How to Make the Best Garlic Bread With Cheese

There’s something undeniably magical about the combination of garlic and cheese on a crusty loaf of French bread. It’s a match made in heaven, and today, I’m thrilled to share with you my secret recipe for the best garlic bread with cheese you’ll ever taste! Whether you’re serving it alongside a hearty bowl of soup, as a side to your favorite pasta dish, or simply as a quick snack, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make and ready in just 20 minutes—perfect for those busy weeknights when you need a quick family dinner solution.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy to prepare—ready in just 20 minutes!
• Packed with creamy, cheesy, garlicky flavor that everyone will love.
• Perfect for weeknight dinners, special occasions, or even as a snack.
• Customizable—add your own favorite herbs or spices to make it your own!
• Goes perfectly with easy pasta recipes, soups, or as a standalone treat.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious garlic bread with cheese:

• 1 loaf French bread (about 1 lb.)
• 1 stick salted butter (at room temperature)
• 6 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1/4 cup Italian salad dressing
• 1/4 cup Parmesan Cheese (grated)
• 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
• Fresh Parsley (to garnish)

Full ingredient list with measurements is provided in the printable recipe card below.

How to Make the Recipe

Let’s dive into the step-by-step process of making this mouthwatering garlic bread with cheese:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to get it nice and hot for baking.
2. In a large bowl, combine the butter, garlic, Italian salad dressing, and 1 cup of the mozzarella cheese. Mix until everything is well incorporated and you have a smooth, creamy spread.
3. Slice the French bread in half lengthwise and spread the garlic butter mixture evenly over the top of each half. Make sure to get all the way to the edges for maximum flavor!
4. Place the bread halves on a baking sheet with the butter side facing up. Top with Parmesan cheese, followed by the remaining mozzarella cheese. Don’t be shy with the cheese—this is where the magic happens!
5. Bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Turn up the heat to 450°F (230°C) and bake for an additional 5-8 minutes, keeping a close eye on it to ensure the top doesn’t burn. You want it golden brown and crispy!
7. Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing into 1-inch thick pieces. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
8. Serve warm and enjoy the ooey-gooey cheesy goodness!

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

• Use high-quality cheese for the best flavor. Freshly shredded mozzarella and real Parmesan make a big difference!
• Don’t overbake! You want the cheese to be melted and the top to be lightly toasted, but not burnt.
• Let the garlic butter sit at room temperature for a bit before spreading—it’ll be easier to spread evenly.
• Consider adding a sprinkle of dried or fresh herbs like oregano or thyme for extra flavor.

How to Serve

This garlic bread with cheese is incredibly versatile and can be served in so many ways:

• As a side to your favorite easy pasta recipes or a hearty Cajun Corn Chowder.
• Paired with a fresh green salad for a light and satisfying meal.
• As a snack while watching your favorite movie or sports game.
• Alongside a warm bowl of homemade marinara sauce for dipping.
• Even as a base for a Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl—just slice it up and crouton it!

Make Ahead and Storage

One of the best things about this recipe is how easy it is to prepare ahead of time:

• You can make the garlic butter mixture up to a day in advance and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to use it.
• Assemble the garlic bread (without baking) and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours.
• Leftover garlic bread can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Simply reheat it in the oven at 350°F for a few minutes to restore its crispy goodness.

And there you have it—my go-to recipe for garlic bread with cheese that’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen! Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner idea, a comforting side dish, or just a delicious treat, this recipe delivers. So go ahead, give it a try, and let me know in the comments how much you love it!

Garlic Bread With Cheese

A delicious, cheesy, garlicky bread perfect as a side dish or appetizer.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 18 minutes mins

Total Time 28 minutes mins

Servings: 6 people

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: Italian

Calories: 320

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 loaf French bread about 1 lb.
• 1 stick salted butter at room temperature
• 6 cloves garlic minced
• 1/4 cup Italian salad dressing
• 1/4 cup Parmesan Cheese grated
• 3 cups mozzarella cheese shredded, divided
• Fresh Parsley to garnish

Method

 

1. Preheat oven to 350°.
2. Combine butter, garlic, Italian salad dressing, and 1 cup of mozzarella cheese in a large bowl until well incorporated.
3. Slice French bread in half lengthwise and spread garlic butter evenly on each half.
4. Place halves on a baking sheet, butter side up. Top with Parmesan cheese, then remaining mozzarella.
5. Bake at 350° for 10 minutes, then increase heat to 450° and bake for 8 additional minutes until top browns.
6. Remove, slice into 1-inch pieces, garnish with parsley, and serve.

Notes

For an extra crispy crust, bake for an additional 2-3 minutes after increasing the oven temperature.