Garlic cheese bread is simple, fast, and full of flavor. It’s great as a snack, side dish, or something to share. You get crispy bread, melted cheese, and a strong garlic taste that makes each bite satisfying.
Why We Love This Garlic Cheese Bread Recipe
You’ll love this recipe because it combines everything great about comfort food. It’s warm, crunchy, savory, and cheesy—just the way garlic bread should be. The olive oil base soaks beautifully into the bread, while the garlic and herbs bring vibrant flavor in every bite. Add two types of cheese, and you have something irresistibly delicious.
What makes it even better is how quick and easy it is. You only need a few ingredients and 15 minutes to go from pantry to plate. No kneading, rising, or special equipment is required. This is the kind of recipe that becomes a staple in your kitchen because it’s just that good. Plus, it’s versatile—you can serve it with pasta, soup, salad, or even on its own.
Ingredients for Garlic Cheese Bread Recipe
This recipe uses simple, accessible ingredients you probably already have. What makes it special is the way they work together to create a rich, garlicky flavor with just the right texture.
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- 6 garlic cloves, grated or finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped (plus more for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon chives, finely chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 loaf French bread (16 ounces), cut in half lengthwise
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup shredded Parmigiano Reggiano
How to Make Garlic Cheese Bread Directions
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F and lining a large baking sheet with parchment paper. This helps keep cleanup easy and ensures your bread gets crispy on the bottom without sticking.
In a small mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, grated garlic, parsley, chives, and salt. Whisk everything together so the herbs and garlic are well blended into the oil. This mixture is what will soak into the bread and give it that signature garlicky punch.
Take your French bread and slice it in half lengthwise so you have two long halves. Place them cut-side up on the prepared baking sheet. Use a spoon to spread the garlic herb oil evenly over the surface of each half. Make sure to cover all the edges so every bite has flavor.
Once the oil is spread, sprinkle the mozzarella cheese evenly across both halves. Then add the shredded Parmigiano Reggiano for an extra burst of sharp, nutty flavor. The combination of these two cheeses makes for a perfect melt and rich taste.
Bake the bread in the oven for about 10 minutes. You’re looking for the cheese to be melted and bubbly, and the edges of the bread to become golden brown and crisp. The smell will let you know it’s ready. Keep an eye on it toward the end to avoid overbaking.
When it’s done, take the baking sheet out and let the bread cool for a minute. Slice each half into 8 smaller pieces. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley, and it’s ready to serve. The result is crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and covered in melted, garlicky cheese.
How to Serve Garlic Cheese Bread
You can serve garlic cheese bread in many ways. It pairs beautifully with pasta dishes, especially ones with red sauce like spaghetti or lasagna. The cheesy, garlicky bread complements tomato-based dishes perfectly. It also works well as a side for soups, especially creamy or broth-based ones.
If you’re hosting a get-together, slice it into bite-size portions and serve it as an appetizer. It’s also perfect for dipping into marinara or a creamy dip. You can even enjoy it on its own as a savory snack or quick lunch with a side salad. No matter how you serve it, this bread brings bold flavor and comforting texture.
Expert Tips: Garlic Cheese Bread
- Use fresh garlic: It makes a big difference in flavor. Grating it helps release its oils and gives stronger taste than pre-minced garlic.
- Go for a good loaf: A quality French bread with a crisp crust and soft interior works best. Avoid overly soft sandwich loaves.
- Control your oven: Every oven heats a little differently, so check the bread around 8 minutes. You want melted cheese and golden edges.
- Chop herbs fine: Finely chopped parsley and chives mix better into the oil and spread more evenly across the bread.
- Serve immediately: This bread is best fresh from the oven. The longer it sits, the more it loses its crispness and melt.
How to Store Garlic Cheese Bread
If you have leftovers, let them cool completely before storing. Place the slices in an airtight container and keep them in the refrigerator for 2 to 3 days.
To reheat, use your oven or air fryer instead of a microwave. Toasting it again helps bring back the crispness and remelt the cheese. Just set your oven to a low heat and warm until the cheese is soft again and the edges are slightly crisp. Avoid overheating, which can dry the bread out.
Variation of Garlic Cheese Bread
You can change this recipe in many ways to fit your tastes or use what you have. Try adding a touch of crushed red pepper flakes to the olive oil mixture for a little heat. You can also use different cheeses—cheddar, provolone, or Monterey Jack all melt well and bring unique flavors.
For an extra layer of flavor, spread a thin layer of tomato sauce or pesto under the cheese before baking. Or, for a more intense herb flavor, add Italian seasoning or oregano to the oil mix.
You can also turn this into a full meal by topping the bread with sliced tomatoes, sautéed mushrooms, or cooked chicken before baking. These additions make it heartier while keeping all the original flavor.
FAQ about Garlic Cheese Bread Recipe
Can I use a different kind of bread? Yes, you can use ciabatta, sourdough, or even a baguette. Just make sure it’s firm enough to hold the toppings.
Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh? Fresh herbs give the best flavor, but you can use dried ones if needed. Use about one-third the amount.
Is this recipe freezer-friendly? You can freeze the unbaked bread after topping it. Wrap it tightly and freeze. When ready, bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Can I make this ahead of time? You can prep it ahead by assembling the bread and refrigerating it. Just bake it when ready to serve.
What can I serve this with? Garlic cheese bread pairs well with pasta, soup, salad, or roasted vegetables. It also works great as an appetizer or party snack.
Garlic Cheese Bread
Ingredients
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- 6 cloves garlic (grated or finely chopped)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (finely chopped, plus more for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon chives (finely chopped)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 loaf French bread (16 ounces, cut in half lengthwise)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup shredded Parmigiano Reggiano
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a small mixing bowl, combine olive oil, grated garlic, parsley, chives, and salt. Whisk together.
- Place the French bread cut-side up on the baking sheet. Spread the garlic herb oil evenly over each half.
- Sprinkle mozzarella cheese across both halves, then add Parmigiano Reggiano on top.
- Bake for about 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the edges of the bread are golden brown.
- Let cool for a minute, then slice into pieces and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
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