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 full sheet form (or substitute with a French baguette); 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese; Chopped parsley and chili flakes for serving

Jump to Recipe· 4.7 from 6 reviews

If you’re on the hunt for the BEST CHEESY GARLIC BREAD RECIPE, get ready for your new go-to! This bread delivers everything you crave: irresistibly buttery, packed with roasted garlic flavor, dripping with melty cheese, and perfectly crisp on the outside without weighing you down. It transforms humble ingredients into a show-stopping side, and just one bite of this cheesy, golden masterpiece may make you swear off plain garlic bread forever.

BEST CHEESY GARLIC BREAD RECIPE - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of the BEST CHEESY GARLIC BREAD RECIPE comes from simple, everyday ingredients that each play a starring role. Quality really counts here, turning familiar staples into something truly special. Here’s what you’ll need, along with tips for each element:

Garlic cloves (8-10): Fresh garlic is essential for that punchy, aromatic base. Roasting tempers sharpness and brings out sweetness.
Olive oil (2 tbsp): Coats the garlic for roasting, drawing out maximum flavor and richness.
Pinch of salt: Adds the perfect touch during roasting, allowing the garlic to caramelize and become tender.
Butter, melted (½ cup): The backbone of that luscious garlic custard, for buttery flavor in every bite.
Egg: Helps transform the garlic butter into a creamy custard that clings lovingly to the bread.
Milk (¼ cup): Rounds out the custard, ensuring each bite is ultra-soft and never dry.
Salt (½ tsp): Added depth and seasoning to balance out the richness.
Paprika (½ tsp): Lends gentle warmth and a hint of color—don’t skip it!
Fresh parsley (2 tbsp): Encourages freshness and adds flecks of green throughout the loaf.
King’s Hawaiian Original Hawaiian Sheet Rolls (12): Tear-apart sweetness and softness, but a sturdy baguette also works if that’s more your style.
Shredded mozzarella cheese (2 cups): For bubbly, stringy, glorious melt—use high-moisture mozzarella for ultimate gooeyness.
Chopped parsley and chili flakes: To finish, adding color and just the right bite of heat on top!

How to Make BEST CHEESY GARLIC BREAD RECIPE

Step 1: Roast the Garlic

Begin by preheating your oven to 400F. Toss the peeled garlic cloves generously with olive oil and a pinch of salt, then tuck your cloves into a small oven-proof dish (a mini dutch oven with a lid is perfect, or cover tightly with foil). Let the garlic roast for about 20 minutes until golden, fragrant, and deliciously soft—you’ll notice your kitchen filling with a mouthwatering aroma. Once cool, mash the tender cloves into a fine paste with a fork. This sweet, mellow roasted garlic becomes the heart of the dish.

Step 2: Make the Garlic Butter Custard

In a mixing bowl, combine your mashed roasted garlic, warm melted butter, egg, milk, salt, paprika, and fresh parsley. Don’t skimp on the whisking—get everything thoroughly mixed until creamy and lightly flecked with herbs. The egg and milk create a custard effect, making this the backbone of the BEST CHEESY GARLIC BREAD RECIPE: rich, flavorful, and just a little bit luxurious.

Step 3: Crisp the Bread

Once your garlic is done, lower the oven temperature to 350F. Using a sharp knife, split your sheet of King’s Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally (so you have two large slabs) without pulling apart the individual rolls. Place the sheets cut-side up on a large baking sheet and toast them in the oven for 8–10 minutes until they’re just turning golden and crispy. This step ensures your bread holds up under all that delicious custard and cheese!

Step 4: Soak and Bake

Pour the prepared garlic butter custard into a shallow dish or pan. Carefully dip each toasted bread sheet in the custard, gently pressing to soak up as much of that savory liquid gold as possible. Be sure all sides get coated—this is key for that signature softness inside. Place the soaked bread slabs back on your baking sheet and return to the oven for 15–18 minutes, until beautifully golden and the kitchen smells downright irresistible.

Step 5: Cheese It Up and Broil

Now for the final flourish! Scatter a very generous layer of shredded mozzarella over the hot bread. Switch the oven to broil (or grill), and return the pan to the oven for about 5 minutes. Watch closely—the cheese will melt, bubble, and brown invitingly. Once it’s golden in spots and gooey everywhere else, you’re ready to enjoy the full glory of the BEST CHEESY GARLIC BREAD RECIPE.

How to Serve BEST CHEESY GARLIC BREAD RECIPE

Garnishes

A final shower of freshly chopped parsley and a sprinkle of chili flakes will take your cheesy garlic bread over the top. The herbs add brightness against all that richness, while chili flakes bring just enough kick. If you’re feeling bold, a grating of parmesan or even a drizzle of good olive oil just before serving can be lovely as well.

Side Dishes

This bread shines alongside just about anything! Pair it with a hearty pasta (like lasagna or spaghetti), hearty soups, creamy risottos, or roasted chicken. The BEST CHEESY GARLIC BREAD RECIPE is famously beloved at gatherings and potlucks, where it disappears in seconds no matter what else is on the table.

Creative Ways to Present

Don’t be afraid to have fun with presentation. Serve your bread sliced into generous sticks for dunking in marinara or ranch, or cut into squares for snack-worthy bites at parties. For an elegant dinner, layer slices on a rustic board with fresh herbs and roasted tomatoes. However you slice it, this bread is ready to steal the show!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you manage to have any leftovers (trust me, it’s rare!), allow the bread to cool to room temperature before transferring to an airtight container. It will keep well in the fridge for up to three days, still retaining plenty of that cheesy, garlicky joy.

Freezing

The BEST CHEESY GARLIC BREAD RECIPE is surprisingly freezer-friendly! Wrap cooled pieces tightly in foil or plastic wrap, then into a freezer bag. They’ll keep beautifully for up to a month. When a craving strikes, simply thaw in the fridge overnight or reheat from frozen as needed.

Reheating

To bring your garlic bread back to its melt-in-your-mouth best, pop slices on a baking sheet and warm in a preheated 350F oven for 10–12 minutes. For an even crispier top, broil for an extra minute at the end. Avoid the microwave, as it can make the bread soggy instead of crisp and golden.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of bread?

Absolutely! King’s Hawaiian rolls add a sweet, soft twist, but a good French baguette or Italian loaf works beautifully for this cheesy garlic bread recipe. Just adjust soaking time to ensure the custard fully absorbs.

Is it possible to make this gluten-free?

Yes—you can substitute your favorite store-bought or homemade gluten-free bread. Be mindful that gluten-free breads can be a bit more delicate, so reduce the dipping time in the custard slightly.

Which cheese is best for ultimate melt?

Mozzarella is the classic choice for its gooey stretch and mild flavor, but feel free to mix in a little smoked provolone or fontina for added richness. Freshly shredded cheese melts best and gives that beautiful pull.

Can I prepare the garlic butter custard ahead?

Definitely! You can roast the garlic and mix the custard up to a day in advance. Just store it covered in the fridge, and give it a good whisk before using to reincorporate everything.

How can I make this recipe spicier?

If you like heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or increase the chili flakes. Smoked paprika instead of regular can also lend a smoky, spicy undertone that works wonders with the melted cheese and garlic.

Final Thoughts

If you love bringing comfort and pure deliciousness to your table, you truly need to try this BEST CHEESY GARLIC BREAD RECIPE. Every buttery, golden, cheesy bite will earn rave reviews and plenty of requests for repeat appearances. Go on—gather your friends, turn on the oven, and let this recipe work its magic!