Short Description
Cheesy garlic bread loaf is a flavorful and indulgent side dish that pairs perfectly with pasta, soups, or as a delicious appetizer on its own. Made with a crusty loaf of bread, rich garlic butter, and a generous amount of melted cheese, this recipe is a must-try for cheese and garlic lovers alike.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare with simple ingredients
- Perfect for serving at gatherings or alongside meals
- Customizable with different cheeses and seasonings
- Crispy on the outside, soft and cheesy on the inside
- A crowd-pleasing dish that everyone will love
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 loaf of French bread or Italian bread
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for extra crispiness)
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare the garlic butter mixture by combining softened butter, minced garlic, oregano, parsley, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl. Mix until well combined.
- Slice the bread in half lengthwise and place it cut-side up on the prepared baking sheet.
- Spread the garlic butter evenly over both halves of the bread, ensuring full coverage for maximum flavor.
- Top with cheese by evenly sprinkling mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan over the buttered bread.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Broil (optional) for an additional 1-2 minutes to achieve a golden, crispy top.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before slicing into pieces.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6-8
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the garlic butter mixture.
- Herb Infusion: Use fresh herbs like basil or rosemary for extra flavor.
- Different Cheeses: Swap mozzarella for gouda, provolone, or Monterey Jack.
- Stuffed Version: Slice the bread into sections but not all the way through, and stuff cheese and garlic butter inside.
- Vegan Alternative: Use dairy-free butter and cheese substitutes.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Wrap leftovers in aluminum foil or place them in an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating:
- Oven: Wrap in foil and reheat at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat in short intervals to prevent sogginess.
- Air Fryer: Reheat at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes for a crispy finish.
FAQs
How do I keep garlic bread from getting soggy?
To prevent sogginess, bake at a high temperature and avoid using too much butter. Broiling at the end helps crisp it up.
Can I use pre-minced garlic?
Yes, but fresh garlic provides the best flavor. If using pre-minced, adjust the quantity based on its potency.
What’s the best bread for cheesy garlic bread?
French bread, Italian bread, or ciabatta work best because of their crispy crust and soft interior.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the bread, cover it, and store it in the refrigerator. Bake when ready to serve.
What cheeses work best for this recipe?
Mozzarella melts well, cheddar adds sharpness, and Parmesan enhances the flavor. You can mix and match based on preference.
Can I freeze garlic bread?
Yes, wrap the assembled (but unbaked) garlic bread in foil and freeze. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes.
How do I make it extra crispy?
Brushing the bread with a little olive oil before baking and broiling at the end helps achieve crispiness.
Can I add protein to this dish?
Yes, add cooked bacon bits, shredded chicken, or crumbled sausage for extra heartiness.
Is there a gluten-free option?
Yes, use a gluten-free baguette or loaf to make this recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
How can I serve cheesy garlic bread?
It pairs well with pasta dishes, soups, salads, or as an appetizer with marinara sauce for dipping.
Conclusion
Cheesy garlic bread loaf is an easy, flavorful, and versatile dish that enhances any meal. Whether served as a side, appetizer, or snack, its buttery garlic flavor and gooey cheese make it irresistible. With various customization options, this recipe is perfect for any occasion. Enjoy fresh from the oven for the best experience!
Print
This Cheesy Garlic Bread Loaf is the ultimate comfort food! Crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and packed with garlic butter and melted cheese, this pull-apart bread is perfect as a side or appetizer.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 large French baguette
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
Instructions
-
Prepare the Bread:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Slice the baguette into 1-inch sections, but don’t cut all the way through.
-
Make Garlic Butter:
- Mix melted butter, garlic, parsley, and Italian seasoning.
- Brush mixture into the cuts of the bread.
-
Add Cheese & Bake:
- Stuff mozzarella and parmesan into the bread slits.
- Wrap in foil and bake for 15 minutes.
- Unwrap and bake for another 5 minutes until golden and bubbly.
Notes
- Add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Serve with marinara or ranch for dipping.