Easy Cheesy Garlic Bread

Cheesy garlic bread straight from your own oven hits different every single time you make it. Just a few ingredients, a bit of mixing and spreading, and you have buttery golden bread no restaurant or grocery version can match. This is the garlic bread that makes friends linger at the table for just one more slice.

I started making this on busy weeknights when my kids begged for something special with pasta. Now it is my secret weapon for everything from quick lunches to cozy Sunday dinners.

Ingredients

• Butter: softened and salted gives the bread a creamy melt and that classic richness always use real butter for best flavor
• Garlic cloves: minced or roasted fresh cloves have sweeter aromatic flavor than jarred or powdered go for firm tight bulbs
• Parmesan cheese: shredded adds a salty nutty kick use real Parmigiano Reggiano if you can find it
• Fresh parsley: chopped not only brings color but rounds out the garlic flavor with herbal notes use perky bright leaves
• French loaf: your favorite bakery bread makes a perfect base crusty outside and soft inside pick loaves baked that day for extra freshness
• Mozzarella cheese: shredded optional for a melty stringy topping always grate it yourself for best melt and taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prep the Oven and Pan:

Get your oven going at 425 degrees F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper This keeps the bread from sticking and cleans up easy

Mix the Garlic Butter:

In a small bowl combine the softened butter minced garlic either roasted or fresh Parmesan and chopped parsley Mix until everything is completely blended into a thick fragrant spread The butter should be soft enough to mix with a spatula but still cool so it holds its shape

Prepare the Bread:

Take your French loaf and slice it in half lengthwise so you have two long sections You can also cut it into slices if you want smaller pieces Spread the garlic butter mixture thickly and evenly over the bread from edge to edge This is where the magic flavor happens Add mozzarella on top if desired for extra cheesiness

Bake to Golden Perfection:

Arrange the bread buttered side up on your parchment lined baking sheet Slide into the oven and bake for ten to fifteen minutes until the edges and top are golden brown For deeper color and crispiness broil for up to two minutes but watch closely so it does not burn

Rest and Serve:

Let the bread cool just a couple minutes This helps the cheese and butter settle and slicing is much neater Serve in generous slices while still warm for ultimate enjoyment

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Fresh parsley is my favorite touch here It livens up every bite and feels like a sprinkle of green confetti on top This bread once made a birthday dinner extra special when my little one insisted it was the only thing he wanted with his spaghetti

Storage Tips

Once cooled to room temperature wrap leftovers in airtight containers or bags Keep at room temp for up to three days Refrigeration will make it less soft To reheat pop slices in the oven wrapped in foil for eight to ten minutes at 350 degrees for just baked taste

Ingredient Substitutions

Try any hearty bread like sourdough or Italian loaf if French bread is not available For non dairy swap vegan butter and skip the cheese or choose a plant based option If you skip mozzarella top with extra Parmesan for more flavor

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Serving Suggestions

Serve this garlic bread with everything from pasta dishes to hearty salads Makes a perfect brunch side along with soup or even on its own Cut into strips for easy appetizers at gatherings

A Little Garlic Bread History

French style garlic bread as we know it first became popular in America with Italian immigrants in the early twentieth century The combination of fresh bread garlic and melted cheese echoes classic Italian flavors but in an easy to share form

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use jarred garlic instead of fresh?

Fresh or roasted garlic delivers a more aromatic and mellow flavor; jarred varieties may taste sour due to preservatives.

→ What kind of bread works best?

A fresh French loaf is ideal for its airy crumb and crisp crust, but Italian or sourdough loaves also work well.

→ Is mozzarella necessary for cheesy garlic bread?

While optional, mozzarella adds a lovely melt. Parmesan alone will still give plenty of cheese flavor and a golden top.

→ How do I prevent my bread from burning?

Bake at 425°F and check after 10 minutes. Broiling adds color, but keep a close eye as it browns quickly.

→ What's the best way to store leftovers?

Let bread cool completely, then store in airtight bags or containers at room temperature for up to three days.

→ Can I use roasted garlic?

Yes, roasted garlic will give a sweeter, milder taste that blends beautifully with the butter and cheese.