Easy Cheesy Garlic Bread

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Crispy Outside, Soft Inside, Loaded with Garlic Butter & Melted Cheese

Garlic bread is one of those magical foods that somehow manages to be both a side dish and the star of the table. It’s welcome next to pasta, soup, salad, grilled meats—or eaten straight off the pan while standing in the kitchen. This Easy Cheesy Garlic Bread takes the classic version and turns it up a notch with rich butter, fragrant garlic, savory Parmesan, stretchy mozzarella, and a golden-baked finish that’s irresistible.

This recipe is intentionally simple in ingredients, but deeply flavorful thanks to technique, balance, and layering. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner, a holiday spread, or a casual get-together, this garlic bread never fails to disappear fast.

INGREDIENTS

Bread Base

  • 1 loaf Italian bread (or French bread), about 14–16 inches long
    Choose a loaf with a crisp crust and soft interior for the best texture.

Garlic Butter Spread

  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature

  • 4–6 cloves garlic, finely minced or grated

  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped

  • ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)

  • ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Cheese Topping

  • 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese

  • Optional additions:

    • ¼ cup shredded provolone (extra meltiness)

    • ¼ cup shredded cheddar (richer flavor)

    • 2 tablespoons cream cheese (ultra-creamy finish)

Optional Flavor Boosters

  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder (for deeper garlic flavor)

  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (for gentle heat)

  • ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning or dried oregano

  • Drizzle of olive oil for finishing

EQUIPMENT

  • Serrated bread knife

  • Medium mixing bowl

  • Baking sheet or loaf pan

  • Aluminum foil

  • Oven or broiler

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS

1. Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This temperature allows the bread to warm through, the butter to soak in, and the cheese to melt evenly without burning.

Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup.

2. Prepare the Bread

Using a serrated knife, slice the Italian bread lengthwise into two even halves. If you prefer individual portions, you can also slice it crosswise into thick pieces, but keeping it halved makes spreading and baking easier.

Place the bread cut-side up on your prepared baking sheet.

3. Make the Garlic Butter Spread

In a medium bowl, combine:

  • Softened butter

  • Minced garlic

  • Grated Parmesan cheese

  • Chopped parsley

  • Salt and black pepper

Mix thoroughly until everything is evenly incorporated. The mixture should be smooth, fragrant, and spreadable.

Why this matters:
Mixing the garlic directly into the butter ensures even distribution, so every bite gets that rich garlic flavor instead of random hot spots.

4. Spread the Garlic Butter Generously

Using a spatula or butter knife, spread the garlic butter mixture evenly over the cut sides of the bread. Don’t be shy — the bread will absorb the butter as it bakes, creating a rich, flavorful base.

Make sure to spread all the way to the edges for maximum crispiness and flavor.

5. Add the Cheese Layer

Sprinkle shredded mozzarella evenly over the buttered bread. Follow with any optional cheeses if using.

For best results:

  • Use low-moisture mozzarella for better melting

  • Distribute cheese evenly so it melts uniformly

  • Don’t overload the center — cheese should reach the edges

Finish with a light dusting of extra Parmesan for a golden, savory crust.

6. Bake Covered (Secret Step!)

Cover the bread loosely with foil and place it in the oven.

Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until:

  • Butter is fully melted

  • Bread is warmed through

  • Cheese is melted but not browned

This step ensures the inside stays soft while the flavors meld together.

7. Uncover & Brown

Remove the foil and return the bread to the oven. Bake for an additional 8–12 minutes, or until:

  • Cheese is bubbly and lightly golden

  • Edges of the bread are crisp

  • The top develops beautiful brown spots

For extra browning, switch to broil for the final 1–2 minutes — but watch closely to prevent burning.

8. Rest, Garnish & Slice

Remove the garlic bread from the oven and let it rest for 2–3 minutes. This allows the cheese to set slightly, making slicing cleaner.

Sprinkle with fresh parsley and, if desired, a light drizzle of olive oil.

Slice and serve immediately while hot and gooey.

TEXTURE & FLAVOR NOTES

  • Crispy bottom, soft center: Baking directly on a sheet pan gives the crust structure while keeping the inside tender.

  • Balanced garlic: Fresh garlic provides aroma, while Parmesan adds savory depth.

  • Cheese pull: Mozzarella gives that iconic stretch, while Parmesan adds sharpness.

VARIATIONS & CUSTOMIZATIONS

Extra Cheesy Version

Double the mozzarella and add a layer of provolone or fontina for restaurant-style garlic bread.

Garlic Bread Pizza

Add pepperoni, olives, or mushrooms on top of the cheese and bake as directed.

Herb Lover’s Garlic Bread

Mix basil, thyme, and oregano into the butter for a Mediterranean twist.

Spicy Garlic Bread

Add red pepper flakes or a drizzle of chili oil before baking.

Creamy Garlic Bread

Mix 2 tablespoons cream cheese into the butter spread for a richer texture.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS

This cheesy garlic bread pairs beautifully with:

  • Spaghetti, lasagna, or baked ziti

  • Tomato soup or creamy soups

  • Caesar or garden salads

  • Grilled chicken or roasted vegetables

Or… just eat it on its own. No judgment here 😄

STORAGE & REHEATING

Storage

  • Wrap leftovers tightly in foil

  • Refrigerate for up to 3 days

Reheating

  • Oven: 350°F (175°C) for 8–10 minutes

  • Air fryer: 350°F for 3–4 minutes

  • Avoid microwave if possible (it softens the crust)

FINAL THOUGHTS

This Easy Cheesy Garlic Bread proves that simple ingredients, when treated right, can create something unforgettable. The crisp edges, buttery garlic flavor, and bubbling cheese make it impossible to resist — whether it’s a side dish or the main event.

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