Garlic cheese bread is the ultimate comfort food – a golden, crispy French loaf topped with a buttery garlic spread, herbs, and gooey melted cheese. Whether served as a side for pasta, a party appetizer, or a late-night snack, this easy-to-make recipe is always a hit. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you can have a warm, cheesy, flavorful loaf ready in under 15 minutes. If you’ve been searching for the perfect garlic cheese bread that’s both simple and irresistible, this recipe will quickly become your go-to favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Garlic Cheese Bread
- Ideal for any gathering: Enjoy it as a side dish, appetizer, or casual snack.
- Always a favorite: Loved by both kids and adults alike.
- Quick and easy: Ready in under 15 minutes.
- Irresistible flavor: A perfect blend of garlic, herbs, and two kinds of cheese.
- Customizable: Adjust herbs or cheeses based on your preference.
Ingredients
- 1 loaf of French bread
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cloves fresh garlic, pressed or finely minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, shredded
Step-by-Step: How to Make Garlic Cheese Bread
- Preheat your oven: Warm it up to 425°F (220°C) before starting.
- Cut the loaf: Slice the French bread in half lengthwise.
- Make the garlic butter: In a small bowl, mix the softened butter with garlic, salt, oregano, basil, and thyme until smooth and well-combined.
- Spread generously: Evenly spread the garlic butter mixture over the cut sides of the bread.
- First bake: Place the bread on a baking sheet and bake for about 5 minutes, or until the edges start to turn golden brown.
- Add the cheese: Remove the bread from the oven and sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly over each half.
- Final bake: Return to the oven and bake for another 3 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
- Party-ready: Cut into bite-sized pieces for a simple appetizer option.
Helpful Tips
- Soften the butter: Room-temperature butter blends easily with garlic and herbs.
- Don’t overbake: Keep an eye on the bread to prevent burning the edges.
- Try broiling: For a crispier top, broil the bread for 1-2 minutes after the final bake.
- Add some heat: Sprinkle in red pepper flakes for a touch of spice.
Substitutions and Variations
- Bread: Use ciabatta or sourdough for a different texture.
- Cheese: Swap mozzarella for cheddar, provolone, or a blend for extra flavor.
- Herbs: Fresh parsley or chives can replace dried herbs for a fresh taste.
- Spicy kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Vegan option: Use dairy-free butter and vegan cheese.
Storage Instructions
- Short-term storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- Refrigerator: Wrap tightly and refrigerate for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Wrap each piece in foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat properly in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.
Nutritional Information
Per serving (1 piece):
- Calories: 188 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Protein: 8g
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Cholesterol: 26mg
- Sodium: 459mg
- Fiber: 1g
- Calcium: 119mg
- Iron: 2mg
Serving Suggestions
- Pair it with spaghetti, lasagna, or fettuccine Alfredo for an Italian feast.
- Serve alongside soups or stews for a comforting meal.
- Slice into smaller pieces for an easy party appetizer.
- Add a drizzle of marinara or ranch for dipping.
Frequently Asked Questions About Garlic Cheese Bread
Can I prepare garlic cheese bread in advance?
Absolutely! Assemble it ahead of time and bake when ready to serve.
Can I use pre-shredded cheese?
Yes, but freshly shredded cheese melts more evenly and provides better texture.
What’s the best way to reheat garlic cheese bread?
Reheat in the oven at 350°F for a few minutes to keep it crispy and delicious. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the bread soggy.
Can I make this without an oven?
Yes! Use a toaster oven or a skillet with a lid on low heat to melt the cheese.
Conclusion
Thank you for trying out this garlic cheese bread recipe! It’s a personal favorite of mine because it’s so quick, flavorful, and versatile – perfect for weeknight dinners or special gatherings. I hope this warm, cheesy, garlicky loaf brings as much joy to your table as it does to mine. Happy cooking, and thank you for being part of our food-loving community. Enjoy every delicious bite!
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Garlic Cheese Bread
- Total Time: 13 minutes
- Yield: 12 slices 1x
Description
This Garlic Cheese Bread is the perfect blend of buttery garlic spread, herbs, and melted cheese on crispy French bread. Quick, easy, and loved by everyone, it’s the ultimate side dish for pasta dinners, soups, or as a crowd-pleasing appetizer.
Ingredients
1 loaf French bread
1/3 cup unsalted butter, softened
3 cloves garlic, pressed or finely minced
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp dried oregano
1/2 tsp dried basil
1/2 tsp dried thyme
1 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, shredded
Instructions
- Preheat your oven: Warm it up to 425°F (220°C) before starting.
- Cut the loaf: Slice the French bread in half lengthwise.
- Make the garlic butter: In a small bowl, mix the softened butter with garlic, salt, oregano, basil, and thyme until smooth and well-combined.
- Spread generously: Evenly spread the garlic butter mixture over the cut sides of the bread.
- First bake: Place the bread on a baking sheet and bake for about 5 minutes, or until the edges start to turn golden brown.
- Add the cheese: Remove the bread from the oven and sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly over each half.
- Final bake: Return to the oven and bake for another 3 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
- Party-ready: Cut into bite-sized pieces for a simple appetizer option.
Notes
Use fresh garlic for the best flavor.
Add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
For extra crispiness, broil for 1–2 minutes at the end.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 188 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Protein: 8g