Stretchy, buttery, and bubbling with cheese—this garlic bread is a crave-worthy, golden-crusted masterpiece that steals the show at any table!
💬 Introduction: Garlic Bread, But Make It Extra
There’s garlic bread… and then there’s Gooey Garlic Cheese Bread—the kind that stretches with melty cheese, drips with garlicky butter, and disappears before the main course even hits the table.
This recipe was born from a last-minute dinner party where I needed a fast, comforting side that everyone would rave about. I grabbed some French bread, a mountain of cheese, and went to town—and now, it’s a regular at every gathering.
Whether you’re serving pasta, soup, or just having a wine-and-bread night, this garlic cheese bread will become your new secret weapon.
🧂 Key Ingredients Breakdown
- French Bread (or Italian Loaf)
The perfect base—crusty outside, soft and airy inside. Slice it lengthwise for max surface area. - Salted Butter
Melts into the bread for rich, indulgent flavor. Mix with garlic for the base layer. - Fresh Garlic
Finely minced or grated, it infuses the butter with that deep, irresistible aroma. - Mozzarella Cheese
The king of cheese pull—melts beautifully and adds gooey texture. - Parmesan Cheese
Adds saltiness and a nutty depth that balances the mozzarella. - Parsley or Chives (Optional)
For color and a fresh finish—plus, it makes it look fancy.
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment for easy cleanup. - Make the Garlic Butter
In a bowl, mix softened butter with minced garlic and a pinch of salt. Optional: add a sprinkle of Italian seasoning or crushed red pepper flakes. - Spread the Love
Slice the bread lengthwise and slather the garlic butter evenly over both halves. - Add the Cheese
Sprinkle mozzarella generously over the top, then finish with Parmesan. Go edge to edge for full coverage. - Bake to Bubbling Perfection
Bake for 10–12 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly. For extra golden top, broil for 1–2 minutes at the end—watch closely! - Slice & Serve
Let it rest a minute, then slice into sticks or squares. Serve warm and watch them vanish.
🧀 Recipe Card
Gooey Garlic Cheese Bread
Ingredients:
- 1 loaf French bread, halved lengthwise
- ½ cup salted butter, softened
- 3–4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan
- Fresh parsley or chives, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line baking sheet with foil.
- Mix butter and garlic. Spread onto bread halves.
- Top with mozzarella, then Parmesan.
- Bake for 10–12 min, then broil 1–2 min until bubbly and golden.
- Slice and serve warm.
⏱ Time & Yield
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Servings: 8–10 slices
🔢 Nutrition Info (Per Slice – Approximate)
- Calories: 230
- Fat: 15g
- Carbs: 17g
- Protein: 7g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Sugar: 1g
🍷 Serving Suggestions
- Pair With: Spaghetti, lasagna, tomato soup, Caesar salad, or wine night.
- Dips to Try: Marinara, ranch, garlic butter, or spicy aioli.
- Make It a Meal: Top with sliced tomatoes, cooked sausage, or roasted mushrooms for a pizza-vibe.
🧊 Storage & Reheating Tips
Refrigeration:
Wrap leftovers in foil or an airtight container. Keeps for 3–4 days.
Freezing:
Freeze assembled (unbaked) halves. Wrap tightly in plastic + foil. Bake from frozen at 375°F for 15–20 min.
Reheating:
Reheat in oven or air fryer at 375°F for 5–7 min to bring back crispiness.
📝 Final Thoughts
Gooey Garlic Cheese Bread is more than a side dish—it’s a scene-stealer. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just treating yourself, this melty, buttery masterpiece never disappoints.
💬 Let me know how yours turned out! Did you go classic or add your own twist?