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Easy cheesy garlic bread recipe with melted cheese and fragrant garlic.

Easy Cheesy Garlic Bread

Transform a simple loaf into a melt-in-your-mouth cheesy garlic bread that elevates any meal.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Appetizer, Side Dish
Cuisine: American, Italian
Calories: 350
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Bread Base
  • 1 large large baguette or sourdough loaf (about 12–14 inches) Stale bread works well for structure.
Garlic Herb Butter
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 4–6 cloves garlic, finely minced Adjust to taste.
  • 2 tbsp finely chopped fresh parsley Or 1 tsp dried.
  • 1/2 tsp flaky sea salt Plus more to taste.
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes Optional for heat.
Cheese
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella For stretch.
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano For flavor and browning.
Garnish
  • 1 tbsp chopped chives Optional for garnish.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Slice the loaf into 3/4-inch slices without cutting all the way through, or cut it fully into thick slices.
  2. If the bread is very fresh, chill it in the freezer for 10 minutes for easier slicing.
Make Garlic-Herb Butter
  1. In a bowl, mix softened butter with minced garlic, parsley, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir in half the Parmesan.
  2. Spread the garlic butter evenly between the slices and over the top.
  3. Warm the butter slightly in the microwave, if too firm.
Add Cheese
  1. Stuff shredded mozzarella between slices and sprinkle remaining Parmesan on top. Press the loaf together gently.
Bake and Broil
  1. Wrap the loaf loosely in foil, place on a baking sheet, and bake for 10 minutes.
  2. Open the foil and broil for 1–3 minutes until golden and bubbly; watch closely to avoid burning.
Finish & Serve
  1. Remove from oven, let rest for 1–2 minutes, garnish with fresh chives or parsley, and serve warm.

Notes

For heart-healthy, use olive oil mixed with mashed avocado instead of butter. Use pre-shredded cheese to save time, but freshly shredded melts better.