Cheesy garlic bread is the ultimate crowd-pleaser, perfect as a side dish, appetizer, or even a snack. This recipe takes garlic bread to the next level with the perfect balance of crisp edges, soft buttery insides, and a gooey, cheesy topping. Made with fresh garlic, herbs, and a blend of cheeses, this best recipe promises to deliver the perfect cheesy garlic bread every time.
1. Cheesy Garlic Bread Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 large loaf of French bread (or Italian bread)
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 garlic cloves, minced (or 1 ½ teaspoons garlic paste)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Optional: 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (for a bit of heat)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Bread
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Slice the loaf of bread in half lengthwise and place both halves cut-side up on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Step 2: Make the Garlic Butter Mixture
In a medium bowl, mix the softened butter, olive oil, minced garlic, parsley, oregano, salt, and pepper until fully combined.
Step 3: Spread the Butter
Generously spread the garlic butter mixture over the cut sides of the bread, ensuring every corner is covered for maximum flavor.
Step 4: Add the Cheese
In a separate bowl, combine the mozzarella, Parmesan, and cheddar cheeses. Sprinkle the cheese mixture evenly over the buttered bread halves, covering them completely.
Step 5: Bake the Bread
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
Step 6: Broil for Crispiness
Switch the oven to broil mode and broil the bread for 1-2 minutes, keeping a close eye to prevent burning. This step ensures a golden, crispy top.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Remove the bread from the oven and sprinkle with additional fresh parsley for a pop of color. Slice into individual pieces and serve warm.
2. Tips for Perfect Cheesy Garlic Bread
Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and parsley provide the best flavor for garlic bread. Avoid using garlic powder unless absolutely necessary.
Choose the Right Bread: French or Italian bread works best due to its sturdy crust and soft interior. Avoid overly soft sandwich bread, as it may become soggy.
Shred Your Own Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can affect melting. For the best gooey texture, shred blocks of cheese yourself.
Spread Evenly: Ensure the garlic butter mixture is spread evenly across the bread to prevent dry spots.
Don’t Skip the Broil: Broiling for a minute or two creates a crispy, golden crust that takes cheesy garlic bread to the next level.
3. What to Serve With Cheesy Garlic Bread
Cheesy garlic bread pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes. Here are some classic and creative pairing ideas:
Soups: Serve with tomato soup, creamy mushroom soup, or minestrone for a comforting meal.
Pasta Dishes: Pair with spaghetti, lasagna, fettuccine Alfredo, or any pasta dish for an indulgent Italian-inspired meal.
Salads: A crisp Caesar salad, Greek salad, or mixed greens with vinaigrette complement the richness of the bread.
Dips: Use cheesy garlic bread as a dipping vehicle for marinara sauce, garlic aioli, or spinach and artichoke dip.
Baked Meats: Serve alongside baked chicken, steak, or barbecue ribs for a hearty meal.
4. How to Store & Reheat Leftover
Proper storage ensures that leftover cheesy garlic bread retains its flavor and texture.
Storing
Allow the bread to cool completely before storing.
Wrap leftover pieces tightly in aluminum foil or place them in an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
For longer storage, wrap the bread in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheating Leftovers
Oven Method: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the bread on a baking sheet and heat for 8-10 minutes, or until warmed through. For frozen bread, add an extra 5 minutes.
Microwave: Reheat individual slices in the microwave for 20-30 seconds. Note that the bread may lose some crispiness with this method.
Toaster Oven: Use a toaster oven to reheat small portions, which restores crispness better than the microwave.
This best cheesy garlic bread recipe is easy to make and packed with rich, cheesy flavors. Whether serving it as a side or enjoying it on its own, this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen.
