Cheesy Garlic Bread Recipe

Introduction

Cheesy Garlic Bread is a classic favorite that combines warm, crusty bread with a rich blend of cheeses and fragrant garlic butter. Perfect as a side dish or party snack, this easy recipe delivers gooey, flavorful bites every time.

Ingredients

• 1 loaf French bread
• 1/2 cup butter (softened)
• 2 tablespoons chopped parsley (divided)
• 5 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 cup fresh grated Mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup fresh grated sharp cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup fresh grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

1. Step 1: Slice the French bread loaf in half lengthwise. Place each half, cut side up, on a foil-lined baking sheet.
2. Step 2: Stir together the softened butter, minced garlic, and 1 tablespoon of chopped parsley. Spread the mixture evenly over each half of the bread, making sure to cover the edges.
3. Step 3: Combine Mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan cheeses in a small bowl. Sprinkle the cheese mixture evenly over the buttered bread. Top with the remaining tablespoon of parsley.
4. Step 4: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes. For a golden, bubbly top, switch the oven to broil and broil for 2 to 3 minutes. Watch carefully to avoid burning.
5. Step 5: Let the bread rest for 5 to 10 minutes before slicing and serving to allow the cheese to set slightly.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the butter mixture before spreading.
• Use Italian seasoning instead of parsley for a different herbal twist.
• Substitute the French bread with a baguette or Italian bread if preferred.
• To make it vegetarian, ensure the Parmesan cheese is made without animal rennet.

Storage

Store leftover cheesy garlic bread in an airtight container or wrap tightly in foil at room temperature for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5 to 7 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving as it can make the bread soggy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use pre-minced garlic instead of fresh garlic?

Yes, you can use pre-minced garlic, but fresh garlic will provide a stronger, more vibrant flavor. Use about 1 to 1.5 teaspoons of pre-minced garlic as a substitute for 5 cloves.

How do I make the bread extra crispy?

To get extra crispy bread, make sure your oven is fully preheated and consider broiling for a bit longer while watching closely. Also, avoid adding too much butter or cheese near the edges to prevent sogginess.

Cheesy Garlic Bread Recipe

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4.4 from 85 reviews

This Cheesy Garlic Bread recipe features a crispy French bread base generously spread with a buttery garlic and parsley mixture, then topped with a blend of melted mozzarella, sharp cheddar, and Parmesan cheeses. Baked to golden perfection and finished under the broiler for a bubbly, slightly crisp top, it’s an irresistible appetizer or side to complement any meal.

• Author: Rico
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Total Time: 22 minutes
• Yield: 6 to 8 servings 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Ingredients

• 1 loaf French bread
• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 2 tablespoons chopped parsley, divided
• 5 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup fresh grated mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup fresh grated sharp cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup fresh grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

1. Prepare the bread: Slice the French bread loaf lengthwise into two halves. Place both halves cut side up on a baking sheet lined with foil to make cleanup easy.
2. Make garlic butter mixture: In a small bowl, combine the softened butter with minced garlic and 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh parsley. Mix well until thoroughly blended.
3. Spread mixture on bread: Evenly spread the garlic butter mixture over the cut sides of both bread halves, reaching all edges to ensure full flavor coverage.
4. Add cheese topping: In another small bowl, mix together the mozzarella, sharp cheddar, and Parmesan cheeses. Sprinkle this cheese blend evenly over the buttered bread. Then top with the remaining tablespoon of chopped parsley for freshness and color.
5. Bake the bread: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the prepared bread halves for 10 minutes until the cheese melts and the bread is heated through.
6. Broil for finishing touch: For a golden, bubbly top, switch your oven setting to broil and broil the bread for 2 to 3 minutes. Watch carefully to avoid burning as broiling is high heat and cooks quickly.
7. Rest and serve: Remove the bread from the oven and let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes. This helps the cheese set slightly before slicing into pieces and serving warm.

Notes

• Use fresh garlic for the best flavor; garlic powder can be substituted in a pinch but will alter the taste.
• Feel free to customize the cheese blend with your favorites like Monterey Jack or provolone.
• For extra herb flavor, sprinkle some dried Italian seasoning or oregano with the parsley.
• Serve alongside pasta dishes, soups, or salads as a delightful accompaniment.
• Leftover bread is best eaten within 1-2 days or can be frozen and reheated later.

Keywords: cheesy garlic bread, garlic bread recipe, baked garlic bread, mozzarella cheese bread, easy appetizer