Cheesy garlic bread is the crispy, buttery, bubbling side dish that vanishes from the table before anything else. Crusty bread is slathered with a rich garlic herb butter, loaded with melted mozzarella and Parmesan, and baked until the edges are golden and the cheese stretches with every bite.
This easy cheesy garlic bread recipe takes only 5 minutes of prep and about 15 minutes in the oven. It uses a simple loaf of Italian or French bread, real garlic, fresh parsley, and two kinds of cheese, so it tastes far better than anything from the freezer aisle.
It is the ideal partner for spaghetti, lasagna, baked ziti, soup, and salad. It also works as a party appetizer when cut into small slices, and you can prepare the garlic butter ahead so it is ready whenever you need a fast, satisfying side.
Recipe at a Glance
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Category: Side Dish / Appetizer
Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Garlic Bread
- Crispy edges and a soft, buttery center
- Real garlic and herb butter for big flavor
- Two cheeses for the ultimate cheese pull
- Ready in 25 minutes
- Perfect with pasta, soup, or as an appetizer
Ingredients You’ll Need for Cheesy Garlic Bread
- 1 loaf Italian or French bread (about 16 ounces)
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 5 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional
- 1 1/2 cups shredded low-moisture mozzarella cheese
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Marinara sauce, for dipping
How to Make Cheesy Garlic Bread
- Preheat the oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Slice the loaf in half lengthwise and place the halves cut side up on the baking sheet.
- Mix the softened butter, garlic, parsley, oregano, salt, and red pepper flakes in a small bowl.
- Spread the garlic butter evenly over both halves, all the way to the edges.
- Bake for 8 minutes until the bread is lightly toasted and the butter is melted.
- Remove the tray, top the bread with the mozzarella and Parmesan, and return it to the oven for 5 to 7 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Broil for 1 minute if you want extra browning, watching it closely.
- Slice into pieces, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and serve hot with marinara for dipping.
Tips for the Best Cheesy Garlic Bread
- Use soft butter, not melted. Softened butter spreads evenly and stays on the bread instead of soaking through.
- Bake the bread before adding the cheese. This crisps the bread first so it doesn’t get soggy under the melted cheese.
- Shred your own mozzarella. Freshly shredded cheese melts smoother than pre-shredded bags.
- Use low-moisture mozzarella, which browns well and gives the best cheese pull.
- Watch the broiler closely. The cheese goes from golden to burnt in seconds.
Variations to Try
- Add roasted garlic cloves to the butter
- Use provolone or fontina along with the mozzarella
- Make it in an air fryer at 370°F for 5 to 6 minutes
- Use sliced baguette for smaller appetizer bites
- Add pepperoni and a pizza sauce dip for pizza garlic bread
How to Store It
Store leftover garlic bread in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 8 to 10 minutes until crisp and hot.
To freeze, wrap the unbaked, buttered bread tightly in foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen at 375°F for 20 minutes, then add the cheese for the final 5 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What bread is best for garlic bread?
A crusty Italian or French loaf works best because it stays crisp outside while the inside stays soft.
Can I use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic?
You can use 1 teaspoon of garlic powder in a pinch, but fresh garlic gives a much brighter, more aromatic flavor.
How do I keep garlic bread from getting soggy?
Toast the buttered bread first, then add the cheese, and bake on a rack or sheet pan so air circulates.
Can I make garlic bread ahead of time?
Yes. Prepare the garlic butter ahead, or assemble the bread and refrigerate for a few hours before baking.
Cheesy Garlic Bread
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat the oven to 400°F and halve the loaf lengthwise.
- Mix the butter, garlic, parsley, oregano, and salt and spread over the bread.
- Bake 8 minutes to toast the bread.
- Tip: Toasting first prevents soggy bread.
- Add the mozzarella and Parmesan and bake 5 to 7 minutes until bubbly.
- Slice and serve hot with marinara.
Notes
Watch the broiler closely if you use it.