I want to show you how to make fantastic cheesy garlic bread. It’s one of my favorite things to bake, and I know you’ll love it too.
This recipe gives you soft bread on the inside. And it has a wonderfully crunchy crust on the outside. Then, it’s all covered in loads of gooey, melted cheese.
This easy cheesy garlic bread is a hit with my family. It’s great with Italian food. Or you can serve it as an appetizer. It’s even good just as a yummy snack. When this warm bread comes out of the oven, it disappears fast!
Why This Cheesy Garlic Bread Recipe is My Go-To
So, what makes this homemade cheesy garlic bread special? It’s all about getting the basics just right. That way, you get amazing flavor and texture.
- It’s So Simple: You use basic ingredients. This is a quick recipe. And it’s really easy to put together.
- Amazing Flavor: The garlic butter spread is key. I use garlic powder and fresh minced garlic. Then, I add Italian seasoning. For the cheese, I use Colby Jack and mozzarella. This mix gives the best taste. And you get that wonderful cheese pull.
- Perfect Texture: You get soft, fluffy bread inside. And then you get that perfectly crisp, golden outside.
- Great for Anything: This is more than a side for pasta. It’s a crowd pleasing appetizer. It’s also a cozy side dish with soups.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The best cheesy garlic bread recipe starts with good, simple ingredients.
- French Bread: 1 Loaf. The kind from the grocery store bakery works great.
- Salted Butter: 1/2 cup. Make sure it’s softened so it spreads easily.
- Garlic: 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder AND 3 cloves minced fresh garlic. This combo gives a great garlic flavoring.
- Italian Seasoning: 1 teaspoon. This adds a nice mix of herbs.
- Cheese: 1 cup shredded Colby Jack cheese AND 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese. These melt really well.
- Fresh Parsley: About 1-2 tablespoons, chopped. This is optional. But it adds nice color and a bit of flavor.
Using French bread gives a good crust and soft inside. The butter, garlic powder, and minced garlic make a super flavorful butter spread. Italian seasoning adds that classic herby taste. And Colby Jack and mozzarella give you that perfect melt and cheese flavor.
Essential Equipment
You don’t need anything fancy for this.
- Baking Sheet
- Small Mixing Bowl
- Sharp Knife
- Spatula or butter knife
How to Make Homemade Cheesy Garlic Bread: Step-by-Step
Okay, let’s make some amazing cheesy garlic bread. Follow these simple steps.
- Get Ready: First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Then, cut your French bread loaf in half, long ways. Now, place the bread, cut-side up, on a baking sheet.
- Make the Garlic Butter: Next, in your small bowl, put the softened butter, garlic powder, minced garlic, and Italian seasoning. Mix these all together really well. You want a smooth butter spread.
- Put it Together: Now, spread the garlic butter mixture evenly on both halves of the French bread. Make sure to cover the cut sides well. Then, sprinkle the Colby Jack and mozzarella cheese all over the top. Use lots of cheese!
- Bake It: So, put the baking sheet in your hot oven. Bake the cheesy garlic bread for 12-15 minutes. You want the butter to be melted and bubbly. The cheese should be melted and golden brown.
- My Pro Tip: For an extra crisp top, you can broil it for 1-2 minutes at the end. But watch it very carefully! It can burn fast under the broiler.
- Garnish and Serve: Finally, take the bread out of the oven. Let it sit for just a minute or two. This helps the cheese set a little. If you’re using parsley, sprinkle it on now. Then, slice your cheesy garlic bread and serve it warm. It tastes amazing when it’s fresh and the cheese is stretchy.
Pro Tips for the Best Cheesy Garlic Bread
I’ve learned a few things from making this so many times. Here are my best tips for you.
- Good Bread is Important: French bread is great. A good Italian bread works well too. You want a crusty outside and soft inside. If you’re looking for a basic version, this recipe for homemade garlic bread is also fantastic.
- Garlic to Your Liking: If you love garlic, add a bit more fresh garlic. If you like it milder, use less or just the powder. That’s the fun of homemade; you control the flavor.
- Shred Your Own Cheese: I’ve found that shredding cheese from a block melts better. Pre-shredded cheese has powders that can change the melt.
- Don’t Burn It: If the edges get too dark while baking, you can loosely cover them with a bit of aluminum foil. This stops them from over baking.
- Oven Check: Remember, all ovens are a little different. If yours runs hot, it might bake faster. Knowing your oven helps get perfect results.
Fun Variations to Try
This classic garlic cheese bread is great as is. But sometimes, it’s fun to change things up.
- Make it Spicy: Add about 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the butter. Or, try a tiny pinch of paprika. For a bigger kick, mix in some finely diced jalapeños. This makes a really tasty spicy bread.
- Try Different Cheeses: Add about 1/4 cup of shredded Parmesan cheese to your mix. This gives a sharper flavor. Provolone or Monterey Jack are also good cheeses to try.
- Add More Herbs: Mix in about 1 tablespoon of fresh chopped basil with the butter. Or, try a little fresh chives or a tiny bit of rosemary. These can add a nice fresh taste.
If you enjoy baking different types of bread, you might also like trying this simple naan bread recipe.
What to Serve with Your Cheesy Garlic Bread
This cheesy garlic bread goes with so many things!
- Italian Meals: It’s perfect with baked spaghetti or lasagna. And it’s great with chicken parmesan.
- Soups and Stews: Use it for dipping in tomato soup or minestrone.
- Salads: A big green salad and this bread make a nice light meal.
- Dipping Sauce: Serve it with a side of warm marinara sauce. That’s always a hit. For a unique dipping experience, a hot lemon pepper sauce could be surprisingly good.
- As an Appetizer: It’s great for parties. Just slice it up. It’s also a wonderful midday snack. To complete your party spread, consider offering a refreshing spicy mango mocktail.
Storage, Freezing, and Reheating
This recipe is great for leftovers or making ahead.
- Storing Leftovers: Let the bread cool. Then, put it in an airtight container in the fridge. It’s good for 3-4 days.
- Freezing: Yes, you can freeze it! Let baked bread cool completely. Wrap slices in plastic wrap, then put them in a freezer bag. It keeps for about 3 months. You can also freeze it unbaked. Just assemble it, wrap it well, and freeze.
- Reheating: The best way is in the oven or toaster oven. Heat at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes. You want it warmed through and the cheese melty again. An air fryer also works well for a few slices.
- Make-Ahead Garlic Butter: You can make the garlic butter spread up to 3 days early. Keep it in the fridge in an airtight container. Let it soften at room temperature before you use it.
FAQs
I really suggest using garlic powder and fresh garlic. This gives you better control over the salt. And it gives a richer garlic flavor. If you only have garlic salt, use less or no other salt in the butter.
Ovens can be tricky. Check if your oven temperature is accurate. You might need to bake it for less time. Or, move the oven rack down. And always watch carefully, especially if you use the broiler.
No, you don’t have to. This mix gives great flavor and melt. But you can use all mozzarella or all Colby Jack. Or try some of the other cheese ideas from the variations section.
Conclusion
This recipe for cheesy garlic bread is easy to make. And it gives you that rich, delicious, gooey cheese result every time.
I really think this will become a go-to in your kitchen. It’s a perfect side dish. It’s a great appetizer. And it’s a true family favorite.
For dessert, you might even like these homemade Eskimo pie popsicles!
Now, I’d love to hear from you. What’s your favorite thing to eat with cheesy garlic bread? And will you try making this recipe soon?
More Ideas You May Like:
Cheesy Garlic Bread
Equipment
- Baking sheet
- Small Mixing Bowl
- Knife
- Spatula or butter knife
Ingredients
- 1 Loaf French bread
- 1/2 cup salted butter, softened
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 cup Colby Jack cheese, shredded
- 1 cup Mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1-2 tablespoons fresh chopped parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Bread: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Then, cut the French bread loaf in half, the long way. Place the bread halves, cut-side up, on your baking sheet.
- Make Garlic Butter: In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, garlic powder, minced garlic, and Italian seasoning. Mix these together well until it's a smooth spread.
- Assemble: Next, spread the garlic butter mixture evenly on both cut sides of the French bread. Then, sprinkle the shredded Colby Jack and mozzarella cheese all over the top.
- Bake: Now, bake for 12-15 minutes. You want the butter to be melted and bubbly. And the cheese should be golden brown and fully melted. For an extra crisp top, you can broil it for the last 1-2 minutes. But watch it very carefully so it doesn't burn.
- Garnish and Serve: Finally, take the bread out of the oven. Let it cool for just a minute or two. If you are using fresh parsley, sprinkle it on now. Then, slice your bread and serve it warm.
Notes
- Bread: Good quality Italian bread also works well if you can’t find French bread.
- Cheese: For the best melt, I find it helps to shred your own cheese from a block.
- Add Spice: Put 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes in the butter if you like a little heat.
- Store It: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven or an air fryer.
- Freeze It: You can freeze baked and cooled slices. Or, freeze the unbaked bread after you assemble it. It will last for up to 3 months.
- Garlic: Feel free to use more or less garlic powder or minced garlic. It depends on how much garlic flavor you like.