Cheesy Garlic Bread
Buttery, garlicky, and blanketed in melted cheese, this garlic bread bakes up golden and bubbly in about twenty minutes – and routinely upstages whatever it is served with.
It is the side everyone reaches for first, and it could not be easier to make.
Why you’ll love it
- 20 minutes to bubbly, golden bread.
- Buttery and cheesy – the whole point.
- Perfect partner for pasta and soups.
- Crowd favorite every time.
Ingredient notes
- Bread – a crusty baguette or ciabatta holds up best.
- Butter and garlic – real garlic, softened butter.
- Cheese – mozzarella for stretch, parmesan for savor.
- Herbs – parsley for color and freshness.
How to make it
- Heat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with foil or parchment.
- Make the garlic butter. Mash 1/2 cup softened butter with 4 minced garlic cloves, 2 tablespoons chopped parsley and a pinch of salt.
- Spread. Cut a baguette or ciabatta in half lengthwise and spread the garlic butter right to the edges of both cut sides.
- Add the cheese. Top with 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella and 1/4 cup grated parmesan.
- Bake 10 to 12 minutes, until the cheese melts and the edges turn golden. Broil for the last 1 to 2 minutes for bubbly, browned cheese, and watch it closely.
- Slice and serve warm. Full amounts are also in the recipe card below.
Tips
- Soften the butter fully so it spreads evenly.
- Broil the last 1-2 minutes for bubbly, golden cheese – watch it closely.
- Use fresh garlic for the best flavor.
Storage & reheating
Best fresh and hot. Re-crisp leftovers in the oven; the microwave makes it soft.
What to serve with cheesy garlic bread
Cheesy garlic bread goes with almost any comfort food. Serve it with pasta like our one-pot creamy tomato pasta, with a bowl of easy beef chili or taco soup, or next to a big salad. Cut into thin fingers, it also makes an easy party snack, and it sits nicely on a holiday table with our easy Christmas appetizers.
Make ahead and freezing
- Make ahead: spread the garlic butter and add the cheese up to 1 day ahead. Wrap tightly and keep it in the fridge, then bake straight from the fridge, adding 2 to 3 minutes.
- Freeze: wrap the unbaked bread in foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen at 400°F for 15 to 18 minutes, opening the foil for the last 5 minutes.
- Garlic butter: make a double batch and keep it in the fridge for up to 1 week.
Easy variations
- Pull-apart loaf: cut a round loaf in a crisscross pattern, stuff with garlic butter and cheese, wrap in foil and bake 20 minutes.
- Cheddar and bacon: swap the mozzarella for sharp cheddar and add crumbled cooked bacon.
- Spicy: add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter.
- Dinner rolls: split soft rolls, spread with garlic butter and cheese, and bake 8 to 10 minutes.
Frequently asked questions
What bread is best for cheesy garlic bread?
A crusty baguette, Italian loaf or ciabatta works best. It stays crisp on the bottom and holds the butter and cheese without going soggy.
Can I use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic?
Yes. Use about 1 teaspoon of garlic powder in place of 4 fresh cloves. Fresh garlic has a stronger, sweeter flavor.
How do I keep garlic bread from getting soggy?
Use softened butter, not melted, and spread a thin even layer. Bake on a sheet without covering it so steam can escape.
Can I make cheesy garlic bread in the air fryer?
Yes. Cut the bread to fit the basket and air fry at 350°F for 4 to 6 minutes, until the cheese melts.
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Cheesy Garlic Bread
Ingredients
Method
- Heat the oven to 400F (200C).
- Mash together the butter, garlic, parsley and salt, then spread over the cut sides of the bread.
- Top with the mozzarella and parmesan.
- Bake 10-12 minutes until melted and golden, broiling the last 1-2 minutes for bubbly edges. Slice and serve warm.
Notes
This recipe was developed with the help of AI tools and reviewed before publishing. It may not have been independently kitchen-tested — use your judgment, check for allergens, and cook to safe temperatures. See our AI Content Disclosure. Spotted an issue? Tell us.
