How to Make Cheesy Garlic Bread (Crisp and Gooey)

The details that matter are toasting the bread first, using fresh garlic and choosing a cheese blend that melts and browns.

The modern version is an Italian-American dish, according to the garlic bread article on Wikipedia, which traces it back to Italian bruschetta. It is a quick side for pasta, a pizza night or soup, and the whole thing takes about 25 minutes. Most of the work is in the first 5 minutes of oven time.

Cheesy garlic bread at a glance

This cheesy garlic bread table lists the key numbers.

How to make cheesy garlic bread

Cheesy garlic bread comes together in three stages: toast the bread, spread on garlic butter and cheese, then bake and broil.

Ingredients for cheesy garlic bread

These ingredients for cheesy garlic bread serve eight as a side.

• 1 loaf (16 oz, 450 g) Italian bread, ciabatta or two baguettes, split lengthwise
• 6 tablespoons (85 g) unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cloves garlic, finely grated or minced
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 6 oz (170 g) low-moisture mozzarella, coarsely grated
• 1 oz (30 g) Parmesan, finely grated
• 2 oz (55 g) provolone or mild cheddar, coarsely grated
• Pinch of red pepper flakes, optional

Steps for making cheesy garlic bread

These steps for making cheesy garlic bread take about 25 minutes from oven on to table.

1. Heat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and set the split bread, cut side up, on a sheet pan.
2. Toast the bread for 5 minutes, until the cut surface is dry and just starting to color, then remove it from the oven.
3. Mash the softened butter with the garlic, parsley, salt and olive oil until smooth and evenly speckled.
4. Spread the garlic butter edge to edge over the toasted surfaces, so butter reaches every corner of the crust.
5. Mix the mozzarella, provolone and half the Parmesan, and pile the cheese over the butter, leaving a thin border so it does not slide off the sides.
6. Bake 8 to 10 minutes, until the cheese has melted and bubbles at the edges and the crust feels crisp when tapped.
7. Switch the oven to broil, and broil 1 to 2 minutes on a rack 6 inches below the heat, watching constantly, until the top is spotted golden brown.
8. Scatter the remaining Parmesan and red pepper flakes if you like, rest the bread 2 minutes, then slice crosswise with a serrated knife and serve hot.

The best cheese for cheesy garlic bread

The best cheese for cheesy garlic bread is a blend led by low-moisture mozzarella, because it melts evenly, stretches and does not release much water onto the bread. Fresh mozzarella is too wet and makes the bread soggy. The best melting cheeses list shows why firm, moist cheeses melt best and what to add for flavor.

Add a smaller amount of real Parmesan for salt and browning, since the Parmesan on top is what turns golden, and see real vs. fake Parmesan for what to buy. Provolone adds a mild sharpness and a good stretch, while a mild cheddar gives color. Grate the cheese yourself from blocks, because pre-shredded cheese holds anti-caking powder that makes a drier melt.

Cheesy garlic bread mistakes and fixes

Cheesy garlic bread fails in a few ways, and each has a simple fix.

The bread is soggy. Wet cheese or soft bread is the cause. Use low-moisture mozzarella, toast the bread first, and bake on a sheet pan.

The garlic tastes harsh or burnt. Raw garlic in butter on top of the bread can scorch under the broiler. Mince it fine, mix it into the butter and keep the broil short.

The cheese is greasy. Too much cheese or a very aged cheddar separates in the oven. Keep the blend mostly mozzarella.

The edges burn before the center melts. Use a thick loaf, and move the pan to the middle rack.

It goes hard. Bread cooked too long dries out. Pull it when the cheese bubbles, and serve right away.

Cheesy garlic bread variations

A cheesy garlic bread variation usually changes the bread or the cheese.

• Pull-apart: slice a round loaf in a grid without cutting through the base, stuff with butter and cheese, wrap in foil and bake 15 minutes, then open the foil for 5 more.
• Texas toast: use thick sliced white bread, toast 3 minutes per side, and top with cheese.
• Herb: add 1 teaspoon dried oregano and fresh basil.
• Spicy: swap provolone for pepper jack.

Cheesy garlic bread make ahead, storage and reheating

Cheesy garlic bread can be assembled up to 4 hours ahead, chilled on its sheet pan, and baked just before serving; add a minute or two. Cover leftovers and refrigerate within 2 hours, and use them within 3 to 4 days, according to USDA FSIS guidance for leftovers, which also says to reheat to 165°F. Reheat slices on a sheet pan in a 375°F oven for 8 to 10 minutes, since a microwave makes the crust chewy. Unbaked assembled bread freezes for about a month, wrapped tightly.

Questions about cheesy garlic bread

These answers cover the questions people ask most about cheesy garlic bread.

What cheese is best for cheesy garlic bread?

The best cheese for cheesy garlic bread is low-moisture mozzarella with a little Parmesan for flavor and browning.

Should you toast bread before making cheesy garlic bread?

Toasting the bread for 5 minutes before making cheesy garlic bread dries the surface, so butter and cheese sit on a crisp base instead of soaking in.

Can you use garlic powder for cheesy garlic bread?

You can use garlic powder in cheesy garlic bread, about 1 teaspoon in place of 4 cloves, but fresh garlic gives a brighter flavor.

How long do you bake cheesy garlic bread?

Bake cheesy garlic bread at 425°F for 8 to 10 minutes after toasting, then broil 1 to 2 minutes until the top is golden.

Can you freeze cheesy garlic bread?

You can freeze cheesy garlic bread assembled but unbaked for about a month, and bake it from frozen, adding 5 to 8 minutes.

Making cheesy garlic bread

Making cheesy garlic bread comes down to toasted bread, fresh garlic butter and a mozzarella-heavy blend. Start with the base recipe, then try the pull-apart version for a crowd.