Side Dish

Simple Garlic Cheese Bread Recipe

Easy, Cheesy, and Packed with Flavor – The Perfect Side or Snack

Warm, buttery, garlicky, and topped with gooey, golden cheese, this recipe is the perfect comfort food. It’s quick and easy to make, yet so delicious that it feels like a treat every time. Whether you’re serving it as a side dish, a snack, or an appetizer, garlic cheese bread has the power to elevate any meal.

This recipe is a foolproof guide to achieving the perfect balance of crispy bread, rich garlic butter, and cheesy goodness. Plus, it’s completely customizable. Add herbs, swap the cheese, or spice it up—it’s entirely up to you. Before you start cooking, gather all your ingredients and prep them. If using fresh garlic, mince it finely.

You want small, even pieces that will blend well into the butter. Soften the butter by letting it sit at room temperature for 15–20 minutes. This makes it easier to mix. Take your loaf of French or Italian bread and cut it in half lengthwise. Use a serrated knife to ensure clean cuts without crushing the bread.

Place the two halves on a baking sheet, cut side facing up. Lining the baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminium foil will make cleanup easier. In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt. If you prefer, substitute garlic powder for fresh garlic (1 tsp garlic powder = 3 cloves of garlic).

Mix the butter thoroughly until the garlic is evenly distributed. The butter should be smooth and spreadable. If you want a herby kick, you can add a sprinkle of Italian seasoning, oregano, or even fresh thyme to the butter mixture.

Using a butter knife or spatula, generously spread the garlic butter mixture over the cut sides of the bread. Ensure the entire surface is covered with butter—it’s what makes the bread flavorful and keeps it moist during baking. Start by sprinkling the shredded mozzarella evenly across the bread. Next, add the grated Parmesan cheese on top of the mozzarella.

Parmesan brings a salty, nutty flavour that enhances the richness of the bread. If you like an extra cheesy bread, feel free to add more cheese. There’s no such thing as too much cheese here. Optional: Sprinkle some red pepper flakes or a light dusting of Italian seasoning over the cheese for added flavour.

Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbling. Keep an eye on the bread to ensure it doesn’t overcook. You’re aiming for melted cheese and lightly golden edges.

For a crispy, golden cheese topping, turn on your oven’s broiler setting. Broil the bread for 1-2 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning. This step gives the cheese a nice, bubbly crust. Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool for about 2 minutes.

Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top for a touch of freshness and colour. Slice the bread into pieces (4-6 slices per half, depending on the size of the loaf). Serve warm and enjoy.

Expert Tips for Success;

Soft Butter is Key; Make sure the butter is softened before mixing it with garlic. If the butter is too cold, it won’t spread evenly on the bread.
Don’t Skimp on the Garlic; Fresh garlic delivers the best flavour, but if you’re in a rush, garlic powder works too. Just make sure to adjust the quantity since garlic powder is more concentrated.
Customize the Cheese Blend; While mozzarella is great for its stretchiness, you can mix in other cheeses like sharp cheddar, provolone, or gouda for added flavor.
Watch the Broiling; Broiling adds a nice finish, but it only takes a minute or two. Keep a close eye on the bread to avoid burning the cheese.
Toast the Bread Before Adding Butter; For an extra crispy base, lightly toast the bread in the oven for 3-4 minutes before adding the garlic butter.

Customization Ideas and Variations;

Make It Spicy; Sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes over the cheese for a spicy kick.|
Go Herb-Heavy; Add fresh basil, thyme, or rosemary to the garlic butter for a herbaceous twist.
Try a Different Bread; Swap out the French bread for sourdough, ciabatta, or even bagels to switch things up.
Add Toppings; Top the bread with cooked bacon bits, diced tomatoes, or caramelized onions for a gourmet feel.
Dairy-Free Option; Use vegan butter and dairy-free cheese to make this recipe completely vegan.

Serving Suggestions;

Garlic cheese bread is so versatile! Here are some pairing ideas:

Soups: Serve with tomato soup, creamy mushroom soup, or minestrone.
Pasta: Pair it with spaghetti bolognese, lasagna, or fettuccine Alfredo.
Salads: A fresh Caesar salad or arugula salad balances the richness of the bread.
Appetizer: Cut into smaller pieces and serve with a side of marinara or garlic aioli for dipping.

Storage, Reheating, and Make-Ahead Tips

Storage: Wrap leftovers in aluminium foil and store them in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Reheating: Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 5-7 minutes. Avoid the microwave, as it can make the bread soggy.
Make-Ahead: Prepare the garlic butter and assemble the bread up to a day in advance. Cover it with plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to bake.

There you have it—perfect, homemade garlic cheese bread that’s crispy, cheesy, and loaded with garlic flavour. It’s an easy recipe that never fails to impress, whether you’re serving it as a side dish or enjoying it as a stand-alone treat.

You can customize it to suit your tastes and get creative with toppings. So grab a loaf of bread and your favourite cheeses, and get baking.

Ingredients;

  • 1 loaf of French bread or Italian bread (about 16 inches)
  • 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced (or 1 tsp garlic powder)
  • 1 cup (100g) shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/4 cup (25g) grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped (optional, for garnish)
  • A pinch of salt
  • Optional toppings: red pepper flakes, Italian seasoning, or other herbs.

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