Cheesy Garlic Bread: The Irresistible Side That Steals the Show
This ultimate Cheesy Garlic Bread features a perfectly crispy, buttery, garlicky base topped with a generous layer of melted cheese that bubbles and browns beautifully. The two-stage baking process ensures crispy edges and soft centers while the cheese gets perfectly melty. Ready in just 20 minutes, this crowd-pleasing side dish pairs with pasta, soup, salads, or stands alone as an irresistible appetizer.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Side Dish, Appetizer, Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Garlic Butter:
- 1 large loaf Italian or French bread (about 16 inches)
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 4-6 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- ¼ teaspoon Italian seasoning
Cheese Topping:
- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup shredded parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup shredded provolone (optional)
Optional: red pepper flakes, fresh basil, olive oil drizzle
Instructions
- Prep: Preheat oven to 400°F. Line baking sheet with foil. Slice bread loaf in half horizontally.
- Make garlic butter: Combine softened butter, minced garlic, parsley, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and herbs in bowl. Mix until well combined and fluffy.
- Butter bread: Spread garlic butter generously over both bread halves, reaching all the way to edges.
- First bake: Bake 8-10 minutes until bread is lightly golden and crispy on edges.
- Add cheese: Remove from oven. Sprinkle mozzarella evenly over both halves, then top with parmesan and provolone.
- Final bake: Return to oven and bake 5-7 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly. Optional: broil 1-2 minutes for golden-brown spots (watch carefully).
- Finish: Sprinkle with fresh parsley or basil. Let rest 2-3 minutes, slice into pieces, and serve hot.
Notes
- Fresh garlic is essential for best flavor
- Pre-toast bread before adding cheese for crispy texture
- Use freshly shredded cheese for better melting
- Don’t skip the resting time before cutting
- Butter all the way to edges for crispiest results
- Watch closely when broiling—burns happen fast
- Can assemble ahead and bake just before serving
- Freezes well unbaked for up to 2 months
- Reheat in oven wrapped in foil for best results
- Best served fresh and hot within 10-15 minutes
Find it online: https://recipya.com/cheesy-garlic-bread-recipe-5-easy-secrets/