If you are a fan of gooey, indulgent comfort food, you are going to fall head over heels for this Extra Cheesy Garlic Bread Recipe. Imagine a crisp, golden crust loaded with layers of melted mozzarella and parmesan, infused with fragrant garlic butter and fresh herbs. Every bite offers a perfect balance of crunchy edges and warm, cheesy goodness that’s both simple and utterly irresistible. Whether it’s for a weeknight dinner or a party appetizer, mastering this Extra Cheesy Garlic Bread Recipe will become your new way to impress guests and treat yourself alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients might seem straightforward, but each one is absolutely essential to get that perfect combination of rich flavor and satisfying texture. The butter brings smoothness; garlic adds its signature punch; cheeses melt into creamy blankets; and the French bread provides the perfect crunchy canvas.
- Butter (1/2 cup softened): The base of your garlic spread, it melts beautifully into the bread for moist richness.
- Garlic cloves (4 minced): Fresh garlic gives the recipe a bright, aromatic foundation you won’t want to skip.
- Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): A little extra garlic intensity that complements the fresh cloves perfectly.
- Italian seasoning (1/2 teaspoon): Brings a blend of herbs like oregano and basil to deepen the flavor complexity.
- Fresh parsley (1 tablespoon chopped, plus extra): Adds a pop of color and fresh herbal note that balances the richness.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Enhances all the savory flavors, ensuring every bite is perfectly seasoned.
- Pepper (to taste): Adds a subtle background heat to round out the flavor profile.
- French bread loaf (16 ounces): You want a sturdy yet airy loaf to soak up that buttery garlic goodness without getting soggy.
- Parmesan cheese (1 cup freshly grated): Sharp and nutty, it’s critical for that intricate cheesy flavor.
- Mozzarella cheese (2 cups shredded): Gooey, stretchy, and utterly dreamy, mozzarella is the star of the Extra Cheesy Garlic Bread Recipe.
How to Make Extra Cheesy Garlic Bread Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Butter Mixture
Start by making sure your butter is soft to the touch—taking it out an hour before you begin works wonders. Then, in a small bowl, combine the butter with minced garlic, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper. Use a fork to mash everything together until it’s an even, fragrant spread. This step is where all those bright flavors begin to meld, setting the stage for the ultimate garlic bread experience.
Step 2: Prep the Oven and Bread
Set your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and move the rack to the top third to help achieve that golden crust. While the oven heats, slice your French bread horizontally into two even halves. Laying the bread cut-side up on a baking sheet ensures the butter and cheese can melt perfectly into the surface without dripping away.
Step 3: Assemble Your Cheesy Layers
Generously spread your garlic butter mixture across both halves, covering every inch for maximum flavor. Next, sprinkle the freshly grated parmesan evenly over the butter—it adds a sharp richness that beautifully complements the mozzarella. Finally, pile on the shredded mozzarella cheese in a thick, even layer. This combination is what truly makes this an Extra Cheesy Garlic Bread Recipe to remember.
Step 4: Baking and Broiling to Perfection
Pop the assembled bread into the oven and bake for about 12 minutes. This gently melts the cheeses and lets the bread soak up the garlic butter flavors. Then, switch your oven to broil for a few minutes. Keep a watchful eye here: you want bubbling, golden cheese edges without any burning. This broiling step creates that irresistible crispy, cheesy topping everyone loves.
Step 5: Final Touch and Serve
Once your bread has reached cheesy, golden perfection, remove it from the oven and sprinkle additional fresh parsley on top for a burst of color and freshness. Slice it into generous pieces and get ready to enjoy warm, melty slices of pure comfort. This Extra Cheesy Garlic Bread Recipe is often devoured in minutes, so trust me, no one will want to wait.
How to Serve Extra Cheesy Garlic Bread Recipe
Garnishes
A little sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or even a dash of red pepper flakes adds a vibrant final touch, enhancing the look and flavor. You can also drizzle a tiny bit of olive oil or scatter some grated parmesan to amp up the cheesiness right before serving.
Side Dishes
This Extra Cheesy Garlic Bread Recipe pairs beautifully with a hearty pasta dish, zesty tomato soup, or even a fresh garden salad. The warm, cheesy loaf acts as a perfect companion to anything saucy or light, balancing the meal and satisfying carb cravings.
Creative Ways to Present
For a crowd-pleasing presentation, serve the garlic bread on a wooden cutting board with small bowls of dipping sauces like marinara or ranch. You can also cut the bread into bite-sized cubes for a fun party snack or use it as the base for quick mini bruschettas topped with tomatoes and basil.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftover cheesy garlic bread (which rarely happens!), wrap it tightly in foil or plastic wrap and keep it in the refrigerator. It’s best eaten within 2 days to enjoy that wonderful gooey cheese without it drying out.
Freezing
You can freeze leftover bread by wrapping it securely in foil and placing it in an airtight bag. When frozen, it’s good for up to 2 months. To thaw, simply leave it in the fridge overnight or at room temperature for a few hours before reheating.
Reheating
To bring your extra cheesy garlic bread back to life, reheat it in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10 minutes. This keeps the bread crispy and the cheese melty, instead of soggy or rubbery like from a microwave.
FAQs
Can I use any type of bread for this recipe?
While French bread works best because of its sturdy texture and airy crumb, you can experiment with Italian or sourdough loaves. Just ensure the bread is thick enough to hold the butter and cheese without becoming mushy.
What if I don’t have fresh garlic?
If fresh garlic isn’t on hand, you can substitute more garlic powder, but fresh minced garlic adds a sharper, more vibrant flavor that really makes the recipe shine.
Can I make this recipe vegan or dairy-free?
Absolutely! Swap the butter for a plant-based alternative, and use vegan mozzarella and parmesan-style cheeses. The flavors won’t be quite the same but still delicious and gooey.
How do I make sure the bread doesn’t get soggy?
Spreading softened butter evenly and baking at a high temperature helps prevent sogginess. Also, broiling at the end crisps up the cheese and edges nicely while evaporating excess moisture.
Can I add other toppings?
Definitely! Feel free to sprinkle cooked bacon bits, chopped olives, or even a dash of chili flakes for extra flavor layers. Just keep the core ingredients to preserve the essential taste of this Extra Cheesy Garlic Bread Recipe.
Final Thoughts
This Extra Cheesy Garlic Bread Recipe is one of those magical dishes that brings instant joy to any occasion. It’s simple to make, packed with layers of flavor, and utterly satisfying. I promise once you try it, you’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe again and again, whether as a cozy side or the star of your snack table. So grab that loaf of bread and get ready for some seriously deliciously cheesy moments!
Print
Extra Cheesy Garlic Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
Extra Cheesy Garlic Bread is a deliciously buttery and garlicky baked bread topped with a generous blend of parmesan and mozzarella cheeses, perfectly seasoned with Italian herbs and fresh parsley. This easy-to-make recipe is ideal for a snack, appetizer, or side dish that everyone will love.
Ingredients
Butter Mixture
- 1/2 cup butter (1 stick), softened
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (plus extra for serving)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Pepper, to taste
Bread and Cheese
- 1 (16 ounce) loaf French bread
- 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Soften the Butter: Take the butter out of the fridge at least an hour prior to starting the recipe to allow it to soften, making it easier to mix with the other ingredients.
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) and place the rack in the top third position to ensure the bread cooks evenly and the cheese melts nicely.
- Prepare the Garlic Butter Mixture: In a small bowl, combine softened butter, minced garlic, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper. Mash everything together with a fork until well combined and smooth.
- Cut the Bread: Slice the loaf of French bread horizontally into two equal halves. Place both halves cut-side up on a baking sheet to prepare for spreading.
- Apply Butter and Cheese: Spread the garlic butter mixture evenly over the cut sides of both bread halves. Then sprinkle the grated parmesan cheese evenly over the butter, followed by a generous layer of shredded mozzarella cheese on top.
- Bake and Broil: Bake the prepared bread at 400°F for 12 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. After baking, switch to broil mode and watch carefully as you broil for a few minutes until the cheese turns golden brown and slightly crispy. Be sure not to burn it.
- Serve: Remove the bread from the oven, cut into slices, and immediately serve with extra fresh parsley sprinkled on top for added flavor and color.
Notes
- For the best flavor, use fresh minced garlic instead of garlic powder if you prefer a stronger garlic taste.
- Keep a close eye while broiling to prevent the cheese from burning.
- You can add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Leftovers can be reheated in the oven to restore crispiness.
