly with pasta dishes, soups, or fresh salads.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 330mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
