Irresistible Garlic Bread with Cheese Recipe

Homemade Cheesy Garlic Bread Recipe: Crispy & Flavorful

Melted cheese and garlic create a mouthwatering symphony in this irresistible garlic bread with cheese recipe that will make your taste buds dance.

Golden-brown edges promise a crispy exterior with a soft, buttery center.

Every bite delivers a rich blend of savory flavors that melt perfectly in your mouth.

The simple ingredients come together effortlessly, making this dish a go-to comfort food for any occasion.

Fragrant garlic and gooey cheese transform an ordinary bread into an extraordinary side dish.

Serving this warm, aromatic bread will earn you serious culinary kudos.

You won’t be able to resist going back for seconds of this delectable treat.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 18 minutes

Total Time: 28 minutes

Calories: 284 kcal

Servings: 9

What You’ll Need for Garlic Bread with Cheese

For Bread Base:
  • French Bread: Crusty foundation that provides the perfect crispy canvas for our cheesy creation, select a fresh loaf with a golden, crackling exterior.
For Flavor Enhancers:
  • Garlic, Italian Salad Dressing: Magical duo that infuses intense aromatic depth, choose fresh garlic cloves with firm, plump texture and a zesty, herb-packed dressing.
  • Parsley: Vibrant green herb that adds fresh, peppery brightness and visual appeal, opt for crisp, bright green leaves without wilting.
For Cheese Layers:
  • Salted Butter: Creamy base that helps spread flavors and creates rich, golden crust, ensure it's softened to room temperature for easy mixing.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Sharp, salty cheese that provides intense umami punch, select freshly grated for maximum flavor complexity.
  • Mozzarella Cheese: Melty, stretchy cheese that creates irresistible gooey texture, choose high-moisture variety for maximum meltability.

Gear for Garlic Bread with Cheese

  • Large Bowl: Essential for mixing garlic butter ingredients thoroughly.
  • Cutting Board: Perfect for slicing bread and chopping parsley.
  • Sharp Knife: Needed to slice French bread lengthwise and chop parsley.
  • Baking Sheet: Crucial for holding and baking bread evenly.
  • Cheese Grater: Useful for shredding mozzarella and grating Parmesan.
  • Measuring Cups: Helps measure cheese and other ingredients accurately.
  • Spatula or Spoon: Great for spreading garlic butter mixture smoothly.

How to Make Garlic Bread with Cheese

  • Oven Warmth

Crank up the oven to a toasty 350°F, creating the perfect cozy environment for your cheesy creation.

  • Flavor Fusion

Blend butter with garlic and cheese into a dreamy, creamy spread that’ll make taste buds dance.

  • Bread Canvas

Split a crusty French loaf down the middle, transforming it into a delicious platform for your garlicky masterpiece.

  • Cheese Blanket

Shower the bread with a generous layer of Parmesan and mozzarella, ensuring every inch gets some cheesy love.

  • Baking Magic

Let the bread sizzle in the oven for about 10 minutes, watching cheese bubble and transform into golden perfection.

  • Final Flourish

Pull out your golden-brown delight, let it cool for a moment, then slice into mouth-watering chunks ready to be devoured.

Garlic Bread with Cheese: Pro Tips

  • Cooking Tips & Variations
  • Cheese Swap Sensation: Experiment with different cheese blends like cheddar, provolone, or gouda to create unique flavor profiles that match your favorite meals.
  • Herb Haven: Enhance the garlic butter mixture by adding fresh herbs like basil, oregano, or thyme for an extra layer of aromatic goodness.
  • Protein Power Boost: Transform this side dish into a hearty appetizer by topping with crispy bacon bits, shredded chicken, or crumbled sausage before baking.
  • Spice Lover's Dream: Kick up the heat by mixing in red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or a dash of hot sauce into the garlic butter for those who enjoy a spicy twist.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the garlic butter mixture and spread on bread up to 24 hours in advance, storing it covered in the refrigerator until ready to bake for maximum convenience.

Serving Garlic Bread with Cheese

  • Party Platter Companion: Slice the cheesy garlic bread into bite-sized pieces and arrange on a rustic wooden board alongside marinara sauce, ranch dressing, or herb-infused olive oil for dipping.
  • Hearty Meal Sidekick: Pair this golden, cheesy bread with classic Italian dishes like spaghetti, lasagna, or chicken parmesan to elevate your dinner experience with rich, complementary flavors.
  • Appetizer Showstopper: Serve warm, straight from the oven, at game nights, potlucks, or casual gatherings where guests can grab a slice and enjoy the gooey, aromatic goodness.
  • Quick Lunch Enhancer: Transform this garlic bread into a light meal by topping with sliced tomatoes, fresh basil, or adding thin layers of prosciutto for a more substantial bite.

How to Store Garlic Bread with Cheese

  • Quick Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftover garlic bread in an airtight container within two hours of cooking. Wrap tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap to maintain moisture and prevent drying out.
  • Freezing Success Technique: Slice cheese garlic bread into portions before freezing. Place wrapped pieces in freezer-safe bags, removing excess air to prevent freezer burn. Keeps well for up to three weeks when properly sealed.
  • Reheating Magic Method: Restore crispy texture by warming refrigerated slices in a preheated oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes. Avoid microwave reheating to maintain the bread's original crunchiness and prevent soggy results.
  • Smart Serving Suggestion: Best enjoyed fresh and warm, but can be prepared ahead of time for gatherings. Keep ingredients ready and assemble just before baking to ensure maximum flavor and optimal texture when serving guests or family.
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Irresistible Garlic Bread with Cheese Recipe

Irresistible Garlic Bread with Cheese Recipe


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4.8 from 20 reviews

  • Total Time: 28 minutes
  • Yield: 9 1x

Description

Homemade garlic bread with cheese delivers a mouthwatering fusion of crusty bread, melted cheese, and aromatic garlic. Quick preparation and simple ingredients make this comfort classic perfect for gatherings or solo indulgence.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 loaf French bread (454 g / 1 lb)
  • 1 stick salted butter (113 g / 4 oz), room temperature
  • 3 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
  • 6 cloves garlic, minced
  • ¼ cup Italian salad dressing
  • Fresh parsley

Instructions

  1. Preparation: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C), setting the stage for a delectable garlic bread experience.
  2. Flavor Infusion: Craft a velvety spread by combining butter, minced garlic, Italian dressing, and mozzarella cheese, blending until a harmonious mixture forms.
  3. Bread Preparation: Slice the French bread lengthwise, exposing its tender crumb.
  4. Coating Application: Lavishly spread the garlic-cheese mixture across both bread halves, ensuring comprehensive coverage.
  5. Cheese Layering: Generously dust the surface with Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses, creating a luxurious dairy blanket.
  6. Baking Process: Transfer the bread to a baking sheet and place in the preheated oven, baking for 10 minutes until the cheese begins to melt and bubble.
  7. Browning Stage: Elevate the oven temperature to 450°F (230°C) and continue baking for an additional 8 minutes, watching carefully to achieve a golden, crispy crust without scorching.
  8. Finishing Touches: Remove from the oven, allowing the cheese to settle briefly, then slice into delectable portions and garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and flavor.

Notes

  • Butter Softening Tip: Ensure butter is at room temperature for seamless mixing with garlic and cheese, creating a smoother, more evenly distributed spread.
  • Bread Selection Strategy: Choose a fresh, high-quality French bread with a crusty exterior and soft interior for optimal texture and flavor absorption.
  • Cheese Melting Technique: Watch carefully during the final 8 minutes of baking to prevent burning while achieving a perfectly golden-brown, crispy cheese crust.
  • Serving Suggestion: Let the garlic bread rest for 2-3 minutes after baking to allow cheese to set and flavors to meld, ensuring a more cohesive and enjoyable eating experience.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 18 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 9
  • Calories: 284
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 492 mg
  • Fat: 20 g
  • Saturated Fat: 12 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 22 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 10 g
  • Cholesterol: 49 mg
Emily Roberts

Emily Roberts

Content Creator & Kitchen Tips Specialist

Expertise

Dietary Planning​, Public Health Nutrition, Nutritional Education​, Content Development​

Education

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

  • Degree: Master of Science in Nutritional Sciences
  • Focus: Research on dietary patterns and their impact on chronic diseases.​

Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN)

  • Credential: Expertise in translating nutrition science into practical advice. ​

Emily Roberts is our content specialist and registered dietitian at HealthyChoices.org. With her Master’s degree in Nutritional Sciences from the University of Illinois and her Registered Dietitian Nutritionist certification, Emily uses her deep nutrition knowledge to write helpful, easy-to-understand guides about healthy eating. 

Her warm, practical advice empowers readers to confidently make healthier choices, turning everyday meals into simple moments of wellness and joy.

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