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Warm, golden, and unapologetically cheesy, Garlic Bread With Cheese Bliss brings everything loved about comfort carbs to your table in under 20 minutes, with a homemade garlic butter spread and a bubbly mozzarella–cheddar crown that crackles at the edges and stays soft in the center. Whether you’re planning white bread appetizers for a crowd or looking for snacks to cook on a busy weeknight, this extra cheesy garlic bread checks every box and disappears fast (be ready for second batches!).
Why you’ll love this recipe
- Extra cheesy with a mozzarella–cheddar blend for a perfect pull and rich flavor that tastes like the best cheesy garlic bread from your favorite spot.
- Fast and flexible: use a French loaf, Italian cheese bread, or even sliced white bread when you want a simple garlic bread recipe or sliced bread options.
- Crowd-pleasing appetizer or side that pairs with soups, salads, pasta, and more—ideal for meals with bread slices and last-minute gatherings.
Ingredient notes
- Bread: A large French loaf or Italian cheese bread gives you a crisp shell and tender crumb; sliced white bread also works for a quick garlic bread recipe using white bread or garlic-sliced bread toasts.
- Butter and garlic: Soften butter for easy spreading and mix with minced garlic to make a homemade garlic butter toast base with aromatic depth.
- Cheese blend: Shredded mozzarella for stretch plus cheddar cheese bread vibes for sharpness; a little Parmesan adds savory, nutty finish for the best ever cheesy garlic bread energy.
- Fresh herbs and seasoning: Parsley for color, kosher salt and black pepper to balance, and optional red pepper flakes for subtle heat that flatters cheesy food without overpowering it.
Step-by-step instructions
- Prep: Heat the oven to 400°F and line a sheet pan to prevent sticking and promote even browning for garlic bread goals.
- Split and spread: Halve the loaf lengthwise and spread the homemade garlic butter to every corner; coverage matters for consistent flavor in every bite of cheesy garlic flatbread–style slices.
- Top with cheese: Add mozzarella first for melt, then cheddar for tang; keep a light hand at the edges to encourage caramelized, crispy cheese fringes that fans of extra cheesy garlic bread love.
- Bake: 10–12 minutes to melt fully, then broil 1–2 minutes to blister; this creates those garlic crisps and golden spots without drying the crumb.
- Rest and slice: Let stand 2 minutes for cleaner cuts; slice into party-friendly sticks for savory party bread moments or serve as halves with mains.
- Optional air fryer: For small batches, 350°F for 5–7 minutes on split rolls or sliced white bread yields quick, bubbly results for snacks to cook fast.
Storage information
- Refrigeration: Wrap leftovers in foil and refrigerate up to 3 days; reheat in a 350°F oven 8–10 minutes to revive crisp edges and melty centers without sogginess.
- Freezing: Assemble and freeze unbaked halves on a tray; once solid, wrap and freeze up to 2 months for best meals to make in a pinch.
- Reheat from frozen: Bake at 375°F for 15–18 minutes until hot and bubbly, then broil 1 minute; great for garlic bread for a crowd prep.
Helpful tips
- Dry the surface: If the loaf is very fresh, lightly toast the cut sides for 2–3 minutes to reduce moisture, helping achieve a bread with garlic crunch without overbaking.
- Even mince: Finely mince garlic so it distributes evenly into the butter and avoids bitter hot spots, supporting the best cheesy garlic bread flavor.
- Grate fresh: Shred cheese from blocks to maximize melt and avoid clumping; pre-shredded works in a rush but melts less smoothly on cheesy bread.
- Edge insurance: Leave a 1/4-inch cheese border to encourage caramelized frills and prevent spillover for neat slices and delicious snack recipes.
Variations
- Herb and chili: Add oregano and a pinch of red pepper flakes for a pizzeria-style kick that suits garlic cheese bread lovers.
- Four-cheese: Mix mozzarella, cheddar, fontina, and Parmesan for the ultra-luxe best cheesy garlic bread layers.
- White bread appetizers: Use thick-cut sandwich bread to make quick garlic butter toast squares for party platters and Korean food side dishes–style small bites.
- Flatbread: Try naan or store-bought flatbread for a speedy, cheesy garlic flatbread weeknight option.
Tools and equipment needed
- Sheet pan and parchment for even baking and easy cleanup on garlic bread nights.
- Mixing bowl and spatula for combining the garlic butter and spreading it evenly into every nook.
- Microplane or grater for fresh garlic and cheese to elevate that extra cheesy garlic bread finish.
- Chef’s knife or serrated knife for clean slices and party sticks for savory party bread.
Serving ideas
- With pasta: Perfect alongside marinara spaghetti or creamy fettuccine for classic garlic bread and pasta comfort.
- With soups and salads: Adds richness to tomato soup, Caesar salads, and hearty greens, embodying a bread, garlic, and cheese balance.
- Appetizer platters: Pair with olives, cured veg, and dips for effortless white bread appetizers and food bread boards.
FAQ
- Can this be made ahead? Assemble up to 8 hours early and refrigerate; bake just before serving for fresh, melty results and crisp edges.
- Can I use only mozzarella? Yes—add a bit of Parmesan for depth if skipping cheddar cheese bread sharpness.
- What if I only have sliced bread? Make garlic bread recipe sliced bread toasts: butter, cheese, bake 6–8 minutes; broil briefly to finish.
- How to avoid soggy bottoms? Lightly pre-toast the bread and avoid overloading butter; bake on the middle rack for airflow and even browning.
Related Recipes You’ll Love
- From the site: try quick cheesy breads, garlic-parsley toasts, or flatbread pizzas as easy weeknight sides that mirror the same cheesy food payoff and convenience.
Make-Ahead & Freezer Prep
Assemble Garlic Bread With Cheese on split loaves, then freeze unbaked on a tray until firm; wrap tightly for up to 2 months to keep edges crisp and centers soft when baked later for garlic bread for a crowd convenience. Bake from frozen at 375°F until cheese is fully melted and golden, then broil briefly to achieve those irresistible extra cheesy garlic bread caramelized spots that fans love to save and try.
Pairings & Menu Ideas
Serve alongside marinara pasta, tomato soup, or Caesar salad to showcase a balanced bite of bread, garlic cheese richness with fresh acidity, perfect for garlic bread with pasta nights at home. For appetizers, slice into sticks and pair with warm dips or olive trays to create effortless white bread appetizers that deliver maximum flavor with minimal prep for busy hosts.
Quick Weeknight Variations
Use sliced white bread for a fast garlic bread recipe using white bread: spread homemade garlic butter toast, top with mozzarella–cheddar, and broil for speedy snacks to cook in minutes. Switch to naan or flatbread for cheesy garlic flatbread results, or lean into cheddar cheese bread vibes for bolder flavor when the table wants the best-ever cheesy garlic bread energy.
PrintGarlic Bread With Cheese Bliss
Golden, melty, and ultra-garlicky, this cheesy garlic bread layers a homemade garlic butter spread under a mozzarella–cheddar crown for crispy edges and soft centers. Perfect for white bread appetizers, weeknight pasta nights, or snacks to cook fast.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 12 mins
- Total Time: 22 mins
- Yield: 8–10 slices
Ingredients
– 1 large French loaf (or Italian cheese bread)
– 6 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
– 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
– 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
– 1/2 tsp kosher salt
– 1/4 tsp black pepper
– 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella
– 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– Optional: 2 tbsp grated Parmesan, pinch red pepper flakes
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C). Line a sheet pan.
2. Halve the loaf lengthwise and place the cut sides up.
3. In a bowl, mix softened butter, minced garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper.
4. Spread the garlic butter evenly over both halves.
5. Top with mozzarella and cheddar (and Parmesan if using).
6. Bake 10–12 minutes until fully melted; broil 1–2 minutes for golden, crispy edges.
7. Rest 2 minutes, slice, and serve warm as an appetizer or side.
Notes
For quick batches, use sliced white bread and broil to finish. Air fryer option: 350°F for 5–7 minutes. Freeze assembled (unbaked) halves up to 2 months; bake from frozen at 375°F until hot and bubbly, then broil briefly.