Cheesy Garlic Bread Recipe
Easy cheesy garlic bread is a quick and irresistible side, layered with buttery garlic flavor and gooey melted cheese. It’s the perfect crowd-pleaser, ideal for any dinner or gathering.
With a crispy golden crust and a warm, soft center, this cheesy garlic bread is all about comfort and simplicity. Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s a go-to favorite.
Must-Have Ingredients for Easy Cheesy Garlic Bread
French bread – Sturdy and crusty, it’s the ultimate base that crisps up beautifully while staying soft inside.
Salted butter – Adds rich flavor and melts seamlessly into the bread for that signature buttery bite.
Garlic (minced and powdered) – Double the garlic, double the flavor. It’s the heart and soul of this savory favorite.
Italian seasoning – A fragrant herb blend that brings warmth and depth to every bite.
Colby Jack cheese – Mild and creamy, it melts into a smooth layer of cheesy goodness.
Mozzarella cheese – Stretchy and rich, it creates that iconic cheese pull everyone loves.
Fresh parsley – A final touch of color and freshness that balances the richness perfectly.
Let’s Get Cheesy: How to Make This Easy Garlic Bread
Slice the loaf of French bread in half lengthwise and lay it open-faced on a baking sheet.
Whip up a quick garlic butter by mixing softened butter with garlic powder, minced garlic, and Italian seasoning. Slather it generously across both halves of the bread.
Pile on the shredded Colby Jack and mozzarella cheese, covering the entire surface for maximum melt factor.
Bake it in the oven at 400°F for about 12–15 minutes until golden and bubbly. For a crispier top, broil for the final 1–2 minutes.
Finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley before serving hot.
Bread-Winning Tips & Tasty Variations
For an extra crispy texture, use a baking stone or preheat your baking sheet before placing the bread on it. Want to add a little kick? Mix crushed red pepper flakes into the butter spread or swap in pepper jack cheese for a bit of heat.
If you’re feeding a crowd or looking to prep ahead, assemble the bread up to a day in advance and store it in the fridge, ready to bake just before serving. Garlic lovers can bump up the flavor by roasting the garlic beforehand for a sweet, mellow twist.
Don’t be afraid to customize—try adding chopped sun-dried tomatoes, caramelized onions, or even a layer of pesto beneath the cheese for a bold flavor boost.
Storing and Reheating Garlic Bread
To store leftovers, wrap the bread tightly in foil and refrigerate for up to 3 days. For best results, reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through and the cheese is melty again—about 8–10 minutes.
Avoid microwaving, as it can make the bread soggy. If freezing, place slices in a single layer on a tray to flash freeze, then transfer to a freezer bag. Reheat straight from frozen in the oven for a quick snack or side.
Easy Cheesy Garlic Bread
Ingredients
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese shredded
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 cup Colby Jack cheese shredded
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 loaf French bread
- 1/2 cup salted butter softened
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- Fresh parsley finely chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F. Slice the French bread loaf lengthwise and arrange both halves cut-side up on a baking sheet.
- In a mixing bowl, thoroughly blend the softened butter with garlic powder, minced garlic, and Italian seasoning until smooth. Distribute the butter mixture generously over each bread half.
- Sprinkle an even layer of Colby Jack and mozzarella cheese across the top of the buttered bread.
- Transfer the baking sheet to the oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbling. For an extra crisp finish, place under the broiler for 1 to 2 minutes at the end.
- Optionally, sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley before serving.