Looking for something to round out your menu? This cheesy garlic bread is always devoured by our family and is an at-home version of one of our Italian restaurant favorites. No one can resist that buttery garlic bread with a toasted stretchy cheese pull! The origins of cheesy mozzarella garlic bread lie in the rustic culinary traditions of Italy, where minced garlic cloves, fresh herbs, and artisan bread have long been staples of Italian recipes. But it was American influences that added melted cheese, elevating the classic garlic bread to the beloved garlic cheese bread we adore today. With the bread toasted to golden brown perfection and layered with mouth-watering melted cheese, this delicious side dish is the best cheesy garlic bread you’ll ever taste. If you love delicious garlic bread, check out my recipes for Grilled Garlic Bread, Homemade Garlic Naan Bread, Roasted Garlic & Rosemary No-Knead Artisan Bread, Soft Garlic Parmesan Homemade Breadsticks, and Better Than Papa John’s Garlic Knots!
Why We Love This Cheesy Garlic Bread Recipe
The best part of this great recipe is its versatility. Choosing a different kind of cheese or bread loaf can easily transform this homemade garlic bread recipe. You can create a cheesy bread that looks and tastes gourmet with just a few high-quality ingredients. A soft loaf of French bread, a mix of mozzarella and parmesan cheese, and fresh garlic cloves are all you need to impress your guests. This easy cheesy garlic bread is the perfect simple recipe for a last-minute addition to any meal or when you need a quick, easy recipe for a satisfying treat.
What You’ll Need
Scroll down to the recipe card below this post for ingredient quantities and full instructions.
Bread – For best results, choose a delicious loaf of bread with a crispy crust and soft interior. Butter – The butter melts as it bakes, adding richness deep into the bread. The melted butter also helps the garlic and herb flavors to soak into the bread. Garlic – Garlic is the star of the show, adding that distinct aroma and flavor. Italian Seasoning – This blend of herbs adds depth and complements the garlic. Salt & Pepper – Enhances overall flavor, and you can adjust the amount according to your taste. Cheese – Mozzarella is a good melting cheese that adds stringy gooeyness and a mild, creamy flavor which contrasts with the sharp saltiness of the parmesan. Fresh Parsley – Adds a fresh, herbal note and vibrant color as a garnish.
How to Make Homemade Cheesy Garlic Bread
Tips for Success
Avoid overly dense or hard breads, as they might not absorb the garlic butter well and could become too tough after baking. A good quality Italian or French bread with a crispy crust and soft interior works best. Pre-shredded cheeses often contain grainy or floury anti-caking agents that can affect how the cheese melts and tastes, so use freshly shredded mozzarella for the best melting quality. For parmesan, opt for freshly grated off-the-block for a richer flavor. Keep an eye on the bread so that it doesn’t overbake, especially during the last few minutes in the oven. If you prefer a crunchier top, broil the bread for the last 1-2 minutes, but it can burn easily so watch it closely.
Substitutions and Variations
While I think mozzarella and parmesan make the best cheese mix for this recipe, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even a mix of mozzarella and cheddar cheeses for a sharper flavor that still has gooeyness. Parmigiano Reggiano is a more refined (and more expensive) version of Parmesan and using it will likely earn you brownie points from any cheese aficionados you may know. Try different types of bread to find the best bread for you. The perfect bread for cheese garlic bread is one where the outside of the bread has a good crust while the inside is soft and fluffy, so anything like crusty sourdough bread, a pull-apart bread like a ciabatta loaf or challah bread, or any variety of Italian bread would all work well. You can go wild with the toppings on this one! Add some meats like cooked and crumbled bacon, or slices of pepperoni, chorizo, and salami, and try using traditional Italian flavors such as olives, sundried tomatoes, and a little drizzle of olive oil. Using other herbs like rosemary or thyme would be wonderful, and you can also add a bit of surprise heat with a sprinkle of red pepper flakes as a secret ingredient underneath the melted cheese! Make your bread loaded with flavor by using extra garlic cloves, and even garlic and herb butter instead of salted butter.
More Italian-Inspired Appetizer Recipes
Easy Bruschetta Recipe Easy Rosemary Focaccia Bread St. Louis Toasted Ravioli Grilled Caprese Panini Easy Chicken Parmesan Sliders Homemade Mozzarella Sticks Copycat Olive Garden Salad Dressing Caprese Salad
If you are a garlic enthusiast, don’t shy away from adding an extra clove or two, or even using garlic and herb butter instead of salted butter. Remember, the key is to balance the garlic with the other flavors.
Cheesy Garlic Mozzarella Swirl Rolls
Soft Garlic Parmesan Homemade Breadsticks
Sweet Molasses Brown Bread
Let me know what you thought with a comment and rating below. You can also take a picture and tag me on Instagram @houseofnasheats or share it on the Pinterest pin so I can see.
