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I’m here to share my favorite homemade garlic bread recipe. This cheese garlic bread is a crowd-pleaser that’ll make your mouth water. It’s an easy garlic bread recipe perfect for any meal.
Using either Italian bread or French bread, this dish combines soft, buttery goodness with a crispy crust. The blend of melted cheese and garlic creates a flavor explosion. It’s ready in less than 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights or impromptu gatherings.
Let’s dive into this cheesy, garlicky masterpiece that’ll have everyone asking for seconds!
Exact Ingredients List (+ Possible Substitutes)
I love making cheesy garlic bread, and I’ve perfected my recipe over time. Let’s dive into the garlic bread ingredients you’ll need. For the base, grab a 14-ounce loaf of French or Italian bread.
The butter garlic spread is key. Mix 1/4 cup softened salted butter with 2 tablespoons olive oil and 1 tablespoon minced garlic. If you’re out of fresh garlic, 1 teaspoon of granulated garlic works too.
Now for the cheese blend for garlic bread. I use a mix of 1 1/4 cups shredded mozzarella and 1/3 cup finely shredded Parmesan. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper to taste.
Add 1 tablespoon of finely chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
- Swap mozzarella for cheddar, provolone, or muenster
- Use dried parsley instead of fresh
- Add 1/4 cup Italian dressing for extra flavor
With these garlic bread ingredients, you’re all set to create a delicious, cheesy masterpiece. It’ll have everyone asking for seconds!
Instructions
Let’s start making the cheesy garlic bread. First, I heat my oven to 400°F. Then, I slice a loaf of bread and put it on a baking sheet.
This step is key for making the bread crispy outside and soft inside.
Next, I mix butter, olive oil, minced garlic, and seasonings in a bowl. This mix makes the garlic bread taste amazing. I spread it on both sides of the bread, making sure it covers every inch.
To keep the bread moist, I cover it with foil and bake for 10 minutes. Then, I take off the foil and sprinkle lots of cheese on top. I put it back in the oven for 5-6 minutes without the foil.
For a golden-brown look, I sometimes broil the bread for 1-2 minutes. I watch it closely so it doesn’t burn. Finally, I add fresh parsley on top, slice, and serve it warm and gooey.
- Preheat oven to 400°F
- Slice bread and place on baking sheet
- Mix and spread garlic-butter mixture
- Bake wrapped in foil for 10 minutes
- Add cheese and bake uncovered for 5-6 minutes
- Optional: Broil for 1-2 minutes
- Garnish, slice, and serve warm
This method makes sure your cheesy garlic bread has great flavors and textures. The foil keeps the bread soft, and the uncovered bake makes the top crispy and cheesy.
Tips, Tricks & Storing
I love using fresh garlic and shredding my own cheese for the best flavor in my garlic bread. French bread is my top pick because it has a crispy crust and a soft inside. It’s great for soaking up the garlicky taste!
For storing garlic bread, I keep leftovers in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If I want to keep it longer, freezing is a good choice. I can freeze it for up to 3 months without losing its quality.
Reheating garlic bread is simple. I wrap it in foil and bake at 350°F until it’s warm. It takes about 10 minutes for cold bread and 15-20 minutes for frozen. If I’m in a rush, I use the microwave at 40% power, covered, for about a minute.
To prep ahead, I put the bread together, slice it, and freeze for 40 minutes. Then, I put the slices in a freezer bag. This makes sure I always have tasty garlic bread ready to eat!
“Fresh ingredients and proper storage are the secrets to amazing garlic bread every time.”
- Use fresh garlic and cheese
- Choose French bread for best results
- Store properly for maximum freshness
- Reheat gently to maintain texture
Recipe Variations & Serving Suggestions
I love trying new things with garlic bread. You can mix sharp cheddar or smoked gouda with the cheese for more taste. Add dried oregano or fresh basil for a Mediterranean flavor. Sun-dried tomatoes or sliced olives can also add a lot of taste.
Looking for something to go with garlic bread? It’s great with pasta like spaghetti or lasagna. I like it with tomato or minestrone soup too. For an Italian meal, pair it with chicken parmesan or baked ziti. Don’t forget to serve marinara sauce on the side!
Garlic bread isn’t just for Italian food. It’s perfect with salads for a light lunch or at a barbecue. For a healthier choice, use butter and olive oil together instead of just butter. This cheesy garlic bread is always a big hit at dinner.