Cheesy garlic bread
Make the best side dish or snack with our easy cheesy garlic bread recipe. Enjoy the warm, crusty bread smeared with garlic butter and topped with gooey mozzarella and sharp Parmesan, perfect alongside any meal or as a comforting snack. Add some fresh parsley for a burst of colour and freshness, and get ready to enjoy every mouthwatering bite.
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Ingredients
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1
Baguette or any other type of bread
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50 g
Softened butter
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2 tbsp
Olive oil
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2
Garlic cloves
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½ tsp
Salt
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Freshly ground pepper
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75 g
Mozzarella, grated
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20 g
Parmesan cheese, grated
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100 ml
Fresh parsley, chopped
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Instructions
Recipe tips
It’s often the small details that make the biggest impact in the kitchen, so we’re sharing the tips we rely on when cooking and creating recipes
Freshly grated mozzarella and Parmesan melt more smoothly and brown more evenly than pre-grated varieties, which often contain anti-caking agents. This gives you a cleaner melt and a more evenly golden top. It also helps the cheese blend more naturally into the butter-garlic mixture as it bubbles in the oven.
Any bread works for this recipe, but a loaf with a slightly firmer crust – such as a baguette or similar style – holds up best to the butter mixture and cheese. It prevents the base from becoming soggy and helps the edges develop a crisp finish while the centre stays soft.
When spreading the butter-garlic mixture, ensure it reaches all the way to the edges of the cut surface of the bread. This prevents dry corners and ensures that each slice has consistent flavour; no need to avoid the end pieces here. Spreading it evenly also helps the cheese melt in an even layer without sliding or clumping.
Different types of bread bring different textures. A baguette or French-style loaf provides a crisp crust and a soft centre, while Italian bread or ciabatta offers a chewier bite. Sourdough adds a subtle tang and holds up well to rich toppings. Just keep in mind that denser bread types may need a slightly longer baking time to warm through, while lighter breads crisp quicker.
Make easy, shareable bites by slicing the loaf into single-serving pieces before spreading the butter-garlic mixture and adding cheese. Mini cheesy garlic bread pieces will bake faster, so check them a few minutes earlier than the whole loaf. They are ideal for parties as easy finger food or kids’ plates.
FAQ: Questions about cheesy garlic bread
Want to succeed with the recipe in every way? Our FAQ covers all your questions, from storage tips to getting that ideal golden, bubbly cheese topping.
Can I make cheesy garlic bread ahead of time?
You can make part of the recipe in advance to save time before serving. Prepare the garlic-butter mixture and store it in the fridge until you are ready to slice and butter the bread. Remember to let it reach room temperature, or close to it, for easier spreading. For the best texture, add the butter mixture and cheese just before baking. This keeps the bread from absorbing too much moisture and losing its crispness.
How do I prevent the cheese from burning?
Avoid burnt cheese by baking it on the middle rack and keeping an eye on it during the final minutes. If it browns too fast, cover it loosely with a piece of foil. This slows the browning while the bread finishes warming through.
How long does cheesy garlic bread keep?
Leftover cheesy garlic bread can be stored in the fridge for up to two days if kept in an airtight container. The cheese holds up well, but the bread will soften over time, losing some crispness. Reheating restores most of the texture: warm it in the oven or air fryer until the cheese is hot and the edges are crisp again.
Can I freeze cheesy garlic bread?
Yes, you can freeze cheesy garlic bread, but you get the best result if you freeze it after spreading the garlic butter and before adding the cheese. Wrap the buttered bread tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. When you are ready to bake it, put it straight in the oven, then add the cheese halfway through the baking time. You can freeze it fully assembled or even fully baked, but the reheated cheese may turn a little drier, and the bread slightly firmer than when made fresh.
Nutritional values per serving
Energy:
476 Kcal
| Energy distribution % | Nutritional values per serving | |
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| Fibre | - | 2.6 g |
| Protein | 11.4 % | 13.4 g |
| Fat | 42.5 % | 22.9 g |
| Carbohydrates | 46.1 % | 53.9 g |
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Enjoy our ultimate cheesy garlic bread
Fancy something scrumptiously good right here, right now? Then you should try our quick cheesy garlic bread recipe: warm, crusty bread with buttery garlic spread, topped with gooey mozzarella and sharp Parmesan. The blend of garlic and cheese is heavenly, with the garlic enriching the butter and the cheeses melting into a savoury, gooey layer with complex tasting notes. The fresh parsley on top makes for a brightening finish that looks as good as it tastes.
Topped with gooey mozzarella and sharp Parmesan
There is no cheesy garlic bread without a good amount of cheese on top. Here, gooey mozzarella and sharp Parmesan create the perfect meltable combination with depth and savouriness. Mozzarella has a creamy, mild flavour and melts into a luscious layer with a subtle buttery note. Parmesan adds a robust, nutty flavour, with its sharpness cutting through the mozzarella's creaminess, balancing each other in both texture and flavour.
What can I serve with my cheesy garlic bread?
This cheesy garlic bread pairs beautifully with an array of dishes from sides to mains. Its rich, buttery texture, garlic flavour, and gooey cheese make it ideal for robust pasta dishes, such as spaghetti Bolognese or homemade chicken and mushroom lasagne. You can also serve it with a bowl of tomato soup for a classic pairing, or warming, comforting mains like this cheesy chicken Parmesan or this delicious meatball casserole.
Add different toppings
This classic recipe is easily adaptable, so feel free to get creative. Adding a few extra toppings can turn this bread into a tempting starter or snack. Sliced olives give a salty, Mediterranean twist, while roasted peppers or sun-dried tomatoes add sweetness and colour. For a smoky, savoury note, use crumbled bacon or pancetta on top. Adding a handful of spinach or rocket salad after baking brings a light, fresh contrast to the warm, melty cheese.
For an even deeper flavour, use delicious roasted garlic butter. Roast whole garlic bulbs until soft, sweet, and caramelised, then mash the cloves into the butter. The result is a richer, mellower garlic base that transforms the bread into something truly exceptional.
