Slice it, tear it, share it... however you want to eat it, this is best cheesy garlic bread you'll ever taste!
Soft bread with a satisfying crunchy crust as herb and garlic butter melts in your mouth – it's an explosion of flavor that is amazing when paired with soup, pasta or on its own as an appetizer.
Why you'll love this easy cheesy garlic bread recipe
- Easy cheesy garlic bread is so easy to make and is a family favorite.
- You can adapt the recipe to your preferences
- Enjoy it as a side dish, an appetizer or as a tasty snack.
- It's the best garlic bread you'll ever taste!
Equipment needed
- Mixing bowl – you'll need a medium bowl to mix up your garlic butter
- Baking sheet – a baking sheet pan is needed to bake your garlic bread
How to make cheesy garlic bread
You need baguettes, parsley, butter, garlic, and copious amounts of cheese for this recipe.
Mince the garlic and mix with butter and finely chopped parsley.
You can decide whether to the slice the bread hasselback-style and stuff it with the garlic butter....or....
Slice the garlic bread lengthwise and spread the butter evenly.
Then top or stuff the bread with and abundance of cheese; cheddar, mozzarella, etc. You can even combine them! Bake in the oven until melted, bubbling and delicious. Enjoy!
Recipe tips
- Broiling the cheesy garlic bread at the end of cooking adds a golden brown color and crisp texture.
- Using softened butter instead of melted butter ensures even spreading and prevents the bread from becoming soggy.
- Fresh garlic provides a bolder flavor compared to jarred garlic or garlic powder.
- The ideal cooking temperature for cheesy garlic bread is around 350°F to 375°F to ensure the cheese melts without burning the bread.
- Rest the cheesy garlic bread for 5 minutes after baking to allow the cheese to set, making it easier to slice.
- Press halved loaves down with a cutting board to flatten and prevent the edges from curling.
How to serve cheesy garlic bread
- Cheesy garlic bread is often served as a side dish with pasta or soups – my sausage soup is an excellent pairing choice.
- It's a great dish to serve as an appetizer at dinner parties or gatherings.
- Cheesy garlic bread can be enjoyed with salads for a balanced meal.
- Instead of the usual side of potatoes and rice, serve meat with a side of salad and the cheesy garlic bread.
Popular variations
- Consider adding a teaspoon of mayonnaise to the garlic butter mixture for extra creaminess.
- Add oil to your herb and butter mixture – a combination of butter and olive oil can be used to spread on the bread for flavor without making it too greasy.
- I have previously made something bit similar – my pesto stuffed bread. A delicious recipe that's extremely versatile, meaning you can use any pesto of your liking.
Substitutions
- Fresh herbs like parsley are used to garnish garlic cheese bread for more flavor and color. You can also replace the parsley with another herb, e.g. rosemary, thyme or oregano - the choice is yours. Some dry spices such as chili or paprika in moderate measures also work well with garlic and melted cheese.
- You can use salted butter in place of unsalted butter if needed.
What kind of cheese is best to put on garlic bread?
A combination of mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese balances stretchiness and flavor in cheesy garlic bread.
Mozzarella cheese and parmesan cheese are like a marriage made in heaven! You could also use cheddar, gouda or a nutty emmental cheese.
Can I use ready grated cheese for garlic bread?
Yes, but grating your own cheese from a block results in better melting properties compared to pre-shredded cheeses, which contain preservatives.
What's the best bread for this recipe?
Homemade cheesy garlic bread is best made with a fresh loaf of Italian bread (Ciabatta with a crunchy crust) or French bread. Avoid using pre-sliced sandwich bread for cheesy garlic bread, as it tends to become too soft.
What are some common mistakes when making garlic bread?
Using too much raw garlic can be overpowering. Be sure to follow the amounts and instructions below.
Also, baking the bread at the wrong temperature means you'll either burn it or not get that lovely crunchy texture on the crust. Follow my temperature instructions below.
Finally, be careful not to use too much butter. This could result in the bread becoming too saturated and soggy underneath.
How do you store garlic bread?
Cheesy garlic bread can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. You can also freeze cheesy garlic bread before baking by wrapping it in plastic wrap and freezing it for up to 6 months. Slice it first, then you grab just a few slices each time you want to defrost some.
Can you reheat garlic bread?
Yes. Wrap it in aluminum foil and heat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes. If reheating from frozen, you may need to add 10-15 minutes to the baking time. Make sure you serve warm.
Can you make garlic bread ahead of time?
Yes. Apply the garlic butter to the bread, then cover in foil and store for up to two days in the fridge.
More amazing garlic recipes
Garlic lover? Here are some of my personal favorite garlic-based recipes.
- Roasted garlic mashed potato – Classic mashed potatoes elevated with the addition of delicious roasted garlic. One taste of this flavourful side dish will have you wanting more!
- Pan-fried garlic butter prawns – This pan-fried garlic butter prawns recipe is simple yet totally impressive for a dinner party or a treat-yourself night in. Whole shell-on prawns cooked in butter and garlic with a few squeezes of lemon juice to brighten the dish, does it get any better?
- Wild garlic soup – Wild garlic soup is a fresh, vibrant dish that celebrates the earthy flavor of wild garlic. It’s light, nourishing, and perfect for a healthy meal.
- Garlic and chilli courgetti – garlic and chilli courgetti is an easy, super quick recipe that takes just minutes to make. Fry a few simple ingredients and you’ve got instant, tasty, healthy fast food.
If you love easy side breads like this, my sweet homemade cornbread is another simple favourite to try.
Print📖 Recipe
Cheesy Garlic Bread
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Golden, crispy cheesy garlic bread loaded with melted cheese and garlic butter. Easy to make, and a must-have side for pasta or pizza nights.
Ingredients
- 2 French baguettes or sub rolls
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh chopped parsley
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheese (see cheese options below)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a small bowl, mix the softened butter with the minced garlic and fresh parsley. Add salt, and black pepper until well combined.
- Slice the French bread loaf (see slicing options below), then generously spread butter evenly over the bread halves, pressing it into the bread so it melts into the crevices.
- Place bread on the parchment lined baking sheet. Sprinkle evenly with shredded cheese.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes, until the bread is crisp at the edges and the cheese is fully melted.
For a golden top, switch the oven to broil for the final 1–2 minutes, watching closely. - Remove from the oven, slice if needed, and serve hot.
Notes
How to Slice the Bread
In half lengthwise: Slice French bread straight down the middle. This works best when you want generous garlic butter and plenty of melted cheese on top.
Accordion (Hasselback) style: Cut the bread at ¾-inch intervals without slicing all the way through. The butter and cheese melt between the cuts, creating pull-apart garlic bread.
Individual slices: Cut the baguette fully into rounds before baking. This is ideal for serving with soup or for party platters and crisps up the fastest.
Cheese Options
Classic and melty: Fresh mozzarella, Monterey Jack, Colby Jack cheese, or a blend of mozzarella and cheddar.
Bold and savory: Sharp cheddar, Gruyère, or Fontina for deeper flavor.
Italian-style: Mozzarella with Parmesan, provolone, or Asiago.
Extra indulgent: Combine mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan, or finish with a light sprinkle of Parmesan after baking.
Flavor Boosts
Add red pepper flakes for a little heat.
Sprinkle in garlic powder for extra garlic flavor.
Swap finely chopped parsley for fresh basil or chives.
Finish with a light drizzle of olive oil after baking for added shine and richness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size:
- Calories: 363
- Sugar: 1.9 g
- Sodium: 669.3 mg
- Fat: 20.8 g
- Saturated Fat: 12.1 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 32.2 g
- Fiber: 1.6 g
- Protein: 12.4 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
Ruby says
You could make this more garlicky by making the bread with garlic and even with some red onions. Buy garlic buttter and use garlic infused oil and then add garlic cheese . Chives would add a nicer flavour than parsley
michelle says
Hi Ruby, sounds lovely. Thanks for the chives tip. Much appreciated. xx Michelle
sharon martin says
love my bread toasted with philedelphia on it
michelle says
nice
Cassandra D says
I usually toast my bread.
michelle says
nice
Margaret Clarkson says
I like to make focaccia which I sprinkle with rosemary from my garden and drizzle with olive oil before cooking.
michelle says
can I have some 😉 ?
Natalie Crossan says
We love making fresh olive bread in our house 😀
michelle says
can I have some? 😛
cheryl hadfield says
I love bread, but my figure doesn't so I only have 2 small pieces of wholemeal bread a day usually toasted
michelle says
I know what you mean.. 😀
Tania Atfield says
I love making flatbread for a curry
Jo McPherson says
I love making fresh olive bread
melanie stirling says
I like my bread hot from the oven with lots of real butter on it.
michelle says
love how you mentioned - real butter' nom nom
Leila Benhamida says
I make some traditional bread with semolina yeast and olive oil
michelle says
interesting combination
Solange says
Toasted with lots of butter.
michelle says
niiiice
laura banks says
lots of butter and Philadelphia on it
michelle says
niiiicee
Andrea Upton says
I often make a brown soda bread, that is really nice warm with some cream cheese
michelle says
sounds lovely!!
Kim Neville says
Nice and fresh with some lurpak on
michelle says
lurpak---yesssssssssssssssssssssss!!
sam macaree says
fresh baked baguettes
michelle says
the best!!
Tracy Nixon says
I love it served warm and topped with grilled Mediterranean veg and olive oil!!
michelle says
yummy 🙂
Tracey Peach says
I've gone off bread for a while now so at the moment I don't prepare any
michelle says
you are my role model!!!!
Alica says
I have a bread maker and love to make a fresh loaf and then slice it while its hot and eat it the end slice with quite a lot of butter 🙂 Its my treat!
michelle says
love the butter idea