There’s something magical about the smell of fresh garlic bread baking in the oven — especially when it’s loaded with melty, golden cheese. This Cheesy Garlic Bread Recipe is not only super easy but it’s homemade! It takes everything you love about classic garlic bread and kicks it up a notch with a blend of mozzarella, Havarti (or white cheddar), and Parmesan all with fresh garlic.
In my house, garlic bread is a non-negotiable for pizza night, pasta dinners, and sometimes just as a snack on its own. My husband can never resist grabbing a slice before it hits the table, my daughter loves dipping hers into warm marinara, and my son… well, he thinks “cheesy bread” is its own food group. This version has quickly become the one we all ask for.
What Is This Bread Exactly?
Cheesy Garlic Bread is a simple yet indulgent side made with a loaf of Italian bread, a rich roasted garlic butter spread, and a generous layer of shredded cheeses. It’s baked until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden on the edges, then sprinkled with fresh parsley for that finishing touch.
This recipe has a little extra something thanks to the roasted garlic — it mellows the sharpness and adds a sweet, nutty depth you just don’t get from raw garlic. Combined with herbs, a pinch of red pepper flakes, and a trio of cheeses, it’s comfort food at its finest.
When to Serve
- Pizza night – The perfect sidekick to homemade or takeout pizza.
- Pasta dinners – Sop up all that extra sauce.
- Game day snacks – Slice into smaller pieces for sharing.
- Holiday gatherings – Always a crowd-pleaser on appetizer tables.
- Soup nights – Serve alongside tomato soup or minestrone for dipping.
Why You’ll Love It
- Quick to make – 30 minutes from start to finish.
- Restaurant quality at home – Melty, golden, and perfectly seasoned.
- Customizable – Switch up the cheeses or herbs to suit your taste.
- Kid-approved – Even picky eaters love it.
Ingredient Breakdown
Unsalted butter – Softened so it spreads easily; gives richness to the garlic spread.
Garlic cloves – Roasted for sweetness and depth; mashing them blends them smoothly into the butter.
Dried basil & oregano – Classic Italian herbs for flavor.
Red pepper flakes – Adds a subtle heat that balances the richness.
Olive oil – Used to roast the garlic and infuse flavor.
Salt & black pepper – Season to taste.
Italian loaf – Take-and-bake style for freshness and crisp texture.
Mozzarella cheese – Melts beautifully for that gooey stretch.
Havarti or white cheddar – Creamy and flavorful; pairs well with mozzarella.
Parmesan cheese – Sharp, salty finish.
Fresh parsley – For garnish and color.
Perfect for Pizza Night, Holidays, and Entertaining
This cheesy garlic bread isn’t just a weeknight side — it’s a star at gatherings. For holiday dinners, slice it into smaller portions and serve as a warm appetizer alongside an antipasto platter. On game day, make a double batch so there’s enough to go around. And for pizza night, it’s the ultimate side dish — especially with a bowl of marinara for dipping.
Variations
- Cheddar Garlic Bread – Swap mozzarella for sharp cheddar.
- Four Cheese Blend – Add provolone or fontina to the mix.
- Herb Lover’s – Stir fresh rosemary or thyme into the butter spread.
- Spicy Kick – Increase the red pepper flakes or add sliced jalapeños before baking.
Troubleshooting
- Bread too soggy – Spread the butter lightly; too much moisture can soak in.
- Cheese not browning – Broil for 1–2 minutes at the end (watch closely).
- Garlic too strong – Roast it longer for a sweeter flavor.
Storage & Serving Tips
- Refrigerate – Store in an airtight container up to 4 days.
- Reheat – Wrap in foil and bake at 350°F for 8–10 minutes, or air fry for a crisp finish.
- Serve with – Marinara, Alfredo sauce, or even ranch dressing.
Make-Ahead & Freezing Tips
- Make-ahead – Assemble the bread up to 8 hours before baking; store covered in the fridge.
- Freezing – Wrap unbaked halves tightly in foil, freeze up to 2 months. Bake from frozen, adding 5–7 extra minutes.
Budget Breakdown (approximate)
- Bread loaf: $3.00
- Butter: $1.50
- Garlic & herbs: $1.00
- Cheese trio: $6.50
- Parsley: $0.75
Total:$12.75 for 12 servings ($1.06 per slice)
Beginner Mistakes to Avoid
- Skipping the roasted garlic – raw garlic can overpower the cheese.
- Using pre-shredded cheese – fresh-grated melts smoother.
- Baking too long – can dry out the bread and harden the cheese.
Lightened-Up Version Breakdown
- Use half butter and half olive oil in the spread.
- Swap Havarti for part-skim mozzarella.
- Reduce total cheese by 1/3 — still cheesy, but lighter.
- Serve with a side salad to balance the richness.
Meal Prep & Leftover Ideas
- Mini garlic toasts – Cut leftovers into small pieces, toast, and use on salads or soups.
- Garlic bread pizza – Top slices with marinara and pepperoni, then broil.
- Cheesy croutons – Cube and bake until crisp for topping casseroles.
FAQ
Can I skip roasting the garlic?
Yes, but roasting gives it a sweeter, richer flavor. Raw garlic will be sharper and more pungent.
Can I use French bread instead of Italian?
Absolutely. French bread will be slightly denser, but still delicious.
Can I use pre-minced garlic from a jar?
Yes, but fresh garlic roasted at home has better flavor and less bite.
What cheeses melt best for garlic bread?
Mozzarella is the best base; Havarti, white cheddar, fontina, or provolone add flavor depth.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes — use your favorite gluten-free loaf and ensure cheeses are gluten-free.
How do I reheat without drying it out?
Wrap in foil and reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through; avoid microwaving for too long.
Air Fryer Cheesy Garlic Bread (COSORI Method)
If you have an air fryer, you can make this cheesy garlic bread even faster — and with an irresistibly crisp crust. I use my COSORI 6.8Qt Air Fryer for this version, and it turns out perfectly every time.
- Prepare the bread as directed with the garlic butter spread and cheeses.
- Preheat your air fryer to 350°F for 3 minutes.
- Cut the bread into sections that fit your basket (usually 2–3 pieces per half loaf).
- Place the bread in the basket in a single layer.
- Air fry for 5–6 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and starting to brown on the edges.
- Sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.
The air fryer method is perfect when you want garlic bread on the table quickly or don’t want to heat up the oven. The COSORI’s even heat circulation gives you that crispy bottom and gooey top without any soggy spots.
My Personal Kitchen Notes
Garlic bread has been a staple in my kitchen for as long as I can remember, but adding extra cheese took it from a simple side to the thing everyone fights over. I’ve served this at birthdays, during the holidays, and even as a Friday night treat. My husband likes it loaded with extra red pepper flakes, my daughter wants extra mozzarella, and my son… well, he just eats it with both hands.
What Makes This Different from Other Garlic Bread Recipes
I know, I know, there’s no shortage of garlic bread recipes out there, but this Cheesy Garlic Bread Recipe stands out for a few reasons. First, it starts with roasted garlic rather than raw. Roasting mellows the sharpness of fresh garlic and adds a sweet, nutty depth that blends seamlessly into the butter. It’s a small extra step that pays off in a big way for both flavor and aroma.
Second, this isn’t your average one-cheese garlic bread. We use a three-cheese blend — mozzarella for stretch and melt, Havarti or white cheddar for creaminess and tang, and Parmesan for a sharp, salty finish. The combination gives you a balance of flavors and textures that feels like something from a restaurant, not a shortcut home recipe.
Third, the seasoning blend is intentional. Dried basil, oregano, a pinch of red pepper flakes, and fresh parsley don’t just add color — they layer in subtle Italian herb flavor without overpowering the garlic and cheese. It’s bold enough to stand on its own, but still versatile enough to pair with pasta, pizza, or soup.
Finally, the method is flexible. You can bake it in the oven for a more traditional result or make it in the air fryer for speed and extra crispiness (I love using my COSORI 6.8Qt Air Fryer for this). The result is always the same: bread that’s crisp on the edges, soft in the center, and absolutely loaded with cheesy, garlicky goodness in every bite.
Final Thoughts
My Cheesy Garlic Bread Recipe is the kind of dish that’s always welcome, no matter the occasion. It’s quick, comforting, and versatile enough for weeknights or special gatherings. Once you make it this way — with roasted garlic, three cheeses, and just the right blend of herbs — it’ll be the only garlic bread recipe you need.
Craving More Bread Recipes
Cheesy Garlic Bread
Ingredients
For the Garlic Butter Spread:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
- 6 garlic cloves
- 1/2 tablespoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Bread:
- 1 large Italian loaf take and bake style
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup havarti or white cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley finely chopped
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Roast the garlic by taking a piece of foil and adding the cloves and coat with olive oil. Wrap the cloves up and place in an air fryer or over for 12-15 minutes. Once the garlic has some color to it, take a fork or knife and mash/chop it up. *Optional step, but I would not skip it.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, fresh parsley, dried oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Stir in the roasted garlic.
- Generously spread the prepared garlic butter mixture evenly over the cut sides of both bread halves.
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella, cheddar, and grated Parmesan cheeses evenly over both halves of the bread. Be sure to cover the bread evenly with the cheese mixture.
- Place the baking sheet with the prepared garlic cheese bread in the preheated oven. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
- Remove the garlic cheese bread from the oven and sprinkle with the chopped fresh parsley.
- Slice the garlic cheese bread into individual portions and serve it while it’s hot and gooey.
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