Cheesy Garlic Bread Loaf

Description

Cheesy Garlic Bread Loaf is the ultimate comfort food side dish—crispy on the outside, soft and buttery inside, and loaded with gooey melted cheese. Fresh garlic, herbs, and butter infuse the loaf with irresistible flavor, while the cheese blend creates a stretchy, golden topping. Perfect for pairing with pasta, soups, or enjoyed on its own as a savory treat.

Ingredients for Cheesy Garlic Bread Loaf

• 1 large French bread or Italian loaf

• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped

• 1 tsp dried oregano (optional)

• ½ tsp salt

• ¼ tsp black pepper

• 1 ½ cups mozzarella cheese, shredded

• ½ cup cheddar cheese, shredded

• ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. Prepare garlic butter: In a bowl, mix softened butter, garlic, parsley, oregano, salt, and pepper until well combined.

3. Slice bread: Cut the loaf in half lengthwise. Spread the garlic butter mixture evenly over both halves.

4. Add cheese: Sprinkle mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan over the buttered bread.

5. Bake: Place bread halves on the baking sheet and bake for 12–15 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.

6. Broil (optional): For a golden cheesy crust, broil for 1–2 minutes.

7. Serve: Slice into pieces and enjoy warm.

Notes

• Use freshly grated cheese for the best melt and flavor.

• You can add red chili flakes for a spicy kick.

• Italian seasoning can replace oregano and parsley if preferred.

• Works well with sourdough, baguette, or ciabatta bread.

Tips

• Wrap leftovers in foil and reheat in the oven for 5–7 minutes.

• Add cream cheese to the butter mixture for an extra creamy version.

• For a pull-apart loaf, slice bread crosswise into cubes (not all the way through), stuff with garlic butter and cheese, then bake.

Servings

• Makes about 6–8 servings as a side dish.

Nutritional Info (per serving, based on 8 servings)

• Calories: ~260

• Protein: 10g

• Fat: 15g

• Carbohydrates: 22g

• Fiber: 1g

• Sugar: 2g

• Sodium: 410mg

(Values vary depending on bread and cheese used.)

Benefits

• Comfort food favorite – satisfying and crowd-pleasing.

• Quick to make – ready in under 20 minutes.

• Versatile – pairs with pasta, soups, grilled meats, or as a party snack.

• Customizable – change cheese blends or add toppings (like jalapeños, olives, or sun-dried tomatoes).

Q&A

Q1: Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the bread with garlic butter and cheese, wrap tightly in foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake when ready.

Q2: Can I freeze cheesy garlic bread?
Yes. Prepare, wrap in foil, and freeze. Bake from frozen at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes.

Q3: What’s the best cheese blend?
Mozzarella for stretch, cheddar for flavor, Parmesan for sharpness. You can also add provolone or gouda.

Q4: Can I make it healthier?
Use whole grain bread, light butter, and reduced-fat cheese. Add spinach or roasted veggies for nutrition.

Q5: What meals does this pair best with?
Great with pasta (spaghetti, lasagna), soups (tomato, minestrone), salads, or grilled meats.