So, if you’ve ever wondered how to make that ooey-gooey, crispy Cheesy Garlic Bread that’s viral on the internet, you’re in the right place. Let’s start cooking.
Golden, crispy, butter, and generously topped with mozzarella and cheddar cheese, this cheese garlic bread will surely become a staple at your dining table.
You don’t know what to do with the bread leftovers? Look no further because we’ve got the perfect solution – turn them into homemade cheesy garlic bread that will steal the show at your next meal!
Serve it alongside your favorite Chicken Alfredo, a comforting bowl of lentil soup, or a crisp garden salad for an effortless and delicious side dish.
Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Garlic Bread Recipe
- Irresistible flavors. The combination of creamy cheddar and gooey mozzarella, paired with bold and aromatic garlic, creates a heavenly flavor explosion.
- Quick and easy. Ready in under 30 minutes, this recipe is a lifesaver for busy weeknights when you want something comforting and delicious without the hassle.
- Versatile recipe. It pairs perfectly with various main courses, from pasta and pizza to soups and salads.
- Crowd-pleaser. Whether you are serving it at family gatherings, potlucks, or a casual dinner, this bread will have everyone coming back for more.
- Simple ingredients. Another great thing about this recipe is that you will only need a short shopping list for it. The ingredients can be found in your pantry or at any grocery shop.
- Crispy and chewy texture. The perfect combination of crispy exterior and soft, chewy interior in each bite makes this garlic bread a delicious culinary experience.
- Customizable recipe. Feel free to get creative with this recipe by adding your favorite herbs, spices, or shredded cheese.
What Is Cheesy Garlic Bread?
This cheesy garlic bread is a delicious side dish combining simple yet incredibly flavorful ingredients. This recipe is made of sliced bread, usually a baguette or Italian bread, that is generously slathered with a mixture of butter, minced garlic, and grated cheese and then baked until it becomes crispy on the outside and wonderfully soft and cheesy on the inside.
It’s a popular side dish to pasta dishes, soups, and salads, and it can be served as an appetizer at restaurants or family gatherings. Its irresistible combination of warm, melty cheese and aromatic garlic makes it a comfort food favorite for many.
Ingredients and Substitutions
- Butter – this is the key ingredient that helps you achieve that rich, buttery flavor and golden, crispy texture on the bread. It adds indulgence and moisture to the dish.
- Garlic Cloves – this recipe calls for fresh minced garlic since it has a robust, bold flavor that adds a delicious kick to the bread.
- Fresh Parsley – It adds a vibrant green color, a hint of freshness, and a subtle herbal note that balances the richness of the cheese and butter.
- French Bread – this is the best choice for this recipe since it has a crisp crust and soft interior.
- Mozzarella Cheese – contributes a gooey, stretchy, and mild flavor that’s perfect for cheesy garlic bread. It melts beautifully and adds a creamy element to every bite.
- Cheddar Cheese – brings a sharper, more robust cheese flavor to the dish. It can complement the mild mozzarella and add depth to the overall cheesy profile of the bread.
How to Make Cheesy Garlic Bread
Now that we know the ingredients to create this delicious cheesy garlic bread let’s start cooking. Here are the steps that you need to follow to create this delicious recipe:
Preheat the Oven
Start by setting your oven’s temperature to 375°F (190°C). Let it heat up while you prepare the remaining ingredients, ensuring it reaches the right temperature for even baking.
Prepare the Garlic Butter Mixture
Combine the room-temperature butter, finely chopped garlic, and fresh parsley in a medium bowl to create a smooth, aromatic paste. Taste the mixture and adjust the seasonings to your preference if needed.
Slice the French Bread
Grab your French bread loaf. With a steady hand, slice it horizontally, giving you two equally sized halves.
Place the two halves on a parchment-lined baking sheet with the cut side facing up.
Layering the Goodness
Evenly spread the prepared garlic butter mixture onto the cut sides of the French bread halves.
Now for the cheesy layer: Take your shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese and sprinkle them evenly over the buttered bread. Aim for a uniform layer so every bite has a melty, cheesy delight.
Baking to perfection
Place the baking sheet with the prepared Cheesy Garlic Bread in the preheated oven.
Bake the bread for about 15-20 minutes. You’re looking for a superb crisp on the edges and a perfectly melted cheese top.
Remember, oven temperatures can vary, so it’s essential to watch it. If the cheese isn’t as golden as you’d like, you can leave it in a little longer, but monitor closely to avoid over-browning.
Once out of the oven, garnish your garlic bread with finely chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Then, slice it into strips and serve hot.
Essential Tips for Success
- Use Room-Temperature Butter: Ensure the butter is at room temperature before mixing it with the garlic and other ingredients for easier blending and a smoother, creamy texture.
- Adjust Garlic to Taste: The amount of garlic used can vary based on personal preference. Taste the garlic butter mixture and adjust the garlic level to suit your taste buds.
- Choose Quality Bread: Opt for a good-quality French bread or baguette with a crisp crust and a soft interior.
- Press the Bread Down: Pressing the halved loaves down with a cutting board or another sheet pan before spreading the butter helps prevent the edges from curling too much during baking.
- Evenly Spread Butter and Cheese: Ensure you evenly spread the garlic butter mixture and shredded cheese over the bread to achieve consistent flavor and texture.
- Serve Hot: Cheesy Garlic Bread is at its best when served hot and fresh out of the oven. Enjoy it as a side dish or appetizer alongside your favorite meals.
- Get Creative: Feel free to customize it by adding other ingredients like herbs, red pepper flakes for a bit of heat, or even crispy bacon bits for extra flavor.
- Grate Your Cheese: While pre-shredded cheese is convenient, freshly grated cheese melts more smoothly and has a superior texture. Grating your cheese is worth the extra effort.
Recipe Variations
This Cheesy Garlic Bread is quite versatile, and you can get creative by adding various ingredients to customize the flavor. Here are some delicious additions you can consider:
- Fresh Herbs: Experiment with fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, basil, or oregano to enhance the bread’s aroma and taste.
- Red Pepper Flakes: For a subtle kick of heat, sprinkle some red pepper flakes over the garlic butter before adding the cheese.
- Crispy Bacon: Crumbled crispy bacon bits can add a smoky and savory touch.
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Chopped sun-dried tomatoes provide a sweet and tangy contrast that pairs well with the cheesy and garlicky flavors.
- Roasted Garlic: Roasted garlic cloves have a milder, sweeter taste than raw garlic, adding a roasted, caramelized dimension to the dish.
- Pesto Sauce: A thin layer of pesto sauce over the bread before adding the cheese can infuse the bread with a burst of basil and nutty flavors.
- Black Olives: Sliced black olives can contribute a briny, salty contrast to the richness of the cheese and butter.
- Prosciutto: Add thinly sliced prosciutto for a savory contrast.
- Everything Bagel Seasoning: Sprinkle everything bagel seasoning on top for a delightful blend of flavors.
Serving Suggestions
Cheesy Garlic Bread is a versatile and delightful dish that pairs well with various meals. Here are some interesting serving suggestions to help you enjoy this delicious side dish:
- Pasta Dishes: Serve alongside your favorite pasta dishes such as spaghetti, fettuccine Alfredo, or lasagna. The combination of pasta and garlic bread is a classic comfort food duo.
- Soups and Stews: this cheesy bread pairs perfectly with soups and stews like tomato soup, minestrone, or chili. The bread’s cheesy goodness is perfect for dipping.
- Salads: Add a slice to your salad plate for a satisfying and indulgent contrast to crisp greens. It’s particularly delicious with Caesar salad.
- Game Day Snacks: It is a crowd-pleaser at game day gatherings and parties. Cut it into smaller pieces for easy snacking while watching sports.
- Barbecue and Grilled Meats: Pair it with grilled chicken, steak, or barbecue dishes to add a comforting, cheesy element to your outdoor meals.
- Appetizer Platter: Include it on an appetizer platter with other finger foods like sliders, chicken wings, or stuffed mushrooms for a diverse selection.
- Dipping Sauces: Offer a variety of dipping sauces like marinara, ranch dressing, or garlic aioli alongside the Cheesy Garlic Bread to enhance the flavors and provide dipping options.
- Wine and Cheese Night: Pair it with a selection of wines and cheeses for a sophisticated and delectable wine and cheese tasting experience.
Storing Ideas
- Fridge: If you have leftovers, place them in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in aluminum foil. Store in the fridge for 2-3 days.
- Freezing: If you want to store it for an extended period, you can freeze it. Follow these steps:
- Wrap the bread tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap.
- Place the wrapped bread in an airtight freezer-safe container or a freezer bag.
- Label and date the container or bag.
- Store in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
Reheating
- For refrigerated bread: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), place the bread on a baking sheet, and heat for about 10-15 minutes until it’s warmed through.
- For frozen bread: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), place the frozen bread on a baking sheet, and bake for 5-10 minutes or until heated through. You can also unwrap the bread and broil it for a minute or two to crisp up the top.
Troubleshooting
Sometimes, you may encounter common issues while making Cheesy Garlic Bread. Here are some troubleshooting tips to help you overcome potential challenges:
- Bread is Too Soft: If the bread is too soft or not crispy enough, place it under the broiler for another minute. Keep a close eye on it to prevent overbrowning.
- Cheese Isn’t Melting Well: Ensure the cheese is evenly distributed at room temperature. Grate your cheese for the best melting results. If the cheese isn’t melting properly, cover the bread with foil during the initial baking to trap heat and encourage melting before browning.
- Uneven Cooking: Spread the garlic butter and cheese evenly across the bread to achieve even cooking. Press the bread halves down before spreading the butter to help prevent uneven curling during baking.
- Bread is Too Dry: If the bread turns out dry, brush more garlic butter on the cut sides before baking. Also, ensure not to overbake the bread, which can lead to dryness.
- Excessive Browning: If the bread is browning too quickly, but the cheese isn’t fully melted, you can cover it with aluminum foil during baking to protect the top from excessive browning while allowing the cheese to melt.
Cheesy Garlic Bread
Ingredients
- 1 loaf French bread
- ½ cup butter room temperature
- 6 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley finely chopped
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese shredded
- 1 cup cheddar cheese shredded
- 1/2 tsp salt
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375F/ 190C.
- Prepare the Garlic Butter Mixture: In a medium mixing bowl, add the room-temperature butter, minced garlic, and chopped fresh parsley. If necessary, season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Slice the French Bread: Take your French bread loaf and carefully slice it in half horizontally, creating two equally sized halves. Place these two halves onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, ensuring that the cut side faces upward.
- Spread the Garlic Butter: using a spatula or a butter knife, spread the garlic butter mixture generously and uniformly over the cut sides of both French bread halves.
- Add the Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese and cheddar cheese.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven. Allow it to bake for approximately 15-20 minutes or until the bread is super crispy. The exact time may vary based on your oven, so keep a close eye on it.
Nutrition Information
The nutritional information provided on this website is intended to be a helpful reference and convenience for our users. It is offered as a courtesy and is based on data primarily sourced from the USDA Food Composition Database.
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