Name: Easy Cheesy Garlic Bread Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 10
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 14 oz french or italian bread; ¼ cup salted butter; 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 tbsp garlic; salt and freshly ground black pepper; 1¼ cups Mozzarella cheese; ⅓ cup parmesan cheese; 1 tbsp Fresh Parsley

This easy cheesy garlic bread recipe is perfect for a quick and delicious side dish. It's loaded with mozzarella cheese, parmesan cheese, and a savory garlic butter spread that makes it irresistible. Perfect for pairing with soups, salads, or your favorite pasta dish.

Photos of Easy Cheesy Garlic Bread Recipe

Most ingredients for this recipe are common, but make sure you have fresh parsley and mozzarella cheese on hand. These may not always be in your pantry and will need to be picked up at the supermarket. Fresh parsley adds a vibrant flavor and mozzarella cheese ensures the cheesy goodness.

Ingredients For Easy Cheesy Garlic Bread

French or Italian bread: A base for the garlic bread, providing a sturdy and flavorful foundation.

Salted butter: Adds richness and saltiness to the garlic spread.

Olive oil: Enhances the spread's flavor profile and helps it spread evenly.

Garlic: Provides the essential bold, aromatic flavor.

Salt: Balances out the flavors in the spread.

Freshly ground black pepper: Adds a subtle kick and depth of flavor.

Mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully to create a gooey, cheesy topping.

Parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp, nutty flavor that complements the mozzarella cheese.

Fresh parsley: Finely chopped to add a fresh, herbaceous finish.

One reader, Aeriela Funk says:

This easy cheesy garlic bread recipe is a game-changer! The perfect blend of garlic, butter, and melted cheese makes it irresistible. Quick to prepare and absolutely delicious, it's a hit at every meal. Highly recommend!

Aeriela Funk

Techniques Required

Yes.

How to slice bread: Slice the bread in half lengthwise through the height of the bread.

How to mix ingredients: Use a fork to stir together butter, olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl.

How to wrap bread in foil: Place the bread on foil sheets, wrap the foil over the bread, crimp the edges together, and roll up the ends of the foil.

How to broil: Broil the bread during the last 1 to 2 minutes for crisper bread and more golden cheese, if desired.

How To Make Easy Cheesy Garlic Bread

Make any dish more appetizing by serving it with this cheesy garlic bread. It’s made with buttered French bread topped with melty cheese.

Preparation: 10 minutes

Cooking: 15 minutes

Total: 25 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

14ozFrench or Italian bread,(1 loaf)
¼cupsalted butter,softened
2tbspolive oil,not extra virgin
1tbspgarlic,minced, or 1 tsp granulated garlic
salt and freshly ground black pepper,to taste
1¼cupsmozzarella cheese,shredded
⅓cupParmesan cheese,finely shredded
1tbspfresh parsley,finely chopped

Instructions

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Slice bread in half lengthwise (through the height of bread).
Cut two sheets of foil about 24-inch long and place side by side, letting one slightly overlap the other on a rimmed cookie sheet. Place bread, cut side up, on the baking sheet.
In a mixing bowl, using a fork, stir together butter, olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper.
Spoon and spread mixture evenly over the entire surface of both bread halves (working to coat the edges too so they don’t burn).
Wrap foil over bread, crimp edges together, and roll up the ends of the foil. Bake for 10 minutes.
Remove from oven, open foil, and roll it inward. Sprinkle bread evenly with cheeses.
Return to oven and bake for 5 to 6 minutes longer uncovered. Broil during the last 1 to 2 minutes for crisper bread and more golden cheese, if desired. No need to move the rack upward.
Sprinkle tops evenly with parsley. Cut into slices and serve warm.

Nutrition

Calories: 296.90kcal
Fat: 17.99g
Saturated Fat: 9.50g
Trans Fat: 0.19g
Monounsaturated Fat: 6.14g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.29g
Carbohydrates: 21.28g
Fiber: 1.17g
Sugar: 0.71g
Protein: 12.42g
Cholesterol: 44.48mg
Sodium: 579.09mg
Calcium: 281.04mg
Potassium: 82.94mg
Iron: 1.35mg
Vitamin A: 114.74µg
Vitamin C: 0.77mg

Technique Tip for This Recipe

For an extra burst of flavor, try roasting the garlic before mixing it with the butter and olive oil. Simply wrap a whole head of garlic in foil, drizzle with a bit of olive oil, and roast at 400 degrees F for about 30-40 minutes until soft. Once cooled, squeeze out the roasted garlic cloves and mix them into the butter mixture. This will add a rich, caramelized depth to your cheesy garlic bread.

How to Save Time on Making Garlic Bread

Use pre-minced garlic: Save time by using pre-minced garlic instead of mincing fresh cloves.

Pre-shredded cheese: Opt for pre-shredded mozzarella and parmesan to cut down on prep time.

Soften butter quickly: Microwave butter for a few seconds to soften it quickly for easier mixing.

Line baking sheet in advance: Prepare the foil-lined baking sheet while the oven preheats to streamline the process.

Mix ingredients ahead: Combine butter, olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper in advance and store in the fridge until ready to use.

Substitute Ingredients For Easy Cheesy Garlic Bread Recipe

french or italian bread - Substitute with sourdough bread: Sourdough has a slightly tangy flavor that complements the garlic and cheese well.
salted butter - Substitute with unsalted butter: You can control the salt level better by adding salt separately.
olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a high smoke point and a mild flavor, making it a good alternative.
garlic - Substitute with garlic powder: If fresh garlic is unavailable, garlic powder can provide a similar flavor.
salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt has a more complex flavor and can enhance the overall taste.
freshly ground black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper has a milder flavor and can be used if you prefer a less pungent taste.
mozzarella cheese - Substitute with provolone cheese: Provolone melts well and has a slightly sharper flavor that can add depth.
parmesan cheese - Substitute with pecorino romano: Pecorino Romano is saltier and has a more robust flavor, making it a good alternative.
fresh parsley - Substitute with dried parsley: If fresh parsley is not available, dried parsley can be used, though it has a less vibrant flavor.

Best Way to Present Your Cheesy Garlic Bread

Serve smaller portion sizes: Slice the bread into elegant, bite-sized pieces to create a refined presentation. This allows each guest to enjoy a perfect balance of cheese and garlic butter in every bite.
Use decoration: Garnish each piece with a delicate sprinkle of finely chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and a hint of freshness. Consider adding a few microgreens or edible flowers for an extra touch of sophistication.
Plate on a stylish platter: Arrange the slices on a sleek, modern serving platter. Use a dark-colored plate to contrast with the golden cheese and bread, making the dish visually striking.
Add a dipping sauce: Serve with a small bowl of warm marinara sauce or a garlic-infused olive oil dip on the side. This adds an interactive element and enhances the flavor profile.
Create height: Stack the slices in a slightly overlapping, cascading manner to add dimension and height to the presentation. This technique draws the eye and adds a dynamic element to the plate.
Incorporate texture: Sprinkle a few toasted pine nuts or a light dusting of grated parmesan over the top for added texture and a nutty flavor that complements the cheesy garlic bread.
Use a garnish brush: Lightly brush the edges of the plate with a thin layer of garlic butter or olive oil to create a subtle, glossy finish that ties the presentation together.
Highlight the ingredients: Place a small bunch of fresh parsley and a wedge of parmesan cheese on the side of the platter to showcase the quality ingredients used in the recipe.

Best Tools for This Recipe

Oven: Used to bake the garlic bread at the specified temperature and time.
Knife: Essential for slicing the bread in half lengthwise.
Foil: Used to wrap the bread during the initial baking phase to prevent it from drying out.
Rimmed cookie sheet: Provides a stable surface for baking the bread and catching any melted cheese.
Mixing bowl: Used to combine the butter, olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper.
Fork: Utilized to stir together the ingredients in the mixing bowl.
Spoon: Helps in spreading the butter mixture evenly over the bread.
Measuring cups: Necessary for accurately measuring the butter, olive oil, mozzarella cheese, and parmesan cheese.
Measuring spoons: Used to measure the garlic and fresh parsley.
Broiler: Optional but useful for achieving a crisper bread and more golden cheese during the final baking phase.

How To Store / Freeze Your Garlic Bread

Refrigerating Leftovers:
- Allow the cheesy garlic bread to cool completely.
- Wrap each half tightly in aluminum foil or place in an airtight container.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating Refrigerated Bread:
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F.
- Place the wrapped bread directly on the oven rack.
- Heat for about 10 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the bread is warmed through.
Freezing for Later:
- After the bread has cooled, wrap each half tightly in plastic wrap.
- Follow up with a layer of aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.
- Label with the date and store in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Reheating Frozen Bread:
- Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F.
- Remove the bread from the freezer and discard the plastic wrap.
- Re-wrap in aluminum foil and place on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and the bread is heated through.
Quick Microwave Reheat:
- For a faster option, place a slice of cheesy garlic bread on a microwave-safe plate.
- Cover with a damp paper towel to keep it moist.
- Microwave on high for 30-45 seconds, checking to ensure the cheese is melted and the bread is warm.
Tips for Best Results:
- Always allow the bread to cool completely before wrapping to avoid condensation.
- For extra crispiness, you can broil the reheated bread for 1-2 minutes after baking.
- Add a sprinkle of fresh parsley after reheating to revive the flavors.

How To Reheat Leftovers

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Place the leftover cheesy garlic bread on a baking sheet. Cover it loosely with aluminum foil to prevent the cheese from burning while allowing the bread to heat through. Bake for about 10-15 minutes until the bread is warm and the cheese is melty.
For a quick reheat, use a toaster oven. Set it to 350 degrees F and place the bread directly on the rack. Heat for about 5-7 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and the edges are crispy.
If you prefer using a microwave, place the bread on a microwave-safe plate. Cover it with a damp paper towel to keep it from drying out. Microwave on medium power for 30-second intervals until the bread is heated through. Be cautious as this method might make the bread a bit chewy.
For a stovetop method, heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Place the cheesy garlic bread in the skillet, cover it with a lid, and cook for about 5-7 minutes. This will help the cheese melt while keeping the bread crispy.
If you have an air fryer, preheat it to 350 degrees F. Place the bread in the basket and cook for about 3-5 minutes. This method ensures a crispy exterior and gooey cheese.
For a grill method, wrap the bread in aluminum foil and place it on a preheated grill over medium heat. Grill for about 5-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until the bread is heated through and the cheese is melted.
To add a fresh twist, sprinkle some extra mozzarella cheese or parmesan cheese on top before reheating. You can also add a bit of fresh parsley or a drizzle of olive oil for added flavor.

Random Fact About This Recipe

A fun fact about this easy cheesy garlic bread recipe is that the combination of mozzarella and parmesan cheese not only adds a rich, creamy texture but also provides a delightful contrast in flavors, making it a favorite appetizer or side dish in Italian cuisine.

Is This Recipe Economical for Home Cooking?

This easy cheesy garlic bread recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The main ingredients like french or italian bread, butter, olive oil, garlic, and cheeses are relatively inexpensive and commonly found in most kitchens. The use of parsley adds a fresh touch without breaking the bank. Overall, this recipe scores a solid 8 out of 10 in terms of cost-effectiveness. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people would be around $8 to $10 USD, making it an affordable and delicious addition to any meal.

Healthy or Unhealthy?

This easy cheesy garlic bread recipe is undeniably delicious but leans towards the unhealthy side. The combination of butter, olive oil, and generous amounts of cheese contributes to high levels of saturated fats and calories. Additionally, the use of white bread adds refined carbohydrates, which can spike blood sugar levels. While the fresh parsley adds a touch of greenery, it's not enough to offset the overall indulgence of the dish.

Use whole grain or whole wheat bread instead of French or Italian bread to increase fiber content and provide more nutrients.
Replace half of the butter with a healthier fat alternative like avocado or a light spread to reduce saturated fat.
Use reduced-fat mozzarella and parmesan cheese to cut down on calories and fat without sacrificing flavor.
Add more fresh herbs like basil or oregano to enhance flavor without adding extra calories.
Incorporate finely chopped vegetables like bell peppers or spinach into the cheese mixture for added nutrients and fiber.
Reduce the amount of cheese slightly and add a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor with added B vitamins.

Editor's Thoughts on This Recipe

This easy cheesy garlic bread recipe is a delightful blend of flavors and textures. The combination of butter, olive oil, and garlic creates a rich, aromatic base, while the mozzarella and parmesan add a satisfying cheesy finish. Wrapping the bread in foil ensures even baking and prevents burning, resulting in a perfectly crisp exterior and a soft, flavorful interior. The final touch of fresh parsley adds a burst of color and freshness. This recipe is straightforward yet delivers a gourmet experience, making it an excellent addition to any meal.

Enhance Your Easy Cheesy Garlic Bread Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Tomato Basil Soup: Pair your easy cheesy garlic bread with a bowl of tomato basil soup. The rich, velvety tomato base, infused with fragrant basil, complements the cheesy goodness perfectly. This classic combination will make your taste buds dance with joy.

Caesar Salad: Serve alongside a crisp Caesar salad for a refreshing contrast. The crunchy romaine lettuce, creamy Caesar dressing, and savory parmesan shavings create a delightful balance with the warm, cheesy bread.

Grilled Shrimp Skewers: Elevate your appetizer game by adding grilled shrimp skewers. The succulent shrimp, marinated in a zesty blend of lemon and garlic, provide a burst of flavor that pairs wonderfully with the cheesy bread.

Caprese Salad: For a touch of elegance, serve a Caprese salad. The juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fresh basil drizzled with balsamic glaze create a harmonious medley that enhances the flavors of the garlic bread.

Stuffed Mushrooms: Add a gourmet twist with stuffed mushrooms. These bite-sized delights, filled with a savory mixture of cream cheese, herbs, and breadcrumbs, offer a delectable contrast to the cheesy bread, making for an unforgettable appetizer spread.

Other Alternative Recipes Similar to This

Garlic Parmesan Knots: Transform simple pizza dough into delightful garlic knots. Brushed with a buttery garlic mixture and sprinkled with parmesan cheese, these knots are perfect for any gathering. Serve warm with a side of marinara sauce for dipping.

Cheesy Stuffed Mushrooms: These bite-sized mushrooms are stuffed with a savory blend of cream cheese, garlic, and herbs. Topped with a generous amount of mozzarella and parmesan, they are baked to golden perfection. Ideal as an appetizer or a side dish.

Spinach Artichoke Dip: A creamy, cheesy dip loaded with spinach and artichokes. This crowd-pleaser is made with a blend of cream cheese, sour cream, mozzarella, and parmesan. Serve it warm with crusty bread or tortilla chips for dipping.

Caprese Garlic Bread: Elevate your garlic bread with a Caprese twist. Top the bread with fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil. Drizzle with balsamic glaze for a burst of flavor. This fusion of Italian classics is sure to impress.

Baked Brie with Garlic and Herbs: A wheel of brie cheese is topped with a mixture of garlic, herbs, and olive oil. Baked until gooey and melty, this dish is perfect for spreading on crackers or sliced baguette. A sophisticated appetizer for any occasion.

Suggested Main Courses and Desserts

Main Courses:

Chicken Alfredo: Indulge in a creamy, rich Chicken Alfredo that will leave your taste buds dancing. Start with tender, juicy chicken breasts seasoned to perfection. Sauté them until golden brown, then set aside. In the same pan, create a luscious alfredo sauce by combining heavy cream, butter, and freshly grated parmesan cheese. Add a touch of garlic and a pinch of nutmeg for depth. Toss in cooked fettuccine pasta and the sautéed chicken, ensuring every strand is coated in the velvety sauce. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and a dash of black pepper. Serve immediately for a comforting, satisfying meal.

Beef Stroganoff: Experience the hearty flavors of Beef Stroganoff, a dish that combines tender strips of beef with a rich, savory sauce. Begin by browning the beef in a hot skillet, then remove and set aside. In the same pan, sauté onions and mushrooms until they release their juices and become golden. Deglaze the pan with a splash of white wine and beef broth, scraping up all the flavorful bits. Stir in a dollop of sour cream and a spoonful of Dijon mustard to create a creamy, tangy sauce. Return the beef to the pan and simmer until everything is well combined. Serve over a bed of egg noodles or mashed potatoes, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh dill.

Desserts:

Chocolate Lava Cake: Imagine a decadent molten chocolate cake with a gooey, flowing center that oozes out as you cut into it. This dessert is a chocolate lover's dream, combining a rich, dense cake exterior with a luscious, liquid chocolate core. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to balance the intense chocolate flavor. Garnish with fresh berries or a dusting of powdered sugar for an elegant touch. Perfect for a romantic dinner or a special occasion, this dessert is sure to impress.

Tiramisu: Transport your taste buds to Italy with a classic coffee-flavored dessert that layers delicate ladyfingers soaked in espresso with a creamy mascarpone cheese mixture. The dessert is then dusted with cocoa powder for a bittersweet finish. Each bite offers a harmonious blend of coffee, cream, and chocolate, making it an irresistible treat. Ideal for dinner parties or as a luxurious end to a meal, this dessert can be prepared in advance, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully. Serve chilled and enjoy the compliments from your guests.

Why trust this Easy Cheesy Garlic Bread Recipe:

This recipe is a must-try because it combines the rich flavors of mozzarella cheese and parmesan cheese with the aromatic touch of garlic and fresh parsley. The use of olive oil and salted butter ensures a perfectly crispy texture, while the foil-wrapping technique keeps the bread moist. It's a simple yet delicious way to elevate any meal.

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FAQ:

How can I make the garlic bread extra crispy?

To make the garlic bread extra crispy, broil it for the last 1 to 2 minutes of baking. Just keep an eye on it to make sure it doesn't burn.

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Absolutely! While mozzarella and parmesan are classic choices, you can experiment with other cheeses like cheddar, provolone, or even a mix of your favorites.

How do I store leftovers?

If you have any leftovers, wrap them tightly in foil and store them in the refrigerator. To reheat, pop them in the oven at 350 degrees F until warmed through.

Can I use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic?

Yes, you can use garlic powder if you don't have fresh garlic on hand. Substitute about 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder for the 1 tablespoon of fresh garlic.

Is there a way to make this recipe vegan?

You can make this recipe vegan by using vegan butter and cheese substitutes. There are plenty of plant-based options available that melt well and taste great.