Irresistible Garlic Bread Recipe

Irresistible Cheesy Garlic Bread Recipe That Wows Every Time

Weeknight dinners just got a delicious upgrade with this irresistible cheesy garlic bread recipe that promises pure comfort.

Melted cheese cascades over golden, crispy edges, creating a symphony of flavors.

Fragrant garlic dances through every bite, infusing warmth and richness into each slice.

Simple ingredients come together effortlessly to craft a side dish that steals the spotlight from main courses.

The perfect blend of butter, herbs, and cheese guarantees a mouthwatering experience.

Your dinner table will buzz with excitement as this golden, bubbling creation emerges.

Friends and hungry guests won’t be able to resist diving into this crowd-pleasing classic.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 25 minutes

Cook Time: 18 minutes

Total Time: 43 minutes

Calories: 610 kcal

Servings: 2

Ingredients for the Ultimate Cheesy Garlic Bread

For Flavor Boosters:
  • Garlic: Adds a punchy, aromatic kick that creates the signature garlic bread taste; choose fresh cloves for the most vibrant flavor.
  • Fresh Flat-Leaf Parsley: Brings a bright, herbaceous note that cuts through the richness; select bright green leaves with no wilting.
  • Italian Seasoning: Provides a classic Mediterranean herb blend that elevates the overall taste profile; opt for a high-quality blend.
For Cheesy Goodness:
  • Mozzarella Cheese, White Cheddar Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Create a luscious, melty texture with a complex cheese profile; choose freshly shredded varieties for best melting and flavor.
For Fat and Base:
  • Unsalted Butter: Delivers rich, creamy foundation and helps achieve golden-brown crispness; ensure it's softened for easy spreading.
  • Extra-Virgin Olive Oil: Adds a smooth, fruity undertone and helps crisp the bread's exterior; select a good quality, cold-pressed version.
  • Italian Bread: Serves as the perfect canvas for the cheesy, garlicky topping; look for a fresh, crusty loaf with a good soft interior.

Tools You’ll Need to Make It Buttery & Bold

  • Oven: Essential for preheating and baking the garlic bread.
  • Broiler: Needed to melt and brown the cheese topping.
  • Small bowl: Perfect for mixing butter, oil, garlic, and parsley.
  • Pastry brush: Helps spread the garlic mixture evenly on bread.
  • Serrated knife: Ideal for slicing bread without cutting completely through.
  • Baking sheet: Used for arranging and broiling bread slices.
  • Aluminum foil: Wraps the bread during initial baking to keep moisture.
  • Mixing bowl: Handy for combining different cheese types.

Baking Instructions for Golden, Cheesy Goodness

  • Oven Preparation

Warm up the kitchen with a cozy 350°F oven setting, creating the perfect environment for your delicious bread adventure.

  • Flavor Fusion

Mix butter, oil, garlic, and parsley into a dreamy, aromatic blend that will make taste buds dance with excitement.

  • Bread Transformation

Gently slice the bread into connected sections, creating a beautiful fan-like pattern that will wow your dinner guests.

  • Garlic Infusion

Carefully separate the bread slices and lovingly brush the magical garlic mixture between each section, ensuring maximum flavor in every bite.

  • Initial Baking

Wrap the bread in a cozy aluminum foil blanket and let it rest in the warm oven for about 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to mingle and develop.

  • Cheese Celebration

Sprinkle a generous handful of parmesan, cheddar, and mozzarella cheeses over the bread, creating a blanket of gooey deliciousness.

  • Final Browning

Slide the bread under the broiler, watching carefully as the cheese melts and turns into a golden, bubbling masterpiece that will make everyone’s mouth water.

  • Serving Magic

Pull the bread from the oven and let it cool just enough to handle, then separate the slices and serve immediately to capture the perfect moment of cheesy, garlicky goodness.

Bread Tips: Garlic Intensity, Cheese Choices & More

  • Experiment with different cheese combinations like gruyère, fontina, or blue cheese for unique flavor profiles that will surprise your taste buds.
  • Swap dried parsley for fresh herbs like basil, thyme, or chives to add a vibrant, garden-fresh dimension to your garlic bread's taste and aroma.
  • Introduce a gentle heat by mixing in red pepper flakes, cayenne, or finely chopped jalapeños into the butter mixture for those who enjoy a mild kick.
  • Prepare the garlic butter mixture and slice the bread up to a day in advance, storing them separately in the refrigerator for quick assembly when hunger strikes.
  • Replace traditional bread with gluten-free baguettes or artisan bread to accommodate dietary restrictions without sacrificing the rich, cheesy goodness.

How to Serve Garlic Bread That Steals the Show

  • Party Platter Perfection: Serve this cheesy garlic bread as a stunning appetizer at gatherings, placing it on a rustic wooden board surrounded by marinara dipping sauce and fresh herbs.
  • Weekend Movie Night Star: Break this bread into individual pieces and pair with hearty tomato soup or alongside buffalo chicken wings for a crowd-pleasing comfort food experience.
  • Pasta Dinner Companion: Use these crispy, cheesy slices as a delightful side dish for spaghetti, lasagna, or any Italian-inspired main course, creating a complete and satisfying meal.
  • Brunch Brilliant Idea: Slice the bread into smaller portions and serve alongside scrambled eggs, frittatas, or as part of a weekend breakfast spread for a delicious morning treat.

Store It, Reheat It, Love It Later: Garlic Bread Advice

  • Quick Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftover cheesy garlic bread in an airtight container within the refrigerator for up to 3 days, ensuring maximum freshness and flavor retention.
  • Freezing Magic: Wrap individual bread slices tightly in plastic wrap, then place inside a freezer-safe bag. Frozen garlic bread stays delicious for approximately 1-2 months when sealed correctly.
  • Smart Reheating Technique: Restore crispy texture by warming slices in a preheated oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes, avoiding microwave to prevent soggy results. Adding a light brush of olive oil before reheating helps maintain moisture and crunchiness.
  • Party Prep Hack: Make garlic bread mixture in advance and refrigerate up to 2 days before baking. Prepare entire loaf ahead of time for stress-free entertaining, allowing you to quickly assemble and serve during gatherings or unexpected guests.
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Irresistible Garlic Bread Recipe

Irresistible Garlic Bread Recipe


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4.7 from 20 reviews

  • Total Time: 43 minutes
  • Yield: 2 1x

Description

Mouthwatering cheesy garlic bread delivers irresistible comfort with crisp edges and melted cheese. Homemade goodness beckons readers to savor each garlicky, buttery slice straight from the oven.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 loaf Italian bread (15 x 3.5 inches)
  • 1 cup (240 ml) shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup (240 ml) shredded white cheddar cheese
  • ¼ cup (25 g) grated Parmesan cheese
  • ¼ stick (57 g/2 oz) unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 tbsps (30 ml) extra-virgin olive oil
  • 2 tsps finely chopped garlic
  • 2 tbsps finely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
  • Italian seasoning (for sprinkling)

Instructions

  1. Preparation: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C), positioning rack in middle position for optimal heat distribution.
  2. Garlic Herb Mixture: Whisk softened butter, olive oil, minced garlic, and chopped parsley into a smooth, fragrant blend that will infuse the bread with robust flavors.
  3. Bread Modification: Using a serrated knife, create strategic diagonal cuts across the bread loaf, maintaining a connected base to preserve the bread’s structural integrity.
  4. Flavor Infusion: Carefully separate bread sections and generously brush the garlic herb mixture between each slice, ensuring comprehensive seasoning coverage.
  5. Initial Baking: Wrap the prepared loaf completely in aluminum foil and bake for 15 minutes, allowing ingredients to meld and develop deep, complementary flavors.
  6. Cheese Preparation: While bread bakes, combine parmesan, cheddar, and mozzarella cheeses in a separate bowl, creating a rich, harmonious cheese blend.
  7. Final Broiling: Unwrap the bread, separate slices onto a baking sheet, sprinkle with cheese mixture and Italian seasoning, then broil for 3 minutes until cheese transforms into golden, bubbly perfection.
  8. Serving: Present immediately while bread remains warm and crispy, with cheese delicately melted and herbs radiating an enticing aroma.

Notes

  • Slice Carefully: Cut bread without breaking bottom, creating connected “pull-apart” sections for even seasoning and serving.
  • Butter Softness Matters: Use room temperature butter for smooth, easily spreadable garlic mixture that coats bread evenly.
  • Cheese Watching Technique: Monitor broiler closely during final 3 minutes to prevent burning; golden-brown edges indicate perfect melting.
  • Storage Tip: Reheat leftover bread within 2 days for best taste and texture, avoiding soggy or dried-out bread slices.
  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 18 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 2
  • Calories: 610
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Fat: 32 g
  • Saturated Fat: 17 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 61 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 23 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
Michael Reynolds

Michael Reynolds

Founder, Head Recipe Developer & Cuisine Specialist

Expertise

Recipe Development and Testing​, Modern American and European Cuisines​, Food Styling and Photography, Culinary Education and Workshops​

Education

Johnson & Wales University

  • Degree: Bachelor of Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and modern cooking techniques, kitchen management, and global cuisines.​

Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts

  • Program: Diploma in Pastry Arts
  • Focus: Specialized education in baking and pastry, emphasizing artisanal bread, confections, and plated desserts.​

Michael Reynolds is the founder and head recipe creator at wd-50.com. With over 15 years of experience in the kitchen, he’s spent time working in top restaurants and now focuses on making great food easy for everyone at home.

Michael studied culinary arts at Johnson & Wales University and later trained in pastry at the Auguste Escoffier School. He knows his way around both savory meals and sweet treats.

At wd-50.com, his goal is to help you feel confident in the kitchen, whether you’re trying something new or cooking a favorite dish. He loves using fresh ingredients and simple steps that still bring out big flavors.

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