Grab a loaf of French bread and make this cheesy garlic bread. A simple, easy garlic bread topped with melted cheese and baked to golden perfection. It pairs beautifully with pasta, makes a satisfying snack, or complements many dinner plates.
This cheesy garlic bread takes less than 20 minutes to prepare and is ready to slice and serve. A homemade garlic bread that delivers big flavor with minimal effort.
- Ingredients Needed For Recipe
- How To Make
- Storing Leftovers
- Helpful Tips
- FAQs
- What To Pair With This Garlic Bread
- Cheesy Garlic Bread Creation
You can prepare this garlic bread in the oven, air fryer, or toaster oven — this recipe is flexible and easy to adapt to the equipment you have on hand.
Why Make Cheesy Garlic Bread
- You can make it cheesy or keep it classic without cheese.
- Budget friendly.
- Use a store-bought loaf or homemade French bread.
- Easy and quick to prepare.
- Uses a simple homemade garlic butter spread for great flavor.
Ingredients Needed For Recipe
Bread – French bread or any long loaf works well.
Butter – Unsalted is recommended; if you use salted, reduce added salt.
Oil – Olive oil is ideal, though vegetable or canola oil will work.
Garlic – Fresh minced garlic gives the best flavor.
Salt and Pepper – Season to taste.
Parsley – Fresh parsley is best, but dried works in a pinch.
Parmesan and Mozzarella Cheese – A combination of Parmesan and mozzarella adds depth and melty goodness.
How To Make
Full printable directions appear in the recipe card below. Use this as a simple visual walkthrough.
Step One: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with foil.
Step Two: Slice the loaf lengthwise and place the cut sides up on the baking sheet.
Step Three: In a food processor or a small bowl, combine softened butter, minced garlic, olive oil, salt, pepper, and parsley. Blend or mix until smooth and spreadable.
Step Four: Spread an even layer of the garlic butter mixture over each bread half. Adjust the amount to suit your garlic preference.
Step Five: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan evenly over the buttered bread. Bake for about 10 minutes or until the cheese has melted and the bread is warmed through.
Remove from the oven, slice, and serve warm.
Pro Tip: For a crispier top, broil on high for 1–2 minutes at the end of baking — watch closely to avoid burning.
Storing Leftovers
Refrigerate: Store leftover bread in a sealed bag or airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat in the oven for best results.
Freezer Instructions: You can assemble and freeze the bread before baking. Wrap tightly or place in a freezer-safe container for up to 2–3 months. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cook time so it heats through.
Helpful Tips
- Line the baking sheet with foil or a silicone baking mat for easy cleanup — melted cheese can stick.
- Freshly grated Parmesan and mozzarella provide the best texture; pre-shredded cheeses can sometimes turn oily.
- Serve the bread warm and fresh from the oven for best flavor and texture.
- Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for heat if desired.
- Leave off the cheese for a classic garlic bread variation.
FAQs
Mozzarella and Parmesan are classic choices, often used together. You can also use marble cheese, provolone, or any meltable cheese you prefer.
Garlic bread originated in Italy and is simply bread topped with a garlic-infused spread or butter, which gives it its name.
Yes. Traditional garlic bread contains no meat. To make it vegan, use a plant-based butter and dairy-free cheese alternatives.
What To Pair With This Garlic Bread
- Classic pasta dishes
- Chicken or seafood pasta recipes
- Saucy casseroles and baked dishes
- Salads like Italian-style pasta salad
- Sausage or baked manicotti
If you try this recipe, leave a rating or a comment in the recipe card below — feedback is always appreciated.
Cheesy Garlic Bread
Ingredients
- 1 loaf day-old French bread
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon finely chopped parsley
- ½ cup finely shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella (optional)
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with foil.
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Slice the French bread in half lengthwise and place cut-side up on the prepared baking sheet.
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In a food processor or bowl combine garlic, softened butter, oil, salt, pepper, and parsley. Pulse or mix until creamy.
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Spread the garlic butter mixture evenly over both halves of the bread.
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Top with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
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Bake for about 10 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the bread is heated through.
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Slice, serve, and enjoy warm.
Notes
Cheese – Mozzarella and Parmesan work well together, but feel free to use a single cheese or other meltable varieties.
Garlic Bread – Omit the cheese for a classic garlic bread version.
Equipment
- Baking sheet
- Food processor or mixing bowl and spoon
Nutrition
Carbohydrates: 21g
Protein: 7g
Fat: 5g
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