Oh my goodness, have you tried making Cheesy Garlic Bread? It’s one of our absolute favorites at home, especially on cozy evenings when we’re watching movies. The smell of warm bread, melted cheese, and garlic wafting through the kitchen is simply heavenly! Whenever I whip up a batch, I can’t help but smile because it reminds me of family gatherings where everyone gathers around the table, tearing off pieces and sharing laughs.
This cheesy garlic delight is super easy to prepare, making it perfect for a quick snack or a delicious side with pasta. Picture this: a golden, crispy crust with ooey-gooey cheese that stretches with every bite, all perfectly infused with savory garlic. It’s a party in your mouth, and I promise it’s a hit with both kids and adults alike. Plus, if you want to elevate it even more, try serving it alongside your favorite marinara sauce for dipping! Trust me; you won’t regret it.
Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Garlic Bread
- Ultra cheesy with two kinds of cheese: mozzarella and Parmesan
- Rich, buttery garlic flavor that’s impossible to resist
- Easy to make with just a few simple ingredients
- Perfectly toasted edges that add delightful crunch
- Customization options to add spice with red pepper flakes or herbs
- Ideal as a side dish or appetizer for any meal
This cheesy garlic bread is one of those comforting recipes that elevates any dinner, and it’s ready in just about 20 minutes!
How to Make Cheesy Garlic Bread
This cheesy garlic bread is the perfect combination of crispy, buttery goodness with gooey cheese—it’s an absolute crowd-pleaser! Whether you’re serving it as a side with pasta or enjoying it on its own, it’s sure to be a hit.
What You’ll Need:
- French or Italian bread – 1 loaf. I love using a fresh, crusty Italian bread for that perfect crunch!
- Unsalted butter – 1/2 cup, softened. Softened butter is key for spreading; I usually leave it out on the counter for a bit before making this.
- Garlic – 4 cloves, minced. Fresh garlic gives it the best flavor. The more, the merrier, right?
- Shredded mozzarella cheese – 1 cup. I recommend using whole milk mozzarella for that stretch and richness.
- Grated Parmesan cheese – 1/2 cup. A sprinkle of good quality Parmesan elevates the flavors so nicely!
- Fresh parsley – 2 tablespoons, chopped (or 1 tablespoon dried parsley). Fresh is fantastic, but dried works if that’s what you have!
- Salt – 1/2 teaspoon. To taste, just enough to enhance the flavors.
- Black pepper – 1/4 teaspoon. For a little kick, adjust it to your liking!
- Red pepper flakes – 1/2 teaspoon (optional). Just a hint of spice adds a fun twist!
The Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C); let’s get that cozy kitchen warming up!
- Slice the loaf of bread in half horizontally and place the halves on a baking tray, cut side up. You want those sides to get nice and crispy!
- In a medium bowl, mix together the softened butter, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if you’re using them). Stir until everything is well blended.
- Spread the garlic butter mixture evenly over the cut sides of the bread. Don’t be shy—get it into all the little nooks and crannies!
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese generously over the buttered bread. Go big or go home, right?
- If you want, sprinkle the chopped parsley over the cheese for added color and flavor. It looks so nice too!
- Bake in your preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the edges of the bread are golden brown. Keep an eye on it—the aroma will have you eagerly awaiting!
- Once it’s done, remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly. Then slice into pieces and serve warm. Dig in!
Enjoy this delicious cheesy garlic bread as a lovely side dish, an appetizer, or even a midnight snack! It’s hard to resist!
Can I Use Different Types of Bread for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While French or Italian bread works best for cheesy garlic bread, you can also try ciabatta, sourdough, or even whole wheat bread. Just be aware that the texture and flavor might vary slightly, but it will still be delicious!
What Can I Substitute for Fresh Garlic?
If you don’t have fresh garlic on hand, you can use garlic powder as a substitute. Use about 1 teaspoon of garlic powder in place of the 4 cloves of minced garlic. Just mix it into the butter instead of mincing fresh garlic!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover cheesy garlic bread in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes until warmed through, which will help maintain the crispy texture.
Can I Freeze Cheesy Garlic Bread?
Yes, you can freeze cheesy garlic bread! Wrap the cooled bread tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, allow it to thaw in the fridge overnight, then bake at 375°F (190°C) until warm and cheesy.
