Cheesy Garlic Bread Recipe

Introduction

Cheesy garlic bread is a delightful, crowd-pleasing appetizer or side that combines rich, buttery garlic flavor with bubbly, melted cheese on crisp, toasted Italian bread. This easy recipe brings together mozzarella and Parmesan for the perfect cheesy topping you’ll want to savor every time.

Ingredients

• 8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter, preferably European or Kerrygold
• 1 (8-ounce) loaf unsliced Italian bread
• 2 medium scallions
• 5 cloves garlic
• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon granulated sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• 3 ounces low-moisture shredded mozzarella cheese
• 3 ounces Parmesan cheese

Instructions

1. Step 1: Place the unsalted butter in a small bowl and let it sit at room temperature until softened.
2. Step 2: Arrange a rack in the middle of the oven and preheat to 425ºF. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil.
3. Step 3: Using a serrated knife, cut the loaf of Italian bread in half horizontally. Then halve each half crosswise to make 4 pieces. Arrange the pieces cut-side up on the prepared baking sheet.
4. Step 4: Thinly slice the scallions. Reserve 1 tablespoon of the dark green parts for garnish, then add the rest to the softened butter.
5. Step 5: Mince the garlic cloves and add them to the butter mixture.
6. Step 6: Add mayonnaise, garlic powder, black pepper, granulated sugar, and kosher salt to the butter bowl. Smash and stir all ingredients together until well combined and spreadable.
7. Step 7: Spread the garlic butter evenly over the cut sides of the bread pieces.
8. Step 8: Grate the mozzarella on the large holes of a box grater and the Parmesan on the small holes. Toss the cheeses together in a bowl and sprinkle them evenly over the garlic buttered bread.
9. Step 9: Bake in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and browned in spots.
10. Step 10: Remove from the oven and garnish with the reserved scallion greens before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For extra crispiness, broil the bread for 1-2 minutes at the end, watching closely to prevent burning.
• Substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a tangier garlic spread.
• Add red pepper flakes to the butter mixture for a mild spicy kick.
• Use fresh herbs like parsley or thyme in addition to scallions for added brightness.

Storage

Store leftover cheesy garlic bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat in a toaster oven or regular oven at 350ºF until warmed through and crisp. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the bread soggy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use pre-sliced bread for this recipe?

While unsliced Italian bread works best for a thick, hearty base, you can use pre-sliced bread. Just keep in mind thinner slices may burn faster and will require shorter baking time.

Can I prepare the garlic butter ahead of time?

Yes, the garlic butter spread can be made a day ahead and stored covered in the refrigerator. Bring it to room temperature before spreading on the bread for easiest application.

Cheesy Garlic Bread Recipe

---

★★★★★

4.5 from 77 reviews

• Author: Mariam
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

Pin Recipe

Print Recipe

Description

A deliciously rich and cheesy garlic bread featuring a creamy garlic butter spread topped with a blend of mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, baked to golden perfection and garnished with fresh scallions. Perfect as an appetizer or side dish for any Italian-inspired meal.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Butter Spread

• 8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter, preferably European or Kerrygold
• 2 medium scallions
• 5 cloves garlic
• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon granulated sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt

Bread and Cheese

• 1 (8-ounce) loaf unsliced Italian bread
• 3 ounces low-moisture shredded mozzarella cheese (about 1 cup)
• 3 ounces Parmesan cheese (about 1 cup)

---

Instructions

1. Soften the butter: Place the unsalted butter in a small bowl and allow it to soften at room temperature, making it easier to mix with the other ingredients.
2. Preheat the oven and prepare the baking sheet: Arrange a rack in the center of the oven and preheat to 425ºF (220ºC). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
3. Slice the bread: Cut the Italian bread loaf horizontally in half using a serrated knife. Then cut each half crosswise into two pieces, resulting in four pieces total. Arrange the bread pieces on the lined baking sheet with the cut sides facing up.
4. Prepare the scallions and garlic: Thinly slice the scallions and set aside 1 tablespoon of the dark green parts for garnish. Add the remaining scallions and minced garlic cloves to the softened butter.
5. Make the garlic butter spread: Add mayonnaise, garlic powder, black pepper, sugar, and kosher salt to the butter mixture. Smash and stir everything together until well combined into a creamy, spreadable paste.
6. Spread butter on the bread: Evenly spread the garlic butter mixture onto the cut sides of each bread piece, ensuring generous coverage for flavor.
7. Prepare the cheese blend: Grate the mozzarella cheese using the large holes of a box grater and the Parmesan cheese using the small holes. Combine both cheeses in a medium bowl and toss to mix evenly.
8. Top the bread with cheese: Sprinkle the combined cheeses evenly over the garlic buttered bread pieces.
9. Bake the bread: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for about 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and browned in spots.
10. Garnish and serve: Remove the bread from the oven and sprinkle with the reserved scallion greens for a fresh finish. Serve warm.

Notes

• Use high-quality European butter for a richer flavor.
• Mayonnaise in the spread adds creaminess and helps keep the bread moist.
• Low-moisture mozzarella is recommended to achieve that desirable melty texture without excess water.
• Adjust garlic and seasoning quantities to your preference.
• Serve immediately for best texture and flavor.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Keywords: Cheesy Garlic Bread, Italian Bread, Garlic Butter Bread, Mozzarella Parmesan Bread, Easy Appetizer, Baked Garlic Bread