Garlic Bread With Cheese

Garlic bread with cheese is the one thing my family will never turn down at the table. This recipe guarantees a bubbling golden topping over fluffy loaf slices with melt-in-your-mouth flavor in every bite. There is nothing more comforting for gatherings or serving with your favorite pasta night.

I remember the first time I baked this for a potluck it was gone in five minutes flat friends were hovering at the oven waiting to nab the crispiest piece. The cheesy garlic aroma made the entire house feel inviting.

Ingredients

• French bread: one loaf about one pound this is your foundation look for a loaf with a crisp crust and soft inside
• Salted butter at room temperature: one stick ensures richness and helps the topping spread perfectly across the bread
• Fresh garlic: six cloves minced adds punchy bolder flavor use firm plump cloves for the best result
• Italian salad dressing: one quarter cup brings tang and moisture to balance out the richness any brand will work but choose one with herbs if possible
• Parmesan cheese grated: one quarter cup gives a nutty aged note go for a good quality wedge and grate it yourself for more flavor
• Mozzarella cheese shredded: three cups divided this is the gooey ingredient look for low moisture part skim for the best melt and stretch
• Fresh parsley for garnish: adds freshness and color chop just before sprinkling for peak flavor

Instructions

Mix the Garlic Butter:

In a large bowl combine softened butter minced garlic Italian dressing and one cup of mozzarella cheese. Stir until creamy and well blended making sure the garlic is evenly distributed.

Prepare the Bread:

Slice your French bread in half lengthwise. Lay each half cut side up on a large baking sheet.

Spread the Mixture:

Divide the buttery garlic cheese mixture and spread it over the cut sides of both bread halves. Be sure to reach all edges so every bite is seasoned.

Add the Cheeses:

Top each buttered half with a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan then the remaining two cups of shredded mozzarella. Try to cover the surface all the way to the corners.

Bake Until Melty:

Place the baking sheet in your preheated oven set at three hundred fifty degrees. Bake for ten minutes or until the cheese is fully melted.

Get Golden and Crispy:

Increase the oven temperature to four hundred fifty degrees. Let the bread bake another five to eight minutes watching closely. Remove when the top is bubbling and golden brown at the edges.

Slice and Serve:

Let the bread cool for a minute then use a sharp bread knife to cut into one-inch slices. Finish with chopped fresh parsley and serve hot beside your favorite pasta soup or with a bowl of marinara for dipping.

Honestly parsley is my favorite finishing touch here not just for color but because it brightens everything right at the end. Making this together with my kids is a tradition in our house everyone takes a turn layering on cheese before it goes in the oven.

Storage Tips

Leftovers keep well wrapped tightly in foil stored in the fridge up to three days. Reheat uncovered in the oven at three hundred fifty degrees for five to seven minutes for gooey cheese and a crisp crust. If you want to freeze it wrap individual slices tightly in plastic and foil then reheat them from frozen at three fifty until hot.

Ingredient Substitutions

No French bread available Try ciabatta or Italian bread for similar results. You can swap out mozzarella for a blend like provolone fontina or Monterey Jack for a new twist. For extra richness blend a little cream cheese into your butter mixture.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these with lasagna creamy tomato soup or a big leafy Caesar salad. I sometimes set out small bowls of warm marinara for dipping which is always popular with kids and adults alike. For breakfast try topping a slice with a fried egg.

Cultural Notes

Garlic bread like this draws from Italian-American roots where it often appeared alongside red sauce pasta dishes at family tables and casual restaurants. This cheesy upgrade became especially popular in the United States in the late twentieth century giving it that familiar pizzeria comfort food feel.

Seasonal Adaptations

In spring chop in fresh basil or chives with the parsley. In summer use heirloom tomatoes sliced thin tucked under the cheese. In fall and winter add a sprinkle of crushed red pepper or even roasted garlic for warmth.

Success Stories

One memorable dinner our neighbor tried this bread and immediately asked for the recipe. At another party my aunt claimed she could eat the whole loaf herself and honestly I believed her. This recipe always brings people together because it feels nostalgic and a little bit indulgent.

Freezer Meal Conversion

To freeze for later assemble the bread but stop before baking. Wrap halves tightly in plastic wrap and foil. When ready to enjoy bake from frozen at three fifty adding a few extra minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Whether for a party or a simple family dinner this cheesy garlic bread always disappears fast. Serve hot and enjoy every gooey crisp bite.

Recipe FAQs

→ What cheese works best for cheesy garlic bread?

Mozzarella and Parmesan combine perfectly for a gooey, flavorful topping with a golden finish.

→ Can I use unsalted butter?

Yes, but consider adding a pinch of salt for better flavor as salted butter boosts the richness.

→ How do I keep the bread from getting soggy?

Bake initially at a lower temperature to melt the cheese, then broil briefly to crisp the top.

→ Is fresh garlic necessary?

Fresh garlic gives the best flavor, but garlic powder can be used for convenience in a pinch.

→ How can I store leftovers?

Wrap tightly and refrigerate. Reheat in the oven for a few minutes to restore crispiness.