Garlic Cheese Bread is the ultimate comfort food—crispy, cheesy, and full of bold garlic flavor. This easy-to-make recipe transforms simple bread into a savory, mouthwatering treat. Perfect as a side dish to pasta, soups, or as a snack for any occasion, garlic cheese bread is sure to become a family favorite. The melted cheese and aromatic garlic butter will have everyone coming back for more!
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes
Total Time: 20-25 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1 loaf of French bread or baguette
- 4 tablespoons Butter, softened
- 3 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt
- 1/4 teaspoon Black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning or dried oregano (optional)
- 1/2 cup (50g) Mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/4 cup (25g) Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 tablespoon Fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)
Directions:
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- Prepare the garlic butter: In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning (if using). Mix until well combined.
- Prepare the bread: Slice the loaf of French bread in half lengthwise. Spread the garlic butter mixture evenly on the cut sides of the bread.
- Add the cheese: Sprinkle both the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the buttered bread. Ensure the cheese is evenly distributed.
- Bake the bread: Place the bread halves, cheese side up, on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the bread is golden and crispy and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and serve: Once the garlic cheese bread is done, remove it from the oven and sprinkle with fresh parsley if desired. Slice and serve warm.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve as a side dish with pasta dishes like spaghetti or lasagna.
- Pair with a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
- Serve as an appetizer with marinara sauce or your favorite dipping sauce.
- Add a touch of red pepper flakes for a bit of spice.
- Serve alongside soups, like tomato soup or creamy broccoli soup, for a cozy meal.
Cooking Tips:
- Use fresh garlic for the best flavor; if you’re short on time, garlic powder can be substituted, but fresh garlic is always best!
- For extra cheesy garlic bread, add more cheese or even a blend of cheeses like cheddar or provolone.
- If you prefer a crispier crust, broil the bread for 1-2 minutes at the end of baking. Keep an eye on it to avoid burning.
- To make the bread extra buttery, brush the top of the bread with a little additional melted butter before baking.
- If you don’t have French bread, you can use any type of bread—sourdough or ciabatta works well too.
Nutritional Benefits:
- Garlic: Known for its potential immune-boosting and heart-healthy benefits.
- Cheese: Provides a good source of calcium and protein.
- Parsley: Adds a fresh burst of vitamins A, C, and K, along with antioxidants.
Storage:
- Leftovers: Store any leftover garlic cheese bread in an airtight container for up to 2 days at room temperature. To keep it fresh, wrap it in foil or plastic wrap.
- Reheating: To reheat, place it back in the oven for 5-10 minutes at 350°F (175°C), or until the cheese is melted and the bread is warm. You can also use a toaster oven for quicker reheating.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Quick and easy to prepare, making it perfect for last-minute meals or snacks.
- Versatile, delicious, and satisfying as a side dish or appetizer.
- Crispy, cheesy, and bursting with flavor—sure to please everyone in the family.
- Customizable with different cheeses or seasonings to suit your taste.
Conclusion:
Garlic cheese bread is a delicious and indulgent treat that is always a hit at the table. Its golden, crispy crust, melted cheese, and savory garlic flavor make it an irresistible addition to any meal. Whether you’re serving it with pasta or enjoying it on its own, this recipe is sure to become a go-to favorite. Plus, it’s so simple to make, you’ll want to whip it up again and again!
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use any type of bread for garlic cheese bread?
Yes! While French bread is ideal for its texture, you can use any type of bread such as baguette, ciabatta, or even sourdough. - Can I freeze garlic cheese bread?
Yes, you can freeze the bread before baking. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil and store it in the freezer for up to 1 month. Bake directly from the freezer when ready to eat. - What cheese is best for garlic cheese bread?
Mozzarella and Parmesan are the most common choices, but you can use any cheese that melts well, such as cheddar, provolone, or a cheese blend. - How can I make garlic cheese bread spicier?
Add red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the garlic butter mixture for a spicy kick. - Can I make garlic cheese bread ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the bread and refrigerate it before baking. Just pop it in the oven when you’re ready to serve. - Can I add herbs to the garlic butter?
Absolutely! Fresh or dried herbs such as rosemary, thyme, or basil can be added to enhance the flavor. - Can I use vegan butter and cheese?
Yes! Substitute vegan butter and plant-based cheese for a dairy-free version of garlic cheese bread. - Why is my garlic bread soggy?
If the bread is too soft or soggy, try reducing the amount of butter or garlic mixture, and make sure the bread is toasted until crispy before adding the cheese. - Can I broil garlic cheese bread instead of baking it?
Yes! Broiling for 2-3 minutes after baking will give it a nice golden top, but be careful not to burn it. - Can I use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic?
You can use garlic powder as a substitute, but fresh garlic will give a more robust and aromatic flavor.