Name: Homemade Cheesy Garlic Bread
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 22 min
Ingredients: 1 loaf French bread; 1/2 cup salted butter ((softened)); 4-5 cloves garlic ((minced)); 2 tablespoons fresh parsley ((chopped)); 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

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You know those chilly days when all you want is a warm, cozy hug in food form? This is it. I still remember coming home from school to the most amazing smell filling our whole house. It was my mom making her famous cheesy garlic bread.

That crispy crust, the soft buttery middle, and SO much gooey cheese. It’s the perfect thing to dip into a big bowl of soup or to mop up every last drop of pasta sauce. This side recipe is pure comfort, I promise!

Why You’ll Love Cheesy Garlic Bread

This recipe is easy and perfect for any busy weeknight.
That gooey, cheesy pull will make everyone’s heart melt. YUM!
The smell of baking garlic and butter is absolutely the best.
It’s a crowd-pleaser that both kids and adults will adore.
You can change it up with your favorite herbs and cheeses.

Ingredients You’ll Need

French bread: I love using a big, crusty loaf of French bread for this. The crunchy outside and soft inside are perfect for soaking up all that buttery goodness.
Butter: You’ll want to use salted butter that’s nice and soft, at room temperature. This helps it spread like a dream over the bread without tearing it.
Seasoning: For that signature flavor, you’ll need lots of garlic! I use 4-5 cloves of garlic, minced fine. You will also need some fresh parsley, finely chopped.
Cheese: This is where the magic happens! I use a mix of grated Parmesan cheese for a nutty kick, shredded mozzarella for that epic cheese pull, and shredded cheddar for a sharp, yummy flavor.

Equipment You’ll Need

Baking Sheet: You’ll need a sturdy baking sheet to bake your bread on. I use my trusty old one that has seen many family dinners; it gets the bottom perfectly golden and crisp every single time.

Mixing Bowl: A medium-sized mixing bowl is perfect for whipping up the garlic butter spread. It gives you plenty of room to get everything mixed together without making a mess on the counter.

Serrated Bread Knife: A good serrated knife makes all the difference! It helps you slice through that crusty bread without squishing the soft inside, giving you perfect, even slices for your garlic bread.

How to Make Cheesy Garlic Bread

Making this is a piece of cake! You’re just a few simple steps away from garlicky, cheesy bliss.

Step 1—Get Ready. First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Then, slice your 1 loaf of French bread in half lengthwise, like you’re opening a book. Place both halves on your baking sheet with the cut side facing up.

Step 2—Mix the Butter. In your mixing bowl, add 1/2 cup of softened salted butter, 4-5 minced garlic cloves, and 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley. Stir everything together until it’s well combined and looks wonderfully creamy.

Step 3—Spread the Goodness. Now for the fun part! Evenly spread the garlic butter mixture all over the cut sides of both bread halves. Make sure you get it all the way to the edges. Don’t be shy with it!

Step 4—Add the Cheese. Sprinkle 1/2 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese, 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, and 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese over the buttery bread. Cover every inch for maximum cheesiness. WOW!

Step 5—Bake to Perfection. Pop the baking sheet into the preheated oven. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly, melted, and just starting to turn a beautiful golden brown.

Tips for the Best Cheesy Garlic Bread

Here are a few little secrets to make your garlic bread knock your socks off every single time.

Always use fresh garlic if you can; it has the BEST flavor.
Let your butter soften completely so it spreads super easily.
Don’t be afraid to pile on the cheese. More is more!
Bake it until the edges are golden for a wonderful, crispy crunch.
Sprinkle a little extra fresh parsley on top right before serving.

Variations and Substitutions

Want to mix things up? Here are some fun and easy ideas to try for your next batch.

Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little spicy kick.
Try using different cheeses like provolone or a four-cheese blend.
Mix some chopped fresh basil or chives into your butter spread.
Use a different type of bread, like a hearty sourdough or ciabatta.
Brush the bread with a little olive oil before the butter.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

You can make the garlic butter spread up to 3 days ahead.
Store leftover garlic bread in an airtight container in the fridge.
Reheat slices in the oven or air fryer for best results.
Wrap unbaked garlic bread in foil and freeze for later.
The leftovers are delicious for up to 3 to 4 days.

FAQs

How do I get a really good cheese pull?

For that picture-perfect cheese pull, mozzarella is your best friend! It melts so well. Make sure you serve the bread hot and fresh right out of the oven for the gooiest results.

Can I use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic?

You totally can! If you’re in a pinch, just use about 1-2 teaspoons of garlic powder instead of the fresh cloves. The flavor will be a little different, but still SO yummy.

What do I serve with this garlic bread?

This cheesy garlic bread goes with almost anything! It’s perfect with spaghetti, lasagna, a big bowl of soup, or even just a fresh salad. It’s a real all-star!

Can I make this on the grill?

Yes, you can! Just wrap the bread in foil and place it on the grill over indirect heat for about 10 minutes, or until the cheese is all melted and gooey.

How do I stop my bread from getting soggy?

To keep your bread from getting soggy, make sure you don’t overdo it with the butter. Also, baking it until the cheese is bubbly helps crisp up the top perfectly.