Buttery Cheesy Bread

Featured in 30-Minute Meals for Busy Days.

Mix softened butter, minced garlic, and herbs. Spread on bread, sprinkle cheese, and bake until golden brown.
Barbara Chef
Updated on Sun, 13 Apr 2025 21:03:40 GMT
Crispy buttery cheesy bread fresh out of the oven. Pin it
Crispy buttery cheesy bread fresh out of the oven. | cookwithcarla.com

Buttery Garlic Gem

Turn plain bread into a mouthwatering treat with this easy cheesy garlic bread. The mix of gooey cheese, fragrant garlic, and crispy bread makes a comfort food that makes any dinner better. Great for family meals or having friends over, this quick favorite takes minutes to make but tastes like it came from a fancy restaurant.

The first time I made this garlic bread, my house smelled so good that everyone rushed to the kitchen waiting for it to come out of the oven. It's now what everyone asks for whenever we have pasta.

Simple Ingredients Needed

  • Salted butter: Gives a rich, tasty base
  • Italian herbs: Boost the smell and flavor
  • Parmesan cheese: Brings a tangy, salty kick
  • French bread: Makes the perfect base for toppings
  • Fresh garlic: Chopped cloves taste way better
  • Mozzarella cheese: Melts just right

Making Your Tasty Creation

Finish With Style
Sprinkle with fresh parsley and enjoy while it's nice and warm.
Perfect The Bake
Cook until the edges turn golden and the cheese gets all bubbly and tempting.
Add The Topping
Put plenty of garlic butter on both halves of bread, making sure to cover every bit.
Layer The Flavors
Spread the garlic butter all over both bread pieces, going right to the edges.
Craft The Butter
Mix soft butter with freshly chopped garlic and Italian herbs until it's all blended.
Prepare The Base
Cut bread down the middle and put it on a baking sheet with parchment paper for best results.
A yummy cheese and garlic bread with crispy edges, melty cheese and aromatic garlic on top. Pin it
A yummy cheese and garlic bread with crispy edges, melty cheese and aromatic garlic on top. | cookwithcarla.com

My grandma always told me that great garlic bread comes from using butter that's sat out a bit and taking time to chop the garlic yourself. These little things really do matter.

Perfect Pairings

Make any meal better by serving this with your favorite pasta, hot soups, or crisp salads. It works for everything from regular weeknight dinners to special occasions.

Tasty Variations

Try making it Mediterranean style with pesto and sun-dried tomatoes, or spice it up with red pepper flakes and hot cheese. You can even stuff it with spinach and artichokes for something fancy.

Keeping It Fresh

Wrap any extras in foil and warm up at 350°F till heated through. For the freshest taste, make extra portions and freeze them before baking so you can have that just-made flavor anytime.

A tempting garlic bread with toasted edges, rich melted cheese and flavorful garlic spread. Pin it
A tempting garlic bread with toasted edges, rich melted cheese and flavorful garlic spread. | cookwithcarla.com

Final Thoughts

I've tweaked this garlic bread over many years, and now it's what I'm known for at family get-togethers. Using good ingredients and taking care with how you make it creates a side dish that can make even a simple meal feel special. Just remember, amazing garlic bread isn't just about what goes into it, but the care you take while making it.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make this with gluten-free options?
For sure! Just use gluten-free bread instead of traditional loaves.
→ What can I do if I’m out of mozzarella?
Swap it with cheddar, provolone, or any other cheese that melts nicely.
→ How do I keep leftover bread fresh?
Wrap leftovers tightly with foil, refrigerate, and warm up again in the oven.
→ Is freezing this an option?
Yes! Wrap it snugly, freeze up to 2 months, defrost, and reheat when ready.
→ What dishes go well with this bread?
Pair it with soups, salads, pasta, or just nibble it all on its own.

Buttery Garlic Bread

Loaded with cheese and garlic, this buttery bread is a crowd-pleasing side.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
15 Minutes
Total Time
25 Minutes

Category: Quick & Easy

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American/Italian

Yield: 8 Servings

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

→ Cheese Layer

01 1 cup mozzarella, shredded
02 ½ cup Parmesan, grated

→ Butter Blend

03 ½ cup butter, salted and soft
04 1 tablespoon garlic powder or 3–4 minced garlic cloves
05 A sprinkle of Italian herbs (optional)
06 A pinch of salt and black pepper

→ Bread

07 One loaf of Italian or French bread, approx. 14 oz

→ Optional Garnish

08 Finely chopped fresh parsley for decoration

Instructions

Step 01

Turn your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lay some parchment paper on a sheet pan so cleanup is quick.

Step 02

Using a knife, slice the bread into two long halves. Lay the cut sides facing up on the lined sheet pan.

Step 03

Mix the softened butter, garlic, Italian herbs (if using), and some salt and pepper in a bowl. Stir until smooth and creamy.

Step 04

Spread the butter blend all over the open sides of the bread. Make sure every corner gets covered for great flavor.

Step 05

Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan on top, spreading evenly to cover the buttery surface.

Step 06

Put the bread into your preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbling. For a crispier top, broil for 1-2 minutes, but keep an eye on it to avoid burning.

Step 07

Once out of the oven, sprinkle with chopped parsley for extra color. Slice up and dig in while it's warm!

Notes

  1. Want some heat? Add red pepper flakes to the cheese layer.
  2. Switch it up by trying a different cheese like gouda or cheddar.
  3. Prep ahead! Assemble the bread, then cover and keep in the fridge until you're ready to bake.

Tools You'll Need

  • Sheet pan
  • Parchment
  • Bowl for mixing
  • Cutting board and knife

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Includes dairy (butter, mozzarella, Parmesan).
  • Contains gluten from the bread.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 290
  • Total Fat: 22 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 21 g
  • Protein: 8 g