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Easy Cheesy Garlic Bread

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The first time I made Easy Cheesy Garlic Bread, I was trying to recreate a memory. As a kid, I would watch in awe as my grandmother prepared a loaf, slathering it generously with buttery garlic spread and piling on handfuls of cheese. The moment it hit the oven, the entire house would fill with an irresistible aroma—one that meant comfort, warmth, and the anticipation of that first cheesy, garlicky bite.

Crispy cheesy garlic bread slices with a golden brown cheese topping, garnished with fresh parsley.

There’s something magical about Easy Cheesy Garlic Bread—it’s both simple and indulgent, the kind of dish that turns any meal into something special. Whether paired with a cozy pasta dinner or served as an appetizer for a gathering, this golden, crispy delight is always a hit. In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to make the best homemade version of this classic favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Cheesy Garlic Bread

  • Quick and Easy: Ready in under 20 minutes with minimal effort.
  • Irresistibly Cheesy: A perfect blend of mozzarella and Colby Jack cheese for that ultimate pull.
  • Crispy Yet Soft: Crunchy crust with a soft, buttery center.
  • Perfect for Any Occasion: Great for parties, family dinners, or as a comforting snack.
  • Highly Customizable: Add herbs, different cheeses, or spice it up with jalapeños!

First-by-First Guide to Making the Best Cheesy Garlic Bread

First: Gather Your Ingredients

To make the best homemade cheesy garlic bread, you’ll need:

  • French bread (or Italian bread)
  • Butter, softened
  • Garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 cup Colby Jack cheese, shredded
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Freshly baked cheesy garlic bread with golden melted cheese and parsley on a baking sheet.

Second: Prepare the Bread

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Slice the bread lengthwise and place both halves on a baking sheet.
  3. In a bowl, mix softened butter, garlic powder, minced garlic, and Italian seasoning until well combined.
  4. Spread the garlic butter mixture evenly on both halves of the bread.
  5. Sprinkle Colby Jack and mozzarella cheese generously on top.

Third: Bake and Serve

  1. Place the prepared bread in the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
  2. For extra crispiness, broil the bread for 1-2 minutes until the cheese gets a golden brown color.
  3. Remove from the oven, let it cool for a minute, then sprinkle fresh parsley on top.
  4. Slice and serve warm!

Tips for Making the Best Easy Cheesy Garlic Bread

  • Use fresh garlic instead of garlic powder for a more intense flavor.
  • Don’t skimp on butter—it helps create that rich, creamy texture.
  • Mix cheeses for a more complex flavor. Mozzarella melts well, but adding Parmesan gives it a sharp taste.
  • Broil at the end for a crispier, golden cheese topping.
  • For a spicier kick, add red pepper flakes or jalapeños.

If you’re looking for another cheesy delight, try this Philly Cheesesteak Pizza Recipe for a delicious twist on a classic favorite.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Preparing Cheesy Garlic Bread

1. Using the Wrong Bread

Avoid using soft sandwich bread. Instead, opt for French or Italian bread to achieve that perfect crispy crust.

2. Overbaking

Baking too long can dry out the bread. Stick to 12-15 minutes, and use the broil function at the end to get the perfect crisp.

3. Skipping Fresh Herbs

Fresh parsley or basil enhances flavor and adds color. Don’t skip this finishing touch!

4. Not Spreading Butter Evenly

Unevenly spread butter can lead to some dry bites. Make sure to coat the entire surface of the bread.

For another comforting dish, check out this Crockpot Beef and Noodles Recipe—perfect for pairing with your cheesy garlic bread!

FAQs About Easy Cheesy Garlic Bread

Q: What is the best cheese for garlic bread?

A: Mozzarella and Colby Jack melt beautifully, but you can also use Parmesan, cheddar, or provolone for extra flavor.

Q: Can I make cheesy garlic bread ahead of time?

A: Yes! Prepare the bread with butter and cheese, then freeze it. When ready to eat, bake at 400°F for about 15-18 minutes.

Q: How do I make garlic bread crispier?

A: Broil it for 1-2 minutes at the end or use a baking stone for even heat distribution.

Q: Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

A: Absolutely! Use gluten-free bread and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.

Q: How do I store and reheat leftovers?

A: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for a day or in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in an oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes or in an air fryer at 375°F for 3-4 minutes.

For a heartier meal option, you might love this Easy Cracker Barrel Meatloaf Recipe—a comforting classic that pairs well with garlic bread!

Cheesy garlic bread slices with gooey, stretchy melted cheese and fresh herbs on a baking tray.

Conclusion

Making Easy Cheesy Garlic Bread at home is simple, quick, and rewarding. With a crispy crust, buttery garlic flavor, and gooey cheese, this dish is sure to impress your family and guests.

Ready to try it? Make this recipe today and let us know how it turns out! Don’t forget to share your creations on social media and tag us for a chance to be featured. Happy baking!

Print

Easy Cheesy Garlic Bread Recipe

This Easy Cheesy Garlic Bread is a buttery, cheesy delight with a crispy crust and soft center. It’s perfect as a side for pasta, soups, or even as a snack. Loaded with mozzarella and Colby Jack, it’s irresistibly cheesy and incredibly simple to make.

  • Author: Julia Child
  • Prep Time: 5mins
  • Cook Time: 15mins
  • Total Time: 20mins
  • Yield: 12 slices
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian-American

Ingredients

  • Bread:
    • 1 loaf French bread (or Italian bread)
  • Garlic Butter Spread:
    • 1/2 cup salted butter, softened
    • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
    • 3 garlic cloves, minced
    • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Cheese Topping:
    • 1 cup Colby Jack cheese, shredded
    • 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • Garnish:
    • Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Slice the bread lengthwise and place both halves on a baking sheet.
  3. Prepare the garlic butter spread by mixing softened butter, garlic powder, minced garlic, and Italian seasoning in a bowl.
  4. Spread the garlic butter evenly over both halves of the bread.
  5. Top with cheese, sprinkling Colby Jack and mozzarella generously over the bread.
  6. Bake for 12-15 minutes until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
  7. Broil for 1-2 minutes for a crispy, golden cheese topping.
  8. Remove from oven, garnish with parsley, then slice and serve warm.

Notes

For extra flavor, add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick or swap Colby Jack with Parmesan for a sharper taste. This bread pairs perfectly with pasta, soups, or as a game-day snack!

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12 slices
  • Calories: ~237 kcal
  • Sugar: ~1g
  • Sodium: ~364mg
  • Fat: ~14g
  • Saturated Fat: ~8g
  • Unsaturated Fat: ~6g
  • Trans Fat: ~0g
  • Carbohydrates: ~20g
  • Fiber: ~1g
  • Protein: 9g
  • Cholesterol: ~38mg

Keywords: Easy Cheesy Garlic Bread, homemade garlic bread, cheesy garlic toast, buttery garlic bread, crispy garlic bread

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