Cheesy Garlic Bread is the kind of side dish that steals the show. Golden, crispy edges meet a soft, buttery center, smothered in garlic, herbs, and molten cheese—it’s impossible to resist. Whether you’re serving it alongside pasta, soup, or just as a snack, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavor using simple ingredients you likely already have at home.
Inspired by Bake with Zoha’s viral version of cheesy garlic bread, this recipe balances richness with aromatic herbs, loads of gooey cheese, and just the right crunch. It’s easy to prepare, customizable, and completely satisfying—ideal for weeknight dinners, entertaining guests, or leveling up your comfort food game.
Ingredients Overview: The Magic Behind Every Bite
Each ingredient in cheesy garlic bread serves a purpose—either in flavor, texture, or structure. Here’s how everything works together:
French Bread or Italian Loaf
The base of your garlic bread should be soft inside and sturdy enough to hold up to the toppings. A crusty French baguette or Italian loaf works perfectly, offering the ideal contrast between crispy edges and fluffy interior.
Butter (Salted or Unsalted)
Butter forms the base of the garlic spread. Salted butter adds flavor directly, while unsalted allows more control. Soften the butter for easy mixing and spreading.
Fresh Garlic
Grated or finely minced garlic infuses the butter with intense, aromatic flavor. Fresh garlic is essential for that bold, authentic taste that makes garlic bread truly irresistible.
Fresh Parsley or Italian Herbs
Herbs add freshness and earthiness. Parsley keeps it light and vibrant, while Italian seasoning (oregano, basil, thyme) makes it more savory and complex.
Mozzarella Cheese
Low-moisture shredded mozzarella melts smoothly, creating long, stringy pulls that make cheesy garlic bread so fun to eat. It has a mild flavor that doesn’t overpower the garlic.
Parmesan Cheese
Adds sharpness and depth. Parmesan brings a nutty, salty edge that balances the gooey mozzarella beautifully.
Olive Oil (Optional)
Olive oil can be added to the butter spread for extra richness and to help create golden brown, toasted edges.
Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Cheesy Garlic Bread
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.
Cut your loaf in half lengthwise, creating two large halves. If using a wider loaf, you can slice it into thick pieces instead.
Step 2: Make the Garlic Butter
In a bowl, combine:
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½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
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3–4 garlic cloves, finely minced or grated
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1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (or 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning)
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Optional: 1 tbsp olive oil for smoother texture
Mix until smooth and fully combined.
Pro Tip: Let the butter sit for 5–10 minutes to let the garlic infuse more flavor.
Step 3: Spread the Mixture
Using a spatula or spoon, spread the garlic butter generously over the cut sides of the bread. Be sure to reach all the edges—those bits get extra crispy!
Step 4: Add the Cheese
Sprinkle evenly over both halves:
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1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
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¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Add extra cheese if you want it even more decadent.
Step 5: Bake Until Bubbly
Place the bread halves on the prepared baking sheet, cut side up. Bake in the preheated oven for 12–15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and slightly golden around the edges.
For extra browning: Broil for 1–2 minutes at the end, but keep a close eye to prevent burning.
Step 6: Slice and Serve
Let the bread cool slightly before slicing into strips or squares. Garnish with more fresh parsley or chili flakes for an optional kick.
Tips, Variations, and Substitutions
Quick Tips:
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Use softened butter for easier mixing.
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Always grate garlic fresh—it makes a huge difference in flavor.
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For a crunchier base, toast the bread for 3–5 minutes before adding the garlic butter.
Variations:
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Spicy Garlic Bread: Add ½ tsp chili flakes or minced jalapeño to the butter.
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Herb Explosion: Use a mix of fresh basil, oregano, and thyme for a fragrant twist.
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Cheese Lovers’ Version: Add provolone, Monterey Jack, or cheddar for more layers of cheesy flavor.
Substitutions:
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Vegan Version: Use vegan butter and plant-based mozzarella and Parmesan.
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Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free baguette or sandwich bread.
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Dairy-Free: Use lactose-free butter and cheese alternatives.
Storage Tip:
Wrap leftovers in foil and store in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 5–8 minutes to revive crispness.
Serving Ideas & Occasions
Cheesy garlic bread is versatile and goes with almost any dish—but it can also stand on its own. Here are some perfect pairings and occasions to enjoy it:
Best Pairings:
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Pasta Dishes: Spaghetti, fettuccine Alfredo, baked ziti, or lasagna
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Soups: Tomato basil, creamy potato, or minestrone
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Salads: Caesar, Italian chopped, or spinach strawberry
Great Occasions:
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Game-day appetizers or party trays
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Comfort food nights at home
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Holiday feasts and potlucks
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Side for barbecue or grilled meats
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Quick after-school snack
You can even serve this as a starter for pizza night—just slice thinner and serve with marinara for dipping.
Nutritional & Health Notes
While garlic bread is rich and indulgent, there are ways to balance it or modify the recipe for different needs.
Health Considerations:
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Calories & Fat: Cheese and butter contribute most of the calories. Reduce cheese by half for a lighter version or opt for part-skim mozzarella.
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Carbs: Using whole grain or sourdough bread adds more fiber and nutrients.
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Garlic Benefits: Garlic isn’t just delicious—it also offers heart-healthy compounds and antioxidants.
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Portion Control: Slice thinner pieces to make it more shareable and balanced as a side.
Make It Lighter:
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Swap half the butter for Greek yogurt for a creamy texture with less fat.
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Use reduced-fat cheese blends or just Parmesan for a lighter topping.
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Serve with a big salad or veggie-packed main to round out the meal.
FAQ: Cheesy Garlic Bread
1. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the bread with butter and cheese, then wrap tightly and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Add a couple extra minutes to the baking time if cold.
2. Can I freeze cheesy garlic bread?
Absolutely. After assembling (before baking), wrap tightly in foil and freeze for up to 1 month. Bake from frozen at 375°F for 15–20 minutes.
3. How do I reheat leftovers?
Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 5–8 minutes. Avoid the microwave if possible—it softens the bread too much and ruins the crispy texture.
4. What’s the best bread to use?
A French baguette or Italian loaf is ideal. Sourdough adds tang, while ciabatta gives an open crumb and nice chew. Avoid sandwich bread—it’s too soft.
5. Can I use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic?
Yes, though the flavor won’t be as sharp or aromatic. Use about ½ to 1 teaspoon garlic powder in place of fresh garlic.
6. Can I add toppings like mushrooms or pepperoni?
Definitely! Turn it into a garlic bread pizza by adding mushrooms, pepperoni, olives, or even a drizzle of marinara under the cheese.
7. How do I make it extra crispy?
Pre-toast the bread for 5 minutes before adding the toppings, or finish the baking with 1–2 minutes under the broiler.
Tasty Recipes Card
Description:
Buttery, garlicky, and smothered in melty cheese, this homemade Cheesy Garlic Bread is the perfect side or snack. Inspired by Bake with Zoha’s crowd-pleasing recipe.
Ingredients:
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1 loaf French or Italian bread
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½ cup unsalted butter, softened
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3–4 cloves garlic, finely minced
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1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (or 1 tsp Italian seasoning)
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1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
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¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
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Optional: 1 tbsp olive oil
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Optional garnish: extra parsley, chili flakes
Instructions:
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Preheat oven to 400°F. Slice bread in half lengthwise.
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In a bowl, mix butter, garlic, parsley, and optional olive oil.
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Spread garlic butter over cut sides of bread.
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Top evenly with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
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Place on baking sheet and bake for 12–15 minutes until golden and bubbly.
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Optional: Broil for 1–2 minutes for extra crisp top.
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Slice and serve warm.
Notes:
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For a spicy kick, add chili flakes to the butter or as garnish.
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Make ahead and freeze for quick appetizers.
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Use gluten-free or dairy-free options as needed.
Details:
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
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Cook Time: 15 minutes
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Total Time: 25 minutes
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Yield: 6–8 slices