Description
This homemade fluffy cheesy garlic bread is soft and pillowy on the inside with a perfectly crisp crust, all smothered in a rich garlic butter and a generous blanket of melted cheese. It’s an easy, crowd-pleasing side dish that transforms a simple meal into a memorable feast.
Ingredients
1 (approx. 16 oz) loaf of bread (French, Italian, or ciabatta recommended)
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
4–6 cloves garlic, freshly minced
1 1/2 cups shredded low-moisture, whole milk mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped, plus more for garnish
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil
- Slice the loaf of bread in half lengthwise. Place both halves, cut-side up, on the prepared baking sheet
- In a medium bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined and it forms a smooth paste
- Generously and evenly spread the garlic butter mixture over the cut sides of both bread halves, ensuring it reaches all the way to the edges
- In a separate bowl, toss the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese together
- Sprinkle this cheese mixture evenly over the garlic butter-covered bread
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted, bubbly, and just starting to turn golden brown. For a crispier top, switch the oven to broil for the last 1-2 minutes, watching it very carefully to prevent burning
- Remove the garlic bread from the oven. Let it cool for a minute or two before garnishing with more fresh parsley. Slice into thick pieces and serve immediately
Notes
Use room temperature butter. This is essential for easy mixing and for spreading onto the bread without tearing it.
For the best flavor, use fresh garlic and fresh parsley. Grating your own cheese from a block will also result in a smoother melt compared to pre-shredded varieties.
For an even softer, gooier bread, you can wrap the loaf in aluminum foil after adding toppings. Bake wrapped for 10 minutes, then open the foil and bake for another 5-7 minutes to get the top golden.
This recipe is highly customizable. Feel free to try different breads (sourdough, brioche), cheese blends (provolone, cheddar), herbs (basil, oregano), or add-ins like red pepper flakes or caramelized onions.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 285 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 11g
- Cholesterol: 29mg