Cheesy garlic bread is a beloved treat that pairs perfectly with many meals. Its rich, buttery flavor combines with crispy edges and gooey cheese, making it nearly irresistible. Whether you’re enjoying a cozy family dinner, having friends over for movie night, or just want a comforting snack, cheesy garlic bread is sure to please everyone. This recipe is easy to follow and results in a dish that is both satisfying and delicious.
WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE
This cheesy garlic bread recipe is simple and quick to make, perfect for cooks of all skill levels. You will love how the warm, melty cheese blends with the rich garlic flavor. The texture is perfect: crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. This bread is also great for sharing, making it a popular choice for gatherings. Plus, it uses common ingredients that you likely already have in your kitchen. Each bite is bursting with flavor, ensuring that this cheesy garlic bread will become a favorite in your home.
HOW TO MAKE BEST CHEESY GARLIC BREAD
Making cheesy garlic bread is a straightforward process that can be broken down into simple steps. You start with roasting garlic, preparing garlic butter, and then putting everything together.
EQUIPMENT NEEDED
- Baking dish
- Mixing bowl
- Oven
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Spoon or spatula
- Aluminum foil (optional)
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 8-10 garlic cloves
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Pinch of salt
- Roasted garlic from above
- ½ cup butter, melted (113g)
- 1 egg
- ¼ cup milk (60g)
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp paprika
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- 12 King’s Hawaiian Original Hawaiian Sheet Rolls, kept in the full sheet form (or replace with a French baguette of similar size)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Chopped parsley and chili flakes for serving
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS
Roasted Garlic
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Take the garlic cloves and peel them, leaving them whole.
- Drizzle 2 tbsp of olive oil over the garlic cloves in a small baking dish. Sprinkle a pinch of salt.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil to keep in the moisture.
- Bake in the oven for about 20-30 minutes or until the garlic is soft and golden brown.
- Once done, let it cool. You can squeeze the roasted garlic out of the skins, and it’s ready to use.
Garlic Butter Custard
- In a mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, roasted garlic, and use a fork to mash the garlic into the butter.
- Add in the egg, milk, ½ tsp salt, paprika, and chopped parsley. Whisk the mixture together until it’s smooth and well blended.
Assembly
- Take your Hawaiian rolls or baguette and slice it down the middle. Keep the bread halves connected.
- Open the bread and spread the garlic butter mixture evenly on each half.
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the garlic butter.
- Preheat the oven again to 375°F (190°C).
- Place the prepared garlic bread on a baking sheet and bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Once baked, take the bread out of the oven. Let it sit for a few minutes before serving.
HOW TO SERVE BEST CHEESY GARLIC BREAD
Cheesy garlic bread is best served warm. You can cut it into pieces or let everyone pull apart their own sections. It pairs well with pasta dishes, soups, and salads. You might also want to sprinkle additional chopped parsley and chili flakes on top for extra flavor and a pop of color. This is a great party food, and you can serve it as a side or a snack.
STORAGE & FREEZING: BEST CHEESY GARLIC BREAD
If you have leftovers, you can store cheesy garlic bread in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through. For longer storage, you can freeze the bread. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil before placing it in the freezer. It will keep well for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS
Cheesy garlic bread can be served alongside various dishes. It goes wonderfully with:
- Spaghetti and meatballs
- Creamy Alfredo pasta
- Tomato soup
- Grilled chicken
- Salad with vinaigrette
Feel free to get creative! It also makes a great snack on its own or as part of a charcuterie board.
VARIATIONS
If you want to change things up, here are a few variations to try:
- Add herbs: Mix in different herbs, like oregano or basil, to the garlic butter for varied flavors.
- Spicy twist: Incorporate some diced jalapeños or crushed red pepper for a spicy kick.
- Cheese options: Use a mix of different cheeses such as cheddar, gouda, or pepper jack for unique taste combinations.
- Stuffed garlic bread: Instead of plain mozzarella, add extras like sautéed spinach or cooked sausage before baking.
- Vegan version: Replace butter with plant-based butter or olive oil, and use vegan cheese and egg substitutes.
FAQs
1. Can I use granulated garlic instead of fresh garlic?
Yes, you can substitute granulated garlic for fresh garlic. Use 1 teaspoon of granulated garlic for every clove.
2. How do I know when the garlic bread is done?
The bread is done when the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden. The edges of the bread should also be crispy.
3. Can I prepare the garlic bread in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the garlic mixture and apply it to the bread a few hours in advance. Cover it and let it sit in the refrigerator until you are ready to bake it.
4. What can I do with leftover garlic bread?
You can use leftover garlic bread to make croutons. Just cut it into cubes and bake until crispy, or enjoy it with a salad, or use it as a base for garlic bread pizza.
MAKE-AHEAD TIPS FOR BEST CHEESY GARLIC BREAD
To save time, you can prepare the roasted garlic and the garlic butter mixture a day before. Store them separately in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to enjoy cheesy garlic bread, assemble it by spreading the garlic butter on the bread and adding cheese, then bake as directed. This will allow you to serve a fresh and tasty dish without the hassle on the day of serving.
Enjoy this best cheesy garlic bread recipe with family and friends, and watch it disappear in no time!
This irresistible garlic bread is the perfect accompaniment to our creamy tomato garlic pasta recipe and creamy garlic parmesan chicken pasta for soaking up delicious sauces. It also pairs wonderfully with our Cajun sausage pasta and chicken bacon ranch pasta for any pasta night. For a complete Italian-inspired spread, serve it with our cowboy butter chicken linguine to create a restaurant-quality meal at home.
Cheesy Garlic Bread
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Take the garlic cloves and peel them, leaving them whole.
- Drizzle 2 tbsp of olive oil over the garlic cloves in a small baking dish. Sprinkle a pinch of salt.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil to keep in the moisture.
- Bake in the oven for about 20-30 minutes or until the garlic is soft and golden brown.
- Once done, let it cool. You can squeeze the roasted garlic out of the skins.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the melted butter and roasted garlic, mashing the garlic into the butter.
- Add in the egg, milk, ½ tsp salt, paprika, and chopped parsley. Whisk the mixture together until smooth.
- Take your Hawaiian rolls or baguette and slice it down the middle, keeping the halves connected.
- Open the bread and spread the garlic butter mixture evenly on each half.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the garlic butter.
- Preheat the oven again to 375°F (190°C).
- Place the garlic bread on a baking sheet and bake for about 15-20 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Let it sit for a few minutes before serving.