If there’s one recipe I have on repeat for gatherings, cozy dinners, and midnight snacks, it has to be this homemade & easy Cheesy Garlic Bread. Imagine golden, buttery bread blanketed with gooey mozzarella and a punch of garlicky flavor—absolute heaven! This simple recipe turns a humble loaf into a crowd-pleasing masterpiece you’ll want to make again and again, whether you’re serving pasta or just craving something indulgently cheesy with a kick of garlic.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this dish comes from using just a handful of everyday ingredients, each playing an important role in the final flavor and texture. You’ll be amazed at how these kitchen staples combine to create the ultimate homemade & easy Cheesy Garlic Bread.
- French bread: The perfect base; crusty on the outside, soft inside, and ideal for holding all that cheesy, garlicky goodness.
- Unsalted butter: Softened butter melds with garlic and herbs, soaking into every nook of the bread for maximum flavor.
- Fresh garlic: Four cloves give punchy, real-deal garlic flavor that makes this bread downright addictive.
- Fresh parsley: Bright and fresh, parsley adds color and a touch of earthy herby goodness.
- Garlic powder: Enhances the garlic flavor, ensuring every bite is perfectly seasoned.
- Salt: Balances out the richness and highlights all the best flavors in the bread and cheese.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: The king of melty cheeses, it delivers oozy, stretchy goo on top!
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty, salty layer that perfectly complements the melty mozzarella.
- Red pepper flakes (optional): For those who like a touch of heat, a pinch adds just the right kick.
How to Make Homemade & Easy
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Bread
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Then, slice your French bread loaf in half lengthwise so you have two wide, flat pieces—this ensures each slice gets the perfect ratio of crispy edge to gooey topping!
Step 2: Make the Garlic Butter Spread
In a medium bowl, combine the softened butter with minced garlic, chopped parsley, garlic powder, and salt. Stir it together until everything is evenly mixed—the scent alone is enough to make your mouth water! This step is what infuses each bite with deep, savory homemade & easy flavors.
Step 3: Slather and Top
Spread the garlic butter mixture generously over the cut sides of both bread halves. Don’t be shy—the more you use, the more flavor that soaks into the bread. Next, scatter the shredded mozzarella evenly across both halves, then follow with plenty of grated Parmesan. For a little heat, sprinkle on red pepper flakes if you like it spicy.
Step 4: Bake to Cheesy Perfection
Arrange your loaded up bread halves, cut side up, on a baking sheet. Slide them into the oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes, just until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and enticingly fragrant. If you love a golden top, switch the oven to broil for 1 to 2 minutes, keeping a close eye to avoid burning. You want melty, not crispy-hard!
Step 5: Slice and Serve
Let the bread cool for a minute or two so you don’t burn your fingers (or tongue), then cut into individual slices. Serve them up while they’re still warm and gooey. That stretchy cheese pull is pure homemade & easy magic!
How to Serve Homemade & Easy
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley right before serving adds a flash of color and freshness that livens up all that cheese. Or, dust with extra Parmesan for even more cheesy appeal!
Side Dishes
This homemade & easy Cheesy Garlic Bread is happy next to a bowl of spaghetti, lasagna, or a crisp Caesar salad. It’s also at home as part of an appetizer spread—think marinara for dipping and maybe some roasted veggies for balance.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to wow your guests, cut the bread into strips or cubes and serve it as cheesy garlic bread “sticks” with warm sauce for dunking. Or slice it into mini pieces for a bite-sized party treat—both are so fun and perfect for sharing!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers (lucky you!), wrap the slices in foil or keep them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh and tasty for up to 3 days, making for the best next-day treat.
Freezing
You can absolutely make this recipe even more homemade & easy by freezing batches! Lay cooled slices in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. When a craving strikes, just pop a few pieces into the oven straight from the freezer.
Reheating
To recapture that perfect melty cheese and crispy edge, reheat slices in a 350°F (175°C) oven until warmed through. The bread comes out fresh and crunchy—never soggy—so your homemade & easy Cheesy Garlic Bread always tastes just-made.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Side Dish
Definitely! If you can’t find French bread, Italian bread or even a big loaf of sourdough makes a fantastic base. The texture and flavor might vary a bit, but the result is always deliciously homemade & easy.
Is it okay to use pre-shredded cheese?
Yes! While freshly grated cheese melts smoother, pre-shredded mozzarella is a great shortcut that doesn’t sacrifice much on flavor, keeping things extra homemade & easy for busy nights.
How can I add extra flavor to this recipe?
Try swapping in roasted garlic for a sweeter, mellow taste or drizzle a bit of olive oil over the bread before baking. For herb lovers, toss some chopped basil or oregano into the butter mixture.
Can I make this dairy-free or vegan?
Of course! Use a good-quality vegan butter and your favorite plant-based cheeses. The results are every bit as melty, savory, and perfect for sharing.
What’s the best way to get a crispy top?
After baking, broil the cheesy bread for a minute or two until golden. Watch closely—it browns fast! This step gives that irresistible texture that makes the homemade & easy Cheesy Garlic Bread stand out.
Final Thoughts
I can’t hype up this homemade & easy Cheesy Garlic Bread enough—seriously, it’s the ultimate comfort food and guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Grab a loaf, your favorite cheese, and bring a burst of garlicky joy to your table soon. I promise, this is a recipe you’ll want on repeat!
Print
Homemade & Easy Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 8 slices
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the ultimate Cheesy Garlic Bread experience with this homemade and easy recipe. A perfect appetizer or side dish that’s bursting with flavor and gooey cheese.
Ingredients
Bread:
- 1 loaf of French bread, halved lengthwise
Garlic Butter:
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Cheese Topping:
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- optional: pinch of red pepper flakes for heat
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Prepare the garlic butter: In a medium bowl, mix the softened butter, minced garlic, parsley, garlic powder, and salt until well combined.
- Assemble the bread: Spread the garlic butter evenly over both halves of the bread. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly over the top, followed by the Parmesan cheese. Add red pepper flakes if using.
- Bake: Place the bread halves on a baking sheet, cut side up. Bake for 10–12 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Broil: For a golden top, broil on high for 1–2 minutes, watching closely.
- Serve: Slice and serve warm.
Notes
- You can substitute Italian bread or sourdough for French bread.
- For extra flavor, add a drizzle of olive oil or use roasted garlic instead of raw.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 245
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 390mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
