After making this cheesy garlic bread, I have to say it’s one of the easiest, most satisfying recipes out there. The combination of melted cheese, savory garlic, and crispy bread is a perfect side dish for almost any meal. Whether you’re serving it alongside pasta, soup, or enjoying it on its own, you can’t go wrong.
Plus, it’s ready in under 20 minutes! Trust me, you’ll be making this again and again. You can also enjoy similar flavors with Cuban Sandwich Potato Skins Recipe for a fun appetizer twist.
Ingredients
- French Bread (1 loaf) – I recommend using fresh French bread, preferably from a bakery for the best taste and texture. This type of bread provides a sturdy base for the butter and cheese.
- Salted Butter (1/2 cup, softened) – Softened butter spreads much easier. Using salted butter enhances the flavor, but if you prefer less salt, you can always opt for unsalted butter.
- Garlic Powder (1/2 teaspoon) – Garlic powder adds an instant flavor boost to the butter. It blends beautifully with the minced garlic for a full garlic punch.
- Garlic Cloves (3 cloves, minced) – Fresh garlic gives the bread a nice texture and a rich, authentic flavor. Be sure to mince the garlic finely so it distributes evenly on the bread.
- Italian Seasoning (1 teaspoon) – This seasoning mix brings in the perfect balance of herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme, enhancing the garlic flavor without overpowering it.
- Colby Jack Cheese (1 cup, shredded) – Colby Jack melts beautifully, adding creaminess and a slightly tangy flavor to the bread.
- Mozzarella Cheese (1 cup, shredded) – Mozzarella provides the perfect stretch and melty goodness that makes cheesy garlic bread so irresistible.
- Fresh Parsley (chopped, for garnish) – Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and a slight freshness to balance the rich, cheesy goodness.
Note: This recipe yields about 12 slices of cheesy garlic bread, perfect for sharing with a group!
Variations
- Dairy-Free: Swap the butter for a plant-based butter and use dairy-free cheese (like almond-based mozzarella) to make this recipe completely dairy-free.
- Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or finely chopped jalapeños to the butter spread for a spicy kick.
Herb Variations: Feel free to experiment with different herbs such as rosemary or thyme to change the flavor profile. - Sugar-Free Option: For a sugar-free alternative, make sure to use sugar-free bread and double-check all ingredients for any added sugars.
Cooking Time
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cooking Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
Equipment You Need
- Baking Sheet: A flat surface for baking the garlic bread.
- Knife: To cut the bread and mince garlic.
- Small Bowl: For mixing the butter and seasoning.
- Spatula or Butter Knife: For spreading the butter mixture onto the bread.
How to Make Cheesy Garlic Bread
1. Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F. This temperature is ideal for making the bread crisp on the outside while keeping it soft and chewy inside.
2. Prepare the Bread
Cut the loaf of French bread lengthwise, creating two halves. Place the halves on a baking sheet, cut side up, so the bread can absorb all the delicious garlic butter.
3. Make the Butter Spread
In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, garlic powder, minced garlic, and Italian seasoning. Mix them together until the butter is fully infused with the seasonings.
4. Spread the Garlic Butter
Spread the garlic butter mixture evenly over both halves of the bread. Be generous with it to ensure every bite is flavorful. Then, top the butter with a mix of Colby Jack and mozzarella cheese.
5. Bake
Place the bread in the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes. The butter should melt completely, and the cheese should be bubbly and golden. For a crispy top, switch to the broil setting for an additional 1-2 minutes.
Additional Tips for Making This Recipe Better
- Use Fresh Garlic: Fresh garlic gives the bread an authentic, richer flavor that garlic powder can’t quite match.
- Don’t Skip the Italian Seasoning: It’s a great way to enhance the flavor without having to mix a bunch of individual herbs.
Go Easy on the Broil: If you decide to broil the top for a crispy finish, make sure to keep a close eye on it. It can go from golden to burnt in seconds. - Let It Cool Slightly: After baking, let the bread cool for a minute or two before slicing to keep the cheese from sliding off.
How to Serve Cheesy Garlic Bread?
This cheesy garlic bread is incredibly versatile. Serve it with pasta dishes, soups, or even salads to balance out the richness. Here are a few ideas for a presentation:
- Serve with Pasta: It’s a fantastic side to pasta dishes like spaghetti or lasagna.
- Add a Dipping Sauce: Pair it with marinara sauce, pesto, or a spicy tomato dip. You can also enjoy similar handheld comfort foods like Grilled Cheeseburger Wraps Recipe.
- Cut Into Smaller Pieces: For a fun twist, cut the bread into small squares and serve as an appetizer.
Nutritional Information
- Calories: 237 kcal per slice
- Protein: 9 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fat: 14 g (8 g saturated)
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing
Store leftover cheesy garlic bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. It can also be kept in the fridge for about 4 days.
Freezing
To freeze, wrap the garlic bread in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then place it in a freezer-safe bag. It will stay good for up to 3 months.
Reheating
Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes until the cheese is bubbly again. If frozen, let it thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
Here are a few reasons why you’ll keep coming back to this cheesy garlic bread:
- Quick and Easy: It takes just 20 minutes to prepare, making it a perfect side dish for busy weeknights.
- Customizable: You can easily change up the flavor with various herbs or cheese combinations.
- Perfect for Any Meal: Whether you’re serving it with pasta, soup, or on its own, it’s a great addition to almost any meal.
- Family-Friendly: Everyone loves cheesy garlic bread, making it a great choice for family gatherings or casual meals.
This cheesy garlic bread is bound to be a hit at your next meal. Try it today and enjoy the gooey, garlicky goodness!
Cheesy Garlic Bread Recipe
Ingredients
Method
- Start by preheating your oven to 400°F. This temperature is ideal for making the bread crisp on the outside while keeping it soft and chewy inside.
- Cut the loaf of French bread lengthwise, creating two halves. Place the halves on a baking sheet, cut side up, so the bread can absorb all the delicious garlic butter.
- In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, garlic powder, minced garlic, and Italian seasoning. Mix them together until the butter is fully infused with the seasonings.
- Spread the garlic butter mixture evenly over both halves of the bread. Be generous with it to ensure every bite is flavorful. Then, top the butter with a mix of Colby Jack and mozzarella cheese.
- Place the bread in the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes. The butter should melt completely, and the cheese should be bubbly and golden. For a crispy top, switch to the broil setting for an additional 1-2 minutes.
Notes
- Use Fresh Garlic: Fresh garlic gives the bread an authentic, richer flavor that garlic powder can’t quite match.
- Don’t Skip the Italian Seasoning: It’s a great way to enhance the flavor without having to mix a bunch of individual herbs.
Go Easy on the Broil: If you decide to broil the top for a crispy finish, make sure to keep a close eye on it. It can go from golden to burnt in seconds. - Let It Cool Slightly: After baking, let the bread cool for a minute or two before slicing to keep the cheese from sliding off.
