This cheesy garlic bread loaf makes a great appetizer for a group or a side for a big dinner salad. This recipe is super easy to put together by smothering a French loaf with garlicky butter, topping it with cheese then baking it until melty and bubbly. Serve as is or dip it in marinara sauce.
Let me tell you why I love this easy, cheesy garlic bread recipe so much. Because it involves:
- lots of cheese – 3 different kinds!
- garlic – yum
- bread – hello lovely carbs
Sometimes the best things are the easiest and simplest. I mean, I can’t argue with a pile of hot and bubbly cheese. Can you?
This garlicky cheese toast is perfect for an appetizer and I love it with a marinara dip. It is also great paired with a big dinner salad.
Ingredients
See the recipe card for exact amounts.
- bread: use a whole loaf of bread, not sliced, and cut it in half the long way. This makes for an easier, no fuss preparation over using sliced bread.
- butter: real butter adds flavor.
- garlic: fresh garlic makes for the absolute most garlicky flavor.
- cheese: using both grated cheddar cheese and mozzarella cheese adds flavor and stringy cheese pulls
Substitutions
- bread: try a sourdough loaf instead.
- cheese: try another cheese like gouda or havarti.
Serve with store-bought marinara for an easy to make appetizer.
Instructions
Prep Tips
Note: I have parchment paper on top of the foil on my baking sheet in these photos because it’s easier for me to photograph. Don’t use parchment paper if you are broiling the garlic bread, it can start on fire. Baking parchment paper at 350°F is fine according to package instructions.
- Cut the loaf of French bread in half lengthwise.
- Place it on the prepared baking sheet.
- Mix the softened butter together with the minced garlic and then spread that over the bread halves.
- Sprinkle on the mozzarella cheese.
- Sprinkle the cheddar cheese on next.
- Grate the fresh Parmesan cheese on top.
- Sprinkle over dried parsley and the ground black pepper.
- Bake the loaf for about 10 minutes and then switch your oven to broil. Mine has a broil high and low setting. I used the high setting for about 5 minutes.
Make sure you watch carefully here, broiling can turn to burning very quickly! I slice each half into about 8 pieces, for a total of 16 pieces.
Tips for making cheesy garlic bread
- Fresh garlic cloves give the most true garlic flavor.
- Use your favorite loaf of bread.
- Try other types of cheese or add red pepper flakes for spice.
What to serve garlic cheese bread with
Garlic bread and pasta are such a classic combination for a reason – they belong together. Try these garlic cheese bread with lemon pepper pasta, brown butter noodles, or stovetop mac and cheese. Or use the garlic bread to dip in the lemon thyme cream sauce in this sweet potato and kale ravioli.
Storage
This garlic bread is best serve soon after it’s made.
FAQs
Yes, try other melting cheeses like gouda or havarti.
Easy Cheesy Garlic Bread
Ingredients
- 1 loaf French bread
- ½ cup butter softened
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup shredded Mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
- grated fresh Parmesan cheese optional
- sprinkle of dried parsley
- fresh ground pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
- Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil.
- Mix together the soft butter and the minced garlic.
- Cut the loaf in half, lengthwise. Spread the butter on.
- Sprinkle on the shredded mozzarella and the cheddar.
- Grate fresh Parmesan over top.
- Sprinkle on dried parsley and black pepper.
- Place on foil lined baking sheet.
- Bake for 10 min and then broil for about 5 minutes, or until cheese is bubbly and browned. Watch carefully, broiling can turn to burning quickly.
Notes
- Do not put the bread on parchment paper if you are broiling, it can catch fire under the broiler.
Nutritional information is an estimate. Values vary based on products used. Read our full Nutrition Disclaimer.
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