Nothing beats the warm, inviting aroma of homemade bread fresh from the oven, especially when it is a cheesy, garlicky masterpiece that everyone will fight over. This Easy Cheesy Garlic Bread Recipe is the perfect combo of crispy, buttery, and melty cheese, transforming a simple loaf into a crowd-pleasing treat. Whether you need a quick sidekick to your weeknight dinner or an irresistible appetizer for guests, this recipe is your go-to for that cozy, delicious comfort food vibe.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but oh-so-important for making your Easy Cheesy Garlic Bread Recipe come alive. Each one adds a layer of flavor or texture that makes the bread truly special, from the creamy butter to the melty cheese blend.
- French bread loaf: The sturdy base with a crusty exterior and soft inside perfect for soaking up all that garlic buttery goodness.
- Salted butter, softened: Adds richness and helps garlic flavors spread evenly over the bread.
- Garlic powder: Provides a deep garlic flavor that’s smooth and consistent.
- Fresh garlic cloves, minced: Gives a sharp, fresh garlic punch to excite your taste buds.
- Italian seasoning: Offers an herby blend that complements the cheese and garlic beautifully.
- Colby Jack cheese, shredded: Brings a mild, creamy taste and beautiful meltiness.
- Mozzarella cheese, shredded: Adds stretchiness and a gooey, irresistible texture.
- Fresh chopped parsley: A colorful, fresh garnish that brightens each bite with a hint of herbaceousness.
How to Make Easy Cheesy Garlic Bread Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Bread
Start by preheating your oven to 400 degrees, ensuring it’s hot enough to crisp and melt perfectly. Slice your French bread loaf lengthwise, creating two large halves to work with, then place them cut-side up on a baking sheet to catch all the buttery goodness.
Step 2: Mix the Garlic Butter
In a small bowl, combine softened butter, garlic powder, the fresh minced garlic, and Italian seasoning. Stir these ingredients well to make a fragrant, spreadable mixture that will infuse the bread with flavor and moisture.
Step 3: Spread and Top with Cheese
Evenly spread this garlicky butter on each half of the bread, making sure every corner is covered. Then generously sprinkle the shredded Colby Jack and mozzarella cheese over the top, layering the melty, creamy goodness you’re craving.
Step 4: Bake Until Golden and Bubbly
Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for about 12 to 15 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the cheese is melted and bubbling, and the edges of the bread start to turn a beautiful golden brown. For an extra crispy, golden top, pop it under the broiler for 1 to 2 minutes—but watch closely to avoid burning.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Once out of the oven, sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the top for a pop of green and fresh herbal flavor that balances out the richness. Then slice and serve your Easy Cheesy Garlic Bread Recipe immediately for the best ooey-gooey experience.
How to Serve Easy Cheesy Garlic Bread Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh parsley is classic, but you can also try a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for some heat or a dash of Parmesan for sharper cheesiness. Each garnish adds a personal touch that can bring this simple recipe to a new level.
Side Dishes
This bread pairs beautifully with a variety of meals. Think hearty tomato soups, fresh green salads, or even pasta dishes like spaghetti or lasagna. It’s the ultimate sidekick that complements and elevates your main course.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your cheesy garlic bread on a rustic wooden board with an array of dipping options like marinara sauce, ranch dressing, or even a zesty garlic aioli. For gatherings, slice it into bite-sized pieces and arrange it in a fan shape to invite sharing and easy grabbing.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, wrap them tightly in foil or plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator. The bread will keep well for up to 2 days, though it’s always tastier fresh.
Freezing
You can freeze the garlic bread before baking. Wrap it tightly in foil, then place it in a freezer bag. When you’re ready to enjoy, just thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as usual—simple and convenient.
Reheating
To reheat, place your garlic bread in a preheated oven at 350 degrees for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through and the cheese is melty again. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep that crispy crust texture.
FAQs
Can I use other types of bread for this recipe?
Absolutely! While French bread is traditional and works best for its crust and crumb, ciabatta or Italian bread can also deliver great results. Just make sure the bread you choose is sturdy enough to hold the toppings without getting soggy.
Is it necessary to use both Colby Jack and mozzarella cheese?
Not at all. The combination of Colby Jack and mozzarella offers a nice blend of flavor and meltiness, but you can substitute or add other cheeses like cheddar or provolone based on your preference. This recipe is very forgiving and flexible.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free or vegan?
You can! Use vegan butter and dairy-free cheese alternatives to create a plant-based version that still delivers that savory, cheesy garlic experience. Just keep in mind the melting characteristics may vary a bit.
How do I avoid soggy garlic bread?
Spreading softened butter evenly and ensuring the oven is hot enough to crisp the bread are key. Also, baking it long enough for the edges to brown helps keep that desirable crunch while the center stays soft.
What’s the best way to mince garlic quickly?
For fresh garlic, use a sharp knife to finely chop the cloves or use a garlic press for a fast and even mince. This releases the essential oils and ensures flavor disperses evenly across the bread.
Final Thoughts
If you love bread loaded with gooey cheese and full of garlic flavor, this Easy Cheesy Garlic Bread Recipe is a must-try. It’s quick, satisfying, and guaranteed to bring smiles at your table. Give it a go tonight and enjoy the comforting magic of homemade garlic bread!
Print
Easy Cheesy Garlic Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 8 minutes
- Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Easy Cheesy Garlic Bread recipe is a quick and delicious side dish perfect for any meal or snack. Combining the rich flavors of garlic, Italian seasoning, and a blend of Colby Jack and mozzarella cheeses, this bread is baked to golden, bubbly perfection and garnished with fresh parsley for a fresh finish.
Ingredients
Bread
- 1 Loaf French bread
Garlic Butter Spread
- 1/2 cup salted butter (softened)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 3 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Cheese
- 1 cup Colby Jack cheese (shredded)
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese (shredded)
Garnish
- Fresh chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure it’s hot and ready for baking the garlic bread.
- Prepare Bread: Cut the French bread loaf lengthwise to create two halves. Place them cut-side up on a baking sheet for easy topping application and baking.
- Make Garlic Butter Spread: In a small bowl, mix the softened salted butter with garlic powder, minced garlic, and Italian seasoning until well combined. Spread this flavorful butter evenly on the cut sides of the bread halves.
- Add Cheese: Generously sprinkle shredded Colby Jack and mozzarella cheese over the buttered bread sides to create a cheesy topping.
- Bake Bread: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the bread for 12 to 15 minutes, until the butter is melted and the cheese is bubbly and melted through.
- Optional Broil: For a crispier, browned top, switch the oven to broil and broil the garlic bread for 1 to 2 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the garlic bread from the oven, sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness, then slice and serve warm.
Notes
- Use freshly minced garlic for the best flavor compared to pre-minced garlic from jars.
- Broiling at the end adds a nice crunch, but watch carefully to avoid burning.
- You can substitute Italian seasoning with a mixture of dried basil, oregano, and thyme if desired.
- This recipe works well with other bread types like sourdough or Italian bread.
- For a spicier version, add red pepper flakes to the butter mixture.
