This BEST CHEESY GARLIC BREAD RECIPE is nothing short of show-stopping: imagine buttery Hawaiian rolls kissed with sweet, mellow roasted garlic, soaked in a rich custardy butter, then crowned with bubbling, golden-crisp mozzarella. If that image doesn’t have your mouth watering, just wait until you smell it baking! Whether you’re serving it as a pull-apart party starter or the irresistible centerpiece to a cozy pasta night, this recipe takes classic comfort to delicious new heights.

BEST CHEESY GARLIC BREAD RECIPE - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Get ready—this is one recipe where every ingredient truly counts. The components here are simple, but each one brings its own flair: roasted garlic makes the custard pop, the softened butter gives unbeatable richness, and just a hint of herbs brightens it all up. Let’s break down what you’ll need for the BEST CHEESY GARLIC BREAD RECIPE:

8-10 garlic cloves: Roasting these mellows their bite and creates a dreamy, spreadable texture.
2 tbsp olive oil: Helps the garlic roast evenly while adding a subtle fruitiness.
Pinch of salt: Deepens the flavors in both the garlic and the bread.
½ cup butter, melted (113g): For that indulgently rich custard that soaks every inch.
1 egg: This binds the custard and gives a silky finish to every bite.
¼ cup milk (60g): Keeps the custard light and sets up perfectly.
½ tsp salt: Balances the sweetness of the rolls and the richness of the cheese.
½ tsp paprika: Adds the softest hint of warmth and color.
2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley: Lively herb notes that freshen up the whole experience.
12 King’s Hawaiian Original Hawaiian Sheet Rolls (or similar French baguette): Their pillowy texture is unbeatable, but a baguette works in a pinch.
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Melty, stretchy, golden cheese to seal the deal.
Chopped parsley and chili flakes for serving: These garnishes add vibrance and just the right hit of heat.

How to Make BEST CHEESY GARLIC BREAD RECIPE

Step 1: Roast the Garlic

Start by preheating your oven to 400F. Take those garlic cloves, peel them, and toss them generously in olive oil with a pinch of salt. Place them in a small oven-safe dish, cover with a lid or foil, and roast for about 20 minutes until they’re soft, golden, and fragrant. Once cool enough to handle, mash them into a glorious, garlicky paste—you’ll want to eat it straight from the bowl!

Step 2: Prepare the Garlic Butter Custard

This is the heart of our BEST CHEESY GARLIC BREAD RECIPE. Scrape that roasted garlic into a mixing bowl. Add melted butter, the egg, milk, salt, paprika, and parsley. Whisk it together really well—the better the whisk, the silkier the result. You’re building layers of flavor that will soak right into the bread.

Step 3: Toast the Bread Base

Lower your oven temperature to 350F. Keeping the King’s Hawaiian rolls in their sheet (or using a similar-sized baguette split lengthwise), slice them in half for easy flavor absorption. Set them on a large baking sheet and bake for 8-10 minutes, just until they take on a light, toasty golden color and a crisp surface. This keeps them from getting soggy later—and gives them that perfect crunch.

Step 4: Dip and Bake

Now comes the magic: pour the garlic butter custard into a big pan. Carefully dip your warm bread bases, ensuring all sides soak up that flavor-packed mixture. Don’t rush! This step is where the transformation happens. Place them back on the baking sheet and bake for another 15-18 minutes at 350F, until golden and set.

Step 5: Smother in Cheese and Broil

This is the grand finale. Toss that glorious shredded mozzarella over the hot bread, crank your oven to broil, and return the bread for about 5 minutes—watch closely! The cheese will bubble, melt, then turn beautifully golden and irresistible. Pull it out as soon as it looks perfect (if you wait, you might start sneaking bites before it cools).

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Scatter fresh parsley and a sprinkle of chili flakes over the top. Let it rest just a minute for the cheese to settle, then slice, serve, and step aside! There’s no way this isn’t about to disappear—fast.

How to Serve BEST CHEESY GARLIC BREAD RECIPE

Garnishes

This bread shines all on its own, but a finishing scatter of fresh parsley brings color and herbaceous brightness, while a pinch of chili flakes gives a welcome pop of heat. For an extra layer, you might even drizzle with a touch of olive oil or add a dusting of freshly cracked black pepper right before serving.

Side Dishes

The BEST CHEESY GARLIC BREAD RECIPE pairs beautifully with Italian classics—think spaghetti, lasagna, or hearty minestrone. It also makes an utterly dreamy side for creamy soups, crisp salads, or grilled meats. Honestly, don’t be surprised if it steals the spotlight from your main dish!

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to mix it up, cut the bread into individual pull-apart squares and arrange on a platter for easy sharing. You can also turn this into sliders by adding roasted veggies or thinly sliced meats between pieces—a total crowd-pleaser for game day or casual gatherings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep leftovers fresh, let the cheese bread cool to room temperature, then store in an airtight container or wrap tightly in foil. It will stay delicious in the fridge for up to 3 days. The texture will soften a bit, but a quick toast revives it perfectly.

Freezing

This recipe actually freezes beautifully! Wrap cooled slices individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep for up to a month. You can reheat straight from frozen or thaw in the fridge overnight before warming up.

Reheating

For the best results, place leftover or thawed pieces on a baking sheet and warm in a 350F oven for about 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly again. Avoid the microwave if you can—the oven will give you that signature crispy edge and gooey center every time.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of bread for the BEST CHEESY GARLIC BREAD RECIPE?

Absolutely! While King’s Hawaiian rolls provide an unparalleled pillowy softness and slight sweetness, a French baguette or even a rustic Italian loaf will work wonderfully. Just make sure the bread gets a brief toasting before the custard dip for the best texture.

Can I prepare the roasted garlic ahead of time?

Definitely! You can roast and mash the garlic up to a day ahead—just store it in an airtight container in the fridge. When you’re ready to make the bread, soften the garlic at room temperature before mixing into the custard.

How can I make the BEST CHEESY GARLIC BREAD RECIPE spicier?

If you love a kick, feel free to add more chili flakes to your garnish, or stir some into the custard mixture. A few slices of fresh jalapeño or even a sprinkle of cayenne will take things up a notch.

Can I use a cheese other than mozzarella?

Yes! While mozzarella gives that lovable stretch and classic flavor, you can swap in provolone, Monterey Jack, or even a little sharp cheddar for extra punch. A combo of cheeses is never a bad idea with garlic bread.

Is the egg in the custard necessary?

The egg really helps set the custard so every bite stays rich and creamy rather than soggy. If you’re allergic or need to skip it, the bread will still taste great—just be prepared for a slightly different texture.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving comfort and crowd-pleasing flavor, you simply have to try the BEST CHEESY GARLIC BREAD RECIPE. Once you experience that golden, gooey goodness, there’s no going back to store-bought bread again. Gather your friends, serve it up warm, and watch every bite disappear!