If you’ve ever craved that golden, gooey, cheesy garlic bread from your favorite pizzeria or casual Italian spot, you’re going to love this homemade version. It’s buttery, cheesy, and loaded with garlic flavor!
This recipe is simple, easy to make and loved by everyone!
For this recipe, I start with a soft French or ciabatta loaf (something with a little chew but still soft). I slice it lengthwise, and spread both halves generously with a garlic-herb butter made from softened salted butter, plenty of chopped fresh garlic, and a pinch of Italian seasoning. Once every inch is coated, pile on the cheese: a mix of mozzarella and Parmesan. Bake it until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Better than takeout: You can control the butter, garlic, and cheese. No dealing with the steamy take-out box that makes the garlic bread soggy.
- Customizable: Add your favorite heat spice, dried or fresh herbs, or even a drizzle of honey.
- Pairs with everything: Perfect served with soups, salads, pastas, or hearty main dishes.
- Easy to make ahead: You can prep the garlic bread in advance and bake it right before dinner.
Ingredients You'll Need
- French loaf or ciabatta
- Salted butter, softened
- Garlic, finely chopped
- Italian seasoning
- Shredded mozzarella cheese
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Olive oil
- Optional: crushed red pepper flakes, paprika, or fresh chopped parsley for garnish, or a drizzle of honey if you like a little sweet finish.
How to Make This Cheesy Garlic Bread
Preheat oven to 425°F.
Prepare the loaf: Slice the bread in half lengthwise and place both halves cut-side up on a baking sheet.
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Make the garlic butter: In a small bowl, combine softened butter, chopped garlic, and Italian seasoning. Mix well.
Spread and top: Evenly spread the garlic butter over both halves of the bread. Sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
Bake: Place on the center rack and bake 12–14 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly with golden edges.
Finish and serve: Let it rest for a minute, then slice and serve warm. Garnish with fresh parsley or a drizzle of honey if desired.
Recipe Variations
- Extra garlic: Add a pinch of garlic powder for even more flavor.
- Spicy: Sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes or cayenne before baking.
- Smoky: Add a touch of paprika for a little color and subtle heat.
- Make it extra cheesy: Mix in provolone or fontina with the mozzarella.
- Sweet and savory: Drizzle lightly with honey just before serving...it’s addictive!
Serving Ideas
This cheesy garlic bread goes with just about anything! But here are a few suggestions:
- Cozy fall soups like tomato basil or Baked Potato Soup
- Comforting pastas try fettuccine Alfredo or spaghetti & meatballs
- Hearty salads such as this Classic Caesar Salad or Italian Chopped Salad
- Game day spreads with dips, Chicken Salad Sliders, and Baked Chicken Wings
Storage & Reheating
- Store leftovers in an airtight container or wrap tightly in foil and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes or until hot and melty again.
Recipe
Cheesy Garlic Bread
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*Easily adjust serving size to your liking by clicking the number under servings or with the boxes below in the ingredients section.
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 loaf soft French bread or ciabatta (I used ciabatta)
- ½ cup salted butter ( 1 stick) softened
- 4-5 large garlic cloves (or more if you love garlic) finely chopped
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese shredded
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese grated or shredded
- 2 tablespoons olive oil for drizzling
- pinch Optional: crushed red pepper flakes, paprika for heat and color
- Optional garnishes: drizzle of honey for a sweet-savory finish, or fresh chopped parsley for a fresh garnish
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Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F.
- Prepare the loaf: Slice the bread in half lengthwise and place both halves cut-side up on a baking sheet.
- Make the garlic butter: In a small bowl, combine softened butter, chopped garlic, and Italian seasoning. Mix well.
- Top: Spread the garlic butter evenly over both halves of the bread. Sprinkle each half with 1 cup of mozzarella, then ¼ cup Parmesan cheese. Then drizzle both sides with the olive oil.
- Bake: Place on the center rack and bake 12–14 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly with golden edges.
- Finish and serve: Let it rest for a minute, then slice and serve warm. Garnish with fresh parsley or a drizzle of honey if desired.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container or wrap tightly in foil and refrigerate for up to 3 days. To reheat, wrap with foil and warm in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes or until hot and melty again.
Notes
Flavor Tips and Additions:
-
- Extra garlic: Add a pinch of garlic powder for even more flavor.
-
- Spicy: Sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes or cayenne before baking.
-
- Smoky: Add a touch of paprika for a little color and subtle heat.
-
- Make it extra cheesy: Mix in provolone or fontina with the mozzarella.
-
- Sweet and savory: Drizzle with honey just before serving...it’s addictive!
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