Extra Cheesy Garlic Bread

Extra Cheesy Garlic Bread

There’s a reason the smell of melting garlic butter and bubbling cheese can stop a conversation mid-sentence: it’s irresistible. Picture warm, crusty bread pulled from the oven, a glossy, aromatic garlic butter soaking into each crevice, and a gooey, pull-apart crown of mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan stretching from slice to slice. The first bite greets you with a crisp edge, a soft center, and a rich, savory finish that’s both comforting and celebratory.

This recipe is perfect for cozy family dinners, impromptu movie nights, potlucks, or any time you want a crowd-pleasing side with minimal fuss. It also makes mornings glow if you want to transform leftover bread into a decadent brunch treat. If you enjoy variations on cheesy loaves, check out this take on cheesy bread for another quick option: simple cheesy bread with herbs and butter.

At a Glance

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes (plus optional broil)
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Servings: 8
• Difficulty Level: Easy

Nutrition Highlights

Estimated nutrition per serving (1 of 8 servings). These values are estimates calculated using standard ingredient weights and USDA FoodData Central reference data and should be used as a guideline only.

• Calories: 394 kcal
• Protein: 16 g
• Carbohydrates: 26 g
• Fat: 25 g
  • Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Fiber: ~1.5 g
• Sodium: ~570 mg

Notes on the numbers: values were derived from USDA FoodData Central ingredient entries for bread, butter, cheeses, and olive oil and reflect the recipe as written (1 large loaf, 1/2 cup butter, 1.5 cups mozzarella, 1 cup cheddar, 1/2 cup Parmesan). For personalized dietary advice, consult a registered dietitian or trusted health resources such as the CDC or Mayo Clinic.

Why You’ll Love It

• Big, comforting flavor: Garlic and butter create a cozy, mouthwatering base; three cheeses add depth, creaminess, and a perfect golden crust.
• Crowd-pleasing and shareable: It’s simple to scale up for parties and always disappears fast.
• Fast and low-effort: From prep to table in about 25 minutes—ideal for weeknight dinners or as an accompaniment to soups, salads, or pasta.
• Versatile: Easy to tweak for dietary needs or to match the mood—add herbs, heat, or protein for variety.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Ingredients:

• 1 large loaf French or Italian Bread
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) Unsalted Butter, softened
• 4 cloves Garlic, minced
• 1 1/2 cups Mozzarella Cheese, shredded
• 1 cup Cheddar Cheese, shredded
• 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese, grated
• 2 tablespoons Fresh Parsley, chopped
• 1/4 teaspoon Salt
• 1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper
• 1 tablespoon Olive Oil

Optional ingredients and substitutions:

• Swap unsalted butter for salted butter (reduce added salt).
• Use a gluten-free loaf to make it gluten-free.
• For a lighter version, use reduced-fat cheeses (note: texture and browning will change).
• Vegan option: plant-based butter and vegan shredded cheeses.
• Add-ons: chopped cooked bacon, sliced jalapeños, roasted red peppers, or sun-dried tomatoes.

Directions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine softened butter, minced garlic, olive oil, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix until evenly combined but don’t overwhip—the mixture should be spreadable and not too whipped.
3. Slice the bread in half lengthwise and place it cut side up on the prepared baking sheet.
4. Spread the garlic butter mixture evenly across both halves of the bread, making sure to push some butter toward the edges.
5. Top the bread with mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan cheese, evenly distributed across both halves.
6. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. For a golden, slightly crisp top, broil for 1–2 minutes—watch very closely to avoid burning.
7. Remove from oven, sprinkle with more fresh parsley if desired, and let cool slightly (2–3 minutes) before slicing and serving.

Practical tips:

• If your bread is very fresh and soft, toast the cut sides lightly for 2–3 minutes before adding toppings to help prevent sogginess.
• When broiling, keep the oven door slightly ajar and stand nearby—cheese can go from golden to burnt in seconds.
• If using pre-shredded cheese, be aware it often contains anti-caking agents that can affect meltiness; freshly shredded cheese melts creamier.

Serving Suggestions

• Classic pairing: Serve alongside a steaming bowl of tomato soup or a simple marinara for dipping.
• As a side: Ideal with pasta (spaghetti, penne) or a green salad to balance richness.
• Snack or appetizer: Cut into thin slices for party platters — add a bowl of roasted garlic aioli or pesto for dipping.
• Breakfast twist: Top with a fried or soft-poached egg for a savory brunch.
• Beverage pairings: Pairs beautifully with a dry red wine (Chianti or Sangiovese), a crisp lager, or even a robust black tea or coffee for breakfast-style serving.

How to Store

• Room temperature: If kept covered (not airtight) to preserve crispness, best within the same day (same-day consumption recommended because of butter and cheese).
• Refrigeration: Place cooled leftovers in an airtight container or tightly wrapped in foil/plastic wrap; keep up to 3–4 days. Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 8–10 minutes for best texture.
• Freezer: Wrap tightly in foil and place in a freezer-safe bag or container; store up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in a low oven (350°F / 175°C) until warmed through, then broil 1–2 minutes to re-crisp.

Pro Tips & Tricks

• Choose your bread wisely: A denser, slightly stale loaf holds up better under cheese than an ultra-soft fresh loaf—French or Italian (ciabatta-style) works well.
• Cheese ratio: The mozzarella brings melt and stretch, cheddar adds sharpness, and Parmesan gives a nutty, savory crust—don’t skip the three-way mix for the best flavor complexity.
• Prevent sogginess: Lightly toast the cut sides for a minute before applying butter if the crumb is very soft. Also, room-temperature butter spreads more evenly.
• Even heating: Let the bread come to room temperature if it was refrigerated; this ensures even baking and prevents the center from staying too cool.
• Doneness cues: Look for bubbling cheese and lightly browned edges—when the mozzarella pulls easily and the Parmesan spots are golden, it’s ready.

Delicious Variations

• Spicy Jalapeño Cheesy Garlic Bread: Add 1–2 thinly sliced jalapeños plus a sprinkle of red chili flakes to the cheese layer. Top with cilantro instead of parsley.
• Bacon & Herb: Fold 4–6 slices of cooked, chopped bacon into the garlic butter and add a teaspoon of chopped fresh rosemary.
• Vegan Version: Replace butter with vegan butter, use vegan shredded Mozzarella-style and Parmesan-style cheeses, and confirm bread is egg/dairy-free.
• Mediterranean Twist: Use feta and shredded mozzarella, top with chopped kalamata olives and sun-dried tomatoes, and finish with oregano.
• Herb and Lemon Brightness: Add 1 teaspoon lemon zest to the butter and increase parsley to 3 tablespoons for a fresher finish.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Assemble the bread up to the point of baking, wrap tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake from cold, adding an extra minute or two if needed.

Q: My bread turned soggy—how do I fix it?
A: Reheat in a 350°F oven directly on the rack for 8–10 minutes to help crisp the bottom, then broil briefly to re-brown the top.

Q: What cheese swap works if I don’t have Parmesan?
A: Pecorino Romano or Asiago are good substitutes; they’re salty and flavorful—reduce added salt slightly if using these.

Q: Can I halve the recipe?
A: Yes — reduce ingredient amounts proportionally and use a smaller loaf or a half-loaf.

Q: Is there a way to make this healthier?
A: Use part-skim mozzarella and reduced-fat cheddar, reduce butter slightly, or serve smaller portions alongside a large salad to balance the meal.

Conclusion

If you’re craving comfort with a golden, cheesy pull-apart finish, this Extra Cheesy Garlic Bread delivers every time—fast, forgiving, and endlessly adaptable. For more inspiration and a slightly different take on cheesy loaves, check out this alternate recipe at Salt & Lavender’s Extra Cheesy Garlic Bread and this classic version on Food.com’s Extra Cheesy Garlic Bread Recipe. Try it tonight, share your results, and join the conversation—I’d love to hear your favorite twist.