If you’ve been on the hunt for the ultimate party snack or a cozy side that will win everyone over, look no further than this BEST CHEESY GARLIC BREAD. Picture this: warm, pillowy soft bread layered with a luscious roasted garlic butter custard, crowned with gooey, golden mozzarella cheese—every bite is irresistibly crispy, cheesy, and garlicky (without being oily or heavy). Whether served for a family dinner or at a gathering with friends, this recipe is sure to become your trusted favorite for an indulgent, crowd-pleasing treat!

BEST CHEESY GARLIC BREAD Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This cheesy garlic bread comes together with surprisingly simple ingredients, each bringing something essential to the table—from savory roasted garlic that adds depth, to creamy butter that makes every bite melt in your mouth, and that essential mozzarella stretch. Here’s everything you need for the BEST CHEESY GARLIC BREAD:

Garlic cloves (8-10): Roasting these until golden transforms them into buttery, mellow flavor bombs.
Olive oil (2 tbsp): Keeps the garlic soft and infuses it with extra richness.
Pinch of salt: Just enough to enhance and balance the flavors as they roast.
Butter, melted (1/2 cup/113g): The foundation of your custard, bringing unbeatable creaminess and flavor.
Egg (1): Gives the garlic butter its beautiful, slight custard-like texture.
Milk (1/4 cup/60g): Adds extra moisture and helps blend everything smoothly for that perfect soak.
Salt (1/2 tsp): Boosts all the savory flavors in your spread.
Paprika (1/2 tsp): Just a hint to add a subtle warmth and flavor complexity.
Fresh parsley (2 tbsp, chopped): Delivers freshness, color, and a little herby lift.
King’s Hawaiian Original Hawaiian Sheet Rolls (12), or substitute with French baguette: Their pillowy-soft texture drinks up all the garlic butter without getting soggy.
Shredded mozzarella cheese (2 cups): Melts into gooey, golden perfection over every bite.
Chopped parsley and chili flakes: Essential for the final flourish of flavor and a pop of color.

How to Make BEST CHEESY GARLIC BREAD

Step 1: Roast the Garlic

The secret to next-level garlic bread? Roasted garlic! Preheat your oven to 400F. Toss your peeled garlic cloves with olive oil and a pinch of salt, then tuck them into a small oven-safe pot (or wrap them in foil). Bake for around 20 minutes, until each clove is soft, mellow, and golden. Once cool, mash them into a garlicky paste that’s pure magic.

Step 2: Whisk Up the Garlic Butter Custard

In a medium bowl, combine your freshly mashed roasted garlic with melted butter, egg, milk, salt, paprika, and heaps of parsley. Whisk until smooth—this mixture becomes the heart and soul of the BEST CHEESY GARLIC BREAD. It soaks every crevice of your bread, infusing flavor without a greasy aftertaste.

Step 3: Pre-Bake the Bread Rolls

After the garlic is roasted, drop your oven temperature to 350F. Take your entire sheet of soft Hawaiian rolls and slice it horizontally to create two big slabs. Lay them cut-side-up on a baking sheet and toast for 8–10 minutes, just until they’re light golden and crunchy on the edge—perfect for soaking up that dreamy custard.

Step 4: Soak Bread with Garlic Butter Custard

Transfer your garlic butter custard to a shallow pan. Carefully dip each pre-baked bread slab into the custard, making sure both sides get a generous coating. Don’t be shy—the bread is sturdy and will soak up all the savory, herby goodness!

Step 5: Bake Until Perfectly Golden

Return the soaked bread to your baking sheet and bake at 350F for about 15–18 minutes, until everything looks golden and the kitchen is filled with the aroma of garlic and butter. Every inch of bread will have absorbed the custard while staying crisp on the edges.

Step 6: Add Cheese and Broil

Pile on that shredded mozzarella cheese, making sure every bite is generously covered. Change your oven setting to broil (or grill) and broil for about 5 minutes. Watch closely—when the cheese is beautifully bubbling and golden, it’s ready!

Step 7: Finish, Slice, and Serve

Out of the oven, sprinkle your BEST CHEESY GARLIC BREAD with chopped fresh parsley and a few chili flakes (if you like a bit of heat). Slice into generous pieces and serve up the magic!

How to Serve BEST CHEESY GARLIC BREAD

Garnishes

The final touch makes all the difference. Scattering chopped fresh parsley over the melted cheese adds a much-needed burst of color and freshness, while a pinch of chili flakes dances with just the right amount of heat. For extra flair, you can also add a sprinkle of flaky sea salt or even a touch of grated parmesan for savory depth.

Side Dishes

BEST CHEESY GARLIC BREAD is a showstopper on its own, but it’s also the perfect side for any Italian-inspired meal. Serve it alongside hearty pasta dishes, a bright salad with tangy vinaigrette, or a simple bowl of tomato soup. At gatherings, watch as it disappears in minutes beside your favorite appetizers and mains!

Creative Ways to Present

Take your presentation up a notch by slicing the bread into strips for dunking in marinara, cutting it into small squares for party platters, or stacking the slices on a wooden board with extra herbs and a dipping sauce. Arranging them in a breadbasket still warm from the oven will have everyone swooning before the first bite.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover BEST CHEESY GARLIC BREAD in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’ll stay moist and flavorful for up to 3 days—though it rarely lasts that long because it’s irresistibly snackable!

Freezing

Want to keep the magic on hand for future cravings? Cool slices completely, then wrap each tightly in foil and seal in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, just reheat straight from the freezer for a fresh-baked taste.

Reheating

To reheat, pop slices in a preheated oven at 350F for about 10 minutes (or until hot and bubbly again). For best results, avoid the microwave—an oven or toaster oven will keep your bread crispy and cheese-silky, just like fresh.

FAQs

Can I use a different kind of bread for cheesy garlic bread?

Absolutely! While King’s Hawaiian rolls give the BEST CHEESY GARLIC BREAD its soft, slightly sweet base, you can also use French baguette, ciabatta, or any sturdy sandwich bread you like. Just be sure to adjust the soaking time based on how absorbent your bread is.

Is it okay to use pre-minced garlic instead of roasting whole cloves?

Roasting whole garlic cloves adds deep, mellow sweetness, but if you’re short on time, you can use pre-minced garlic. Just keep in mind it can taste more pungent and won’t have quite the same nuanced flavor, but your cheesy garlic bread will still be delicious.

Can I double the recipe for a large crowd?

Definitely! This recipe scales up beautifully. Make a double batch and use two baking sheets so everyone at your party gets plenty of BEST CHEESY GARLIC BREAD. The more, the merrier.

What cheeses work best if I want to mix things up?

Mozzarella is a classic for its melt and flavor, but feel free to blend in parmesan, gruyere, or cheddar for a richer, more complex cheesy topping. A little fontina or provolone also melts beautifully and adds depth.

How do I prevent my garlic bread from being soggy?

Pre-toasting the bread before soaking in the garlic butter custard keeps it from getting soggy, helping it stay crisp on the outside while soaking up all that flavor inside. Don’t skip this important step for the best cheesy garlic bread texture!

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for your new favorite comfort food or the appetizer that disappears first at every party, this truly is the BEST CHEESY GARLIC BREAD recipe you’ll ever make. Give it a try, and get ready to watch everyone reach for seconds!