If you’re craving a snack that brings together buttery, garlicky goodness with ooey-gooey melted cheese, look no further than this Easy Cheesy Garlic Bread Recipe. It’s a mouthwatering twist on the classic garlic bread you know and love, bursting with flavor and perfect for anytime you want a quick, crowd-pleasing treat. Whether it’s game day, a family dinner, or just a cozy night in, this recipe delivers the perfect balance of crisp bread and stretchy cheese that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Easy Cheesy Garlic Bread Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a vital role in creating layers of flavor and texture—from the creamy garlic butter to the blend of cheeses that melt just right. Here’s what you’ll need to turn an ordinary loaf into a sensational snack.
- French bread loaf: A sturdy base with a crisp crust and soft interior that holds toppings perfectly.
- Salted butter (½ cup, softened): Adds richness and helps build that luscious garlic spread.
- Garlic powder (½ tsp): Intensifies the garlic flavor evenly without overpowering.
- Fresh garlic cloves (3, minced): Brings a punch of fresh aroma and taste.
- Italian seasoning (1 tsp): Provides a fragrant herbal touch that complements the garlic beautifully.
- Colby Jack cheese (1 cup, shredded): Offers mild, creamy sharpness and a lovely orange hue.
- Mozzarella cheese (1 cup, shredded): Gives that stretchy, melty texture we all adore in garlic bread.
- Fresh chopped parsley (optional): A pop of color and freshness to finish the dish with style.
How to Make Easy Cheesy Garlic Bread Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Bread
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Take your French bread loaf and slice it lengthwise so you have two equal halves with plenty of room for your toppings. Lay them cut side up on a baking sheet to catch all the ooey-gooey cheese and buttery goodness during baking.
Step 2: Make Garlic Butter
In a small bowl, combine the softened salted butter, garlic powder, minced garlic, and Italian seasoning. Stir until everything is well incorporated, creating a fragrant, flavorful garlic butter spread. This mixture is key to infusing every bite with that signature garlicky aroma and taste that will make this recipe hard to resist.
Step 3: Spread the Garlic Butter
Use a spatula or the back of a spoon to generously smear the garlic butter evenly over the cut sides of the bread halves. Don’t be shy—this step ensures that each crumb is saturated with flavor, setting the foundation for the cheesy topping.
Step 4: Add Cheese and Bake
Next, sprinkle the shredded Colby Jack and mozzarella cheeses over the buttery bread surfaces. You want a good, even layer of cheese that will melt beautifully and create a bubbly, golden crust. Bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes, until the cheeses are melted and visibly bubbly. For an extra crispy and slightly browned cheesy top, pop the bread under the broiler for an additional 1 to 2 minutes, but watch closely so it doesn’t burn.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Once out of the oven, you can sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the top for a touch of brightness and color. Then slice it up and serve immediately while the cheese is warm and stretchy, perfect for sharing or enjoying as a comforting snack solo.
How to Serve Easy Cheesy Garlic Bread Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh herbs like parsley or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes can elevate this Easy Cheesy Garlic Bread Recipe even more. The green parsley brings a fresh contrast that brightens the rich flavors, while red pepper flakes add a subtle kick for those who love a little heat.
Side Dishes
This cheesy garlic bread pairs beautifully with hearty soups like tomato basil or creamy potato, and it’s also a fantastic companion to pasta dishes such as spaghetti Bolognese or fettuccine Alfredo. Because it’s so flavorful on its own, it can also shine as an appetizer alongside antipasti or charcuterie boards.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, cut the bread into smaller, bite-sized pieces to serve as finger food at parties. Arrange it in a basket lined with parchment paper for a rustic look, or serve it alongside a small bowl of marinara sauce for dipping to add a tangy layer of flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers, no worries! Store your Easy Cheesy Garlic Bread Recipe in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in foil. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days without losing too much of its magic.
Freezing
To enjoy this delicious garlic bread later, freeze sliced portions in a single layer on a lined baking sheet. Once frozen solid, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. This way, you can keep your bread fresh for up to 2 months. Just thaw before reheating.
Reheating
For the best results, reheat your bread in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 8 to 10 minutes to revive that crispy crust and melted cheese experience. Avoid microwaving as it tends to make the bread soggy and the cheese rubbery.
FAQs
Can I use different types of bread for this recipe?
Absolutely! While French bread is traditional and works best for texture, you can experiment with Italian bread, sourdough, or even a baguette depending on your preference. Just ensure the bread is sturdy enough to hold the toppings.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute the butter with vegan butter and use dairy-free cheese alternatives. Keep in mind that the flavor and meltiness might vary, but it can still be delicious.
How can I make this Easy Cheesy Garlic Bread Recipe spicier?
Adding crushed red pepper flakes to the garlic butter or sprinkling some cayenne pepper on top before baking can give your garlic bread a nice spicy twist without overwhelming the original flavors.
Can I prepare the garlic butter mixture in advance?
Definitely! You can mix the garlic butter up to two days ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Just bring it back to room temperature before spreading it on the bread for easy application.
What cheeses work best besides Colby Jack and mozzarella?
Cheeses that melt well like provolone, Monterey Jack, or a mild cheddar can work great. For added flavor, mixing in some Parmesan or Romano gives a nice sharpness, just sprinkle it in moderation to avoid overpowering the garlic.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Cheesy Garlic Bread Recipe is an absolute winner when you want a fast, delicious, and comforting treat that feels a little special. It’s perfect for sharing, indulging, or simply making your meals extra memorable. Trust me, once you try it, this recipe will become a beloved favorite to make again and again.
Print
Easy Cheesy Garlic Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Easy Cheesy Garlic Bread recipe combines a crusty French bread loaf with a flavorful garlic butter spread and a cheesy topping of Colby Jack and mozzarella. Perfect as a snack, appetizer, or side dish, it’s quick to prepare and baked until golden and bubbly, with an optional parsley garnish for freshness.
Ingredients
Bread
- 1 loaf French bread
Garlic Butter
- ½ cup salted butter, softened
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
Cheese
- 1 cup Colby Jack cheese, shredded
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
Garnish
- Fresh chopped parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Bread: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Slice the French bread loaf lengthwise and lay it cut side up on a baking sheet to ready it for topping.
- Make Garlic Butter: In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, garlic powder, minced garlic, and Italian seasoning. Mix well and spread this flavorful garlic butter evenly over both halves of the bread.
- Add Cheese and Bake: Evenly sprinkle the shredded Colby Jack and mozzarella cheeses over the buttered bread halves. Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes until the cheese melts and bubbles. If you prefer a crispier top, switch to the broil setting and broil for an additional 1 to 2 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.
- Garnish and Serve: Once baked, optionally garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a burst of color and herbaceous flavor. Serve the cheesy garlic bread warm for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- For extra garlicky flavor, add more minced garlic or a dash of garlic salt.
- You can substitute the French bread with Italian bread or a baguette.
- To make it spicier, sprinkle red pepper flakes before baking.
- Use a combination of other shredded cheeses like cheddar or Monterey Jack for a different taste.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven for best results.
