Easy Cheesy Garlic Bread Recipe

Updated July 16, 2025

Golden, melty, and loaded with garlic and herbs—this cheesy garlic bread is everything a comfort side should be. Ready in just 25 minutes, it’s the perfect accompaniment for pasta dinners, soups, or your next potluck.

⭐ Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ready in under 30 minutes
Super simple with pantry basics
Buttery, herby, and cheesy with every bite

Easily doubled for parties and family dinners

Ingredients

Bread

1 loaf French bread (fresh bakery-style preferred)

Dairy

½ cup salted butter, softened

1 cup Colby Jack cheese, shredded
1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded (low moisture preferred)

Seasonings

½ tsp garlic powder

3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
1 tsp Italian seasoning (oregano, basil, thyme blend)

Herbs

2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Prep the Oven and Bread

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
Slice loaf lengthwise to create two open halves.
Place cut-side up on a baking sheet.

2. Make Garlic Butter

In a small bowl, mix together the softened butter, garlic powder, minced garlic, and Italian seasoning until smooth.

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3. Assemble

Spread the garlic butter mixture evenly over each bread half.
Top with an even layer of Colby Jack, then mozzarella.

4. Bake

Bake in preheated oven for 12–15 minutes or until cheese is fully melted and edges are golden.
Optional: Broil for 1–2 minutes at the end for extra browning. Watch carefully!

5. Finish and Serve

Remove from oven and sprinkle with fresh parsley.

Cool briefly, then slice and serve warm.

Storage Tips

Room Temp: Keeps up to 1 day wrapped in foil.
Fridge: Store in airtight container up to 3 days.

Freezer: Wrap slices tightly (baked or unbaked) and freeze up to 2 months. Reheat from frozen.

Ingredient Swaps

Bread: Try sourdough, ciabatta, or Italian loaf.
Cheese: Sub cheddar, provolone, or Monterey Jack.

Butter Substitute: Use part olive oil for dairy-light version.
Herbs: Try basil, rosemary, or chives for variation.

️ Serving Suggestions

Pair this cheesy bread with:

Creamy tomato soup
Spaghetti, lasagna, or baked ziti

Grilled meats or kabobs
Or top with a fried egg for a breakfast twist

Cultural Context

Garlic bread traces its roots to Italian bruschetta, later evolving in Italian-American cuisine as a pizzeria side dish. Adding cheese became popular in the U.S., turning it into the beloved snack and appetizer we know today.

❄️ Freezer Meal Tip

To make ahead:

Assemble the bread with garlic butter and cheese.
Wrap tightly in foil or plastic wrap.
Freeze unbaked for up to 2 months.

Bake straight from frozen at 400°F for 18–20 minutes.

‍ Pro Tips

Fresh garlic gives better flavor than jarred.
Shred your own cheese for a smoother melt—pre-shredded has anti-caking agents.

For crispier bread, toast plain halves for 5 minutes before buttering.
Cut into smaller slices for party-friendly servings.

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Recipe FAQ

Q: Can I make this in advance?
A: Yes! Assemble and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake just before serving.

Q: Can I skip the fresh garlic?
A: You can, but fresh garlic adds depth. Use extra garlic powder if needed.

Q: How to reheat?
A: Warm in the oven or toaster oven at 350°F for 5–7 minutes.

Q: Is it kid-friendly?
A: Absolutely! It’s always a hit, especially with the cheese pull.

Nutrition (Per Serving)

Estimated for 1 slice (1/8 of loaf)

Calories: ~230
Fat: 14g
Carbs: 18g

Protein: 7g

(Varies based on cheese and bread brand)

Easy Cheesy Garlic Bread