Name: BEST CHEESY GARLIC BREAD RECIPE
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 8-10 garlic cloves; 2 tbsp olive oil; Pinch of salt; Roasted garlic from above; ½ cup butter, melted (113g); 1 egg; ¼ cup milk (60g); ½ tsp salt; ½ tsp paprika; 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley; 12 King’s Hawaiian Original Hawaiian Sheet Rolls, kept in the full sheet form (or replace with a French baguette of similar size); 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese; Chopped parsley and chili flakes for serving

Jump to Recipe· 4.8 from 6 reviews

If there’s one showstopper side no one can resist, it’s the BEST CHEESY GARLIC BREAD RECIPE. Imagine fluffy Hawaiian rolls baked golden, lavishly kissed with a silky roasted garlic custard, then crowned with gooey, bubbling mozzarella. The aroma alone will have your whole house gathering in the kitchen, and the first bite will make this your go-to for every dinner party, potluck, or night when you just want something extra special. This is the ultimate experience—crisp-edged, buttery, savory, yet never heavy. Ready to elevate your garlic bread game?

BEST CHEESY GARLIC BREAD RECIPE - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Part of the beauty of the BEST CHEESY GARLIC BREAD RECIPE is how a handful of everyday ingredients come together for pure comfort food magic. Each one is vital—bringing its own texture, flavor, or color—so don’t skip a thing!

Garlic cloves: Roasting transforms these into sweet, mellow flavor bombs that are irresistible.
Olive oil: Gives the garlic richness as it roasts and keeps everything moist and lush.
Salt: Just a pinch elevates all the other flavors, both in roasting and the custard.
Butter (melted): The backbone of our garlic butter custard—nothing else delivers that classic creaminess.
Egg: Adds body and makes the custard “hug” every crevice of the bread.
Milk: Lightens the butter custard, ensuring the bread soaks up all that flavor without getting soggy.
Paprika: Adds depth and a subtle smokiness; it’s a quiet hero here!
Fresh parsley (chopped): Provides a pop of color and freshness at every stage.
King’s Hawaiian Original Sheet Rolls: The fluffy, slightly sweet base—use French baguette if you prefer more chew.
Mozzarella cheese (shredded): Essential for that glorious cheese pull and bubbly finish.
Chopped parsley & chili flakes: To garnish for an extra touch of flavor and color once your creation emerges from the oven.

How to Make BEST CHEESY GARLIC BREAD RECIPE

Step 1: Roast the Garlic

Start by setting your oven to 400F. In a tiny oven-safe dish, toss the peeled garlic cloves with olive oil and a sprinkle of salt. Cover with a lid or snug foil and bake for about 20 minutes. The reward: caramelized, soft, and deeply flavorful garlic. Once cool, mash them with a fork until smooth—this is the soul of our bread!

Step 2: Whisk the Garlic Butter Custard

In a mixing bowl, combine your creamy roasted garlic, melted butter, a whole egg, milk, salt, paprika, and fresh parsley. Give it a thorough whisk until it’s perfectly blended and tempting to dip your finger into. This buttery custard will infuse every crumb of bread with luscious garlic flavor.

Step 3: Prep and Bake the Bread Base

After roasting the garlic, reduce the oven to 350F. Using a sharp knife, carefully slice the Hawaiian roll sheet in two horizontally—picture making a giant sandwich. Arrange the bread sheets cut-side up on a baking sheet and bake for 8 to 10 minutes. You want them lightly golden and a bit crispy, ready to soak up our magic custard.

Step 4: Dip and Bake with the Custard

Pour the luxurious garlic butter custard into a large, shallow pan. Gently dip each bread half into the custard, making sure every surface is generously coated. Place the soaked bread back on the baking sheet and bake for 15 to 18 minutes at 350F. Watch as it turns a deeper golden and the aroma starts to fill your kitchen!

Step 5: Add the Cheese and Broil

Here comes the grand finale! Sprinkle a generous layer of shredded mozzarella over your golden bread. Switch your oven to broil and slide the tray back in for about 5 minutes. Watch closely—the cheese should melt into gooey bliss and take on irresistible golden spots. Once bubbling and fragrant, pull it out and get ready for the applause.

Step 6: Slice, Garnish, and Serve

Let the bread cool slightly, then shower it with chopped parsley and a pinch of chili flakes for a little heat and color. Slice into sticks or squares so everyone can dive in. The inside will be pillowy soft with loads of flavor, and the cheese pull will make you swoon!

How to Serve BEST CHEESY GARLIC BREAD RECIPE

Garnishes

A scatter of fresh parsley and a shake of chili flakes just before serving makes all the difference—the parsley brightens up every bite, and the chili adds a whisper of heat that cuts through the richness of the cheese. Want even more drama? A grating of Parmesan or a drizzle of good olive oil is almost too delicious.

Side Dishes

This bread loves company! Pair the BEST CHEESY GARLIC BREAD RECIPE with a classic marinara for dunking, an herby Caesar salad, creamy tomato soup, or alongside your favorite pasta. It makes just about every meal feel like a celebration, but can easily steal the show at potlucks or pizza nights, too.

Creative Ways to Present

Cut your bread into hefty sticks for dunking, or make mini squares for party platters—everyone loves finger food! Stack slices high on a rustic wooden board, or serve in a basket lined with a tea towel for cozy vibes. Want to impress? Try pulling the bread apart at the table so everyone gets a showstopping cheese pull.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you somehow have leftovers (rare, but possible), cool the bread completely. Wrap slices in foil or pop them in an airtight container, then refrigerate for up to three days. The flavors meld even more overnight, making for a tasty snack later!

Freezing

The BEST CHEESY GARLIC BREAD RECIPE actually freezes beautifully. Arrange cooled slices in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until firm, then stash in a freezer bag for up to a month. Just pull out pieces as you need them—instant comfort at your fingertips!

Reheating

For best results, reheat slices in a 350F oven for 8 to 10 minutes, directly on the rack or a baking sheet. This brings back the crunch and keeps the cheese melty. Microwave reheating works in a pinch, but you’ll sacrifice some crispiness (totally worth it if you’re on the go, though).

FAQs

Can I use a different type of bread?

Absolutely! While the soft King’s Hawaiian rolls make it truly special, you can also use a French baguette, ciabatta, or even sturdy sandwich bread—just be sure it can hold up during the custard soak for that signature texture.

Is it possible to make the garlic butter custard ahead of time?

Yes! Prepare the custard mixture, cover, and refrigerate it up to two days in advance. Just give it a quick whisk before using, and let it come to room temperature so it soaks into the bread evenly.

Can I add extra cheese or mix up the cheeses?

Of course—the BEST CHEESY GARLIC BREAD RECIPE is adaptable! Feel free to go wild with Parmesan, fontina, provolone, or even a hint of blue cheese for depth. Extra cheese is never a problem here.

How do I keep the bread from getting soggy?

The secret is that quick pre-bake at the start, which helps the bread develop structure before soaking in the custard. Make sure not to over-dip—just a thorough coating will create a perfectly plush, not soggy, bite every time.

Can I make this gluten free?

Yes, as long as you choose a good-quality gluten-free bread that can hold up to dunking. The garlic butter custard is naturally gluten free, so just swap out the bread and enjoy!

Final Thoughts

It’s hard not to fall in love with the BEST CHEESY GARLIC BREAD RECIPE—there’s a reason guests always ask for seconds (and the recipe!). With its golden crust, swoon-worthy cheese pull, and dreamy garlic custard, it’s a bread lover’s fantasy come to life. Give this one a try soon and watch it become your new favorite side. You’ll never look at garlic bread the same way again!