Name: Best Cheesy Garlic Bread Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 Loaf of Italian Bread or French Baguette (about 12–16 inches long); 1 Cup (2 Sticks) Unsalted Butter, Softened; 8 Cloves Garlic, Minced; 1/2 Cup Fresh Parsley, Finely Chopped; 1 Teaspoon Salt; 1/2 Teaspoon Black Pepper, Freshly Ground; 2 Cups Shredded Mozzarella Cheese; 1 Cup Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese; 1/2 Cup Grated Parmesan Cheese; Optional: Red Pepper Flakes (1/4 teaspoon or to taste)

Jump to Recipe·5.2 from 20 reviews

If you’re constantly on the hunt for the ultimate side to serve with your favorite Italian meals or looking for that irresistible snack to satisfy late-night cravings, look no further than this Best Cheesy Garlic Bread Recipe. With a perfect blend of gooey cheeses, savory garlic, and fresh herbs all nestled on a crisp-yet-pillowy loaf, it’s everything you want garlic bread to be—bold, melty, and impossible to resist. Whether you enjoy it as an appetizer, a side, or just by itself (no judgment here!), this recipe has a permanent place at my table, and soon, I bet it will at yours too.

Best Cheesy Garlic Bread Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Don’t let the simplicity fool you—the power of this Best Cheesy Garlic Bread Recipe is in using fresh, thoughtfully chosen ingredients that shine in every bite. Each component is handpicked not just for taste, but for the way it transforms plain bread into something magical, fragrant, and downright addictive.

Italian Bread or French Baguette (1 loaf, 12–16 inches): Start with a sturdy, bakery-fresh loaf for the ideal crisp crust and soft interior—it’s the secret to the bread holding all that glorious cheese and butter.
Unsalted Butter (1 cup, softened): Room temperature, unsalted butter lets all the garlic and cheese flavors shine and keeps everything golden and rich without being overly salty.
Fresh Garlic (8 cloves, minced): Freshly minced garlic is the backbone of this recipe—intensely aromatic and worlds better than pre-minced or powdered alternatives.
Fresh Parsley (1/2 cup, finely chopped): Adds a pop of color and a whisper of freshness that balances all the richness.
Kosher Salt (1 teaspoon): Brings out the flavors of both the cheese and the bread—adjust according to taste or if you’re using salted butter.
Freshly Ground Black Pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Adds warmth and subtle kick without overpowering the star flavors.
Shredded Mozzarella Cheese (2 cups): Melts into stretchy, gooey perfection—grate it yourself for the silkiest texture.
Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese (1 cup): The sharpness of the cheddar plays beautifully against the mellow mozzarella and brings another cheesy dimension.
Grated Parmesan Cheese (1/2 cup): For a punch of salty, nutty flavor that finishes every bite with umami goodness—freshly grated is key.
Red Pepper Flakes (optional, 1/4 teaspoon): For those who enjoy a little heat, sprinkle in just enough to tickle the taste buds without overwhelming the garlic profile.

How to Make Best Cheesy Garlic Bread Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Slice the Bread

First things first: Get your oven all warmed up to 400°F (200°C). While that’s happening, place your bread on a cutting board. Use a good serrated knife to slice it lengthwise, but leave the bottom crust intact, so you’ll have two big, open-faced halves joined at the edge—the ideal base for all your garlicky, cheesy toppings.

Step 2: Mix Up the Garlic Butter

In a mixing bowl, combine your softened unsalted butter, the freshly minced garlic, that bright parsley, salt, and plenty of cracked black pepper. Give it all a good stir with a fork or spatula so the garlic and herbs are evenly mixed throughout. If you’re a fan of heat, stir in your red pepper flakes now. The aroma will have you dreaming of the cheesy bread to come!

Step 3: Slather and Smother

Now, channel your inner generous spirit and spread the garlic butter mixture thickly and evenly across the cut sides of your bread. Don’t skimp—it’s this step that gives every slice of the Best Cheesy Garlic Bread Recipe its famously buttery richness. Engulf every edge, nook, and cranny—the butter will melt and soak in, so go right up to the edges.

Step 4: Add All the Cheese

It’s all about the cheese now! Start with an even sprinkling of mozzarella, followed by a layer of sharp cheddar, and finally a dusting of rich Parmesan on top. Don’t pile it so high that it clumps when it melts, but do make sure each bite will be gloriously gooey and flavorful. The combo of cheeses creates a remarkable melt and just the right blend of melty and sharp flavors.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Gooey Perfection

Transfer your loaded bread halves to a baking sheet (parchment makes for breezy cleanup). Slide it into the oven and bake for about 12 to 15 minutes. You’re aiming for cheese that’s melted, bubbly, and golden, with bread edges just starting to crisp up. Stay close during the final minutes—when it’s golden and the kitchen smells absolutely irresistible, it’s ready!

Step 6: Slice and Serve

When you slide your masterpiece from the oven, let it rest a short moment so the cheese sets slightly. Then, with a sharp chef’s knife or pizza cutter, slice it into hearty pieces. Serve it immediately while it’s piping hot and stretchy—don’t be surprised if it vanishes in record time!

How to Serve Best Cheesy Garlic Bread Recipe

Garnishes

A quick scatter of extra chopped parsley, a sprinkle of fresh Parmesan, or even a pinch of red pepper flakes just before serving gives your Best Cheesy Garlic Bread Recipe true restaurant flair. This touch of freshness or hint of heat elevates both the look and flavor, making every piece pop.

Side Dishes

This irresistible cheesy bread is classic with saucy pastas like spaghetti and lasagna, but it’s also excellent with a simple green salad, a bowl of soup, or even as part of a shareable appetizer platter. I love pairing it with tomato soup or a hearty stew—a match made in comfort food heaven.

Creative Ways to Present

Feeling extra? Try slicing the bread into thick strips and serving in a parchment-lined basket, or cut into bite-size cubes and serve as party bites with a warm marinara dip. For a fun twist, you can even make “pull-apart” squares for a crowd-pleasing snack at gatherings or game nights.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you miraculously have any slices left, let them come to room temperature, then wrap tightly in foil or place in an airtight container. Best Cheesy Garlic Bread Recipe leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to three days, and they’re honestly just as irresistible warmed up the next day!

Freezing

This recipe freezes beautifully. Arrange the cooled pieces on a tray and pop them in the freezer until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag or container. They’ll keep for up to two months. For easy weeknight meals, you can even freeze the unbaked, cheese-covered bread—just bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes in the oven for melty, fresh-from-the-oven results.

Reheating

To bring the magic back, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes, uncovered. This keeps the crust crisp and cheese bubbly. Avoid the microwave if you can—it has a tendency to make the bread a bit chewy rather than perfectly crispy and melty like when it’s fresh from the oven.

FAQs

Can I use pre-shredded cheese for this recipe?

You can, but for the absolute dreamiest melt and most authentic flavor, grating it fresh off the block always wins. Pre-shredded cheese is sometimes coated with anti-caking agents that can slightly affect the melt and texture.

How do I make the Best Cheesy Garlic Bread Recipe less garlicky if I have sensitive taste buds?

Simply use 6 cloves of garlic instead of 8 (or even fewer), and make sure to mince it extremely fine. Roasting the garlic beforehand is another trick—it sweetens and mellows the sharp edge.

Is there a gluten-free option for this recipe?

Absolutely! Substitute your favorite gluten-free baguette or loaf. The method and toppings don’t need any adjustment, so you can enjoy the Best Cheesy Garlic Bread Recipe gluten-free without compromise.

Can I add other herbs or seasonings?

Yes, this recipe is endlessly customizable. Chopped chives, oregano, or basil add a fun twist. You might even sprinkle on some Italian seasoning for extra flair—just don’t skip the parsley, as its brightness balances the richness beautifully.

What’s the best way to make this recipe ahead for parties?

Assemble the bread up through the cheese step, then cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When it’s almost party time, just pop it in the oven straight from the fridge—add a minute or two to the baking time, and your Best Cheesy Garlic Bread Recipe will be fresh, bubbly, and ready to wow.

Final Thoughts

Once you’ve made this Best Cheesy Garlic Bread Recipe, don’t be surprised if it becomes your most-requested side dish ever. It’s unfussy, customizable, and dazzlingly delicious hot out of the oven. I can’t wait for you to share it at your next meal—get baking, share with your favorite people, and let the cheesy, garlicky goodness begin!