This buttery, perfectly toasted, extra cheesy garlic bread is piled high with freshly grated Parmesan and gooey mozzarella. It’s far better than anything from a bag!
Also try the BBQ Chicken French Bread Pizza and Pepperoni French Bread Pizza variations for a heartier option.
Why you’ll love it
Homemade garlic bread hits all the satisfying textures: a crisp, golden exterior, bubbling, stretchy cheese, and a soft, butter-soaked interior that tastes like pure comfort. The garlic-herb butter seeps into every nook, delivering savory flavor in each bite.
This cheesy garlic bread is dangerously moreish—be prepared to fill up on it before your main course arrives. The best part is how little hands-on time it needs, so it’s an easy side that feels special.
What you’ll need
- Bread – A fresh French loaf works great because it provides a large cut surface for the butter and cheese. Use the loaf the same day if possible for best texture.
- Garlic butter spread – Combine softened butter with fresh minced garlic and a touch of garlic powder, Italian seasoning, parsley, salt, and pepper for a deeply savory spread.
- Cheese – A mix of freshly grated Parmesan and shredded mozzarella gives great flavor and melty stretch. Grate your own cheese when you can.
Pro tip
Make sure the butter is at room temperature so it blends easily with the garlic and herbs. Let it sit for at least an hour before assembling.
Make ahead tips
- Assemble the bread up to the baking step, wrap tightly in foil, and refrigerate overnight or freeze for up to a couple of months.
- To bake from frozen, set the oven to 375°F and add 10–15 minutes to the total baking time, checking periodically until heated through and bubbly.
How to make garlic bread
This is an overview with step-by-step photos. Full ingredient amounts and exact instructions are in the recipe card below.
Bring the butter to room temperature so it becomes soft. Preheat the oven. In a small bowl, mash the butter with the minced garlic, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, parsley, salt, and pepper until smooth.
Slice the loaf in half horizontally and place both cut sides face-up on a baking sheet. Spread the garlic butter evenly over each half, then sprinkle with grated Parmesan.
Top with shredded mozzarella and bake until the cheese is melted, then broil briefly until golden and bubbly. Watch closely while broiling—cheese can go from perfect to burnt very quickly. Finish with chopped parsley, slice, and serve immediately.
Tools for this recipe
Handy tools make prep faster: a garlic press for quick mincing, a box grater for fresh cheese, and a good bread knife to slice the loaf evenly.
- Mince garlic or press it for a fine, even texture.
- Grate cheese from blocks for the best melt and flavor.
- Use a sharp bread knife and a sturdy baking sheet for even results.
Substitutions and variations
- Swap mozzarella for cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend for a different flavor profile.
- Use roasted garlic in place of fresh garlic for a sweeter, milder garlic taste.
- Any fresh loaf will work—try a baguette, sourdough, or ciabatta for unique textures.
- Increase herb flavor by adding extra fresh herbs like basil or oregano, or use different dried blends to suit your taste.
What to serve with garlic bread
- This bread pairs perfectly with Italian-American classics such as baked ziti, meatball soup, or chicken Parmesan.
- For vegetarian mains, serve alongside stuffed shells or an Alfredo tortellini bake, or offer marinara for dipping.
- A crisp salad dressed with a simple Caesar-style dressing balances the richness and makes a complete meal.
Leftovers and storage
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator and eat within a day or two to avoid drying out. Because of the dairy, refrigeration is recommended for safety.
- To reheat, wrap loosely in foil (cheese side up) and warm at 350°F for 10–15 minutes; broil briefly if you want to restore a crisp top.
- Cooked garlic bread tends to lose quality when frozen, so freezing after baking is not recommended.
More easy side dishes
- Cheese Sauce for Broccoli
- Creamy Garlic Spinach Orzo
- Cheesy Orzo
- Loaded Mashed Potato Casserole
- Easy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes
I’d love to hear how it turned out—leave a comment if you make this recipe or have questions. Share your photos with the tag #saltandlavender on Instagram.
Extra Cheesy Garlic Bread
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Ingredients
- 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 + extra for serving
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Pepper to taste
- 1 (16 ounce) loaf French bread
- 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
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Take the butter out of the fridge at least an hour before starting so it softens.
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Preheat the oven to 400°F and position the rack in the top third.
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In a small bowl, combine the butter, garlic, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mash together with a fork until well combined.
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Slice the loaf in half horizontally and place both halves cut-side up on a baking sheet.
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Spread the garlic butter across the cut surfaces, then sprinkle with Parmesan and top with mozzarella.
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Bake for about 12 minutes, then broil for a few minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly—watch closely so it doesn’t burn.
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Slice and serve immediately, garnished with extra parsley if desired.
Notes
- Serving size depends on appetite—serve as a main with a salad for 2–4 people or as a side/appetizer for a larger group.
- If using salted butter, you can omit the extra salt to reduce overall saltiness.
- This recipe appears in the Salt & Lavender cookbook, Salt & Lavender: Everyday Essentials.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is an approximation and should be used as a guide.
© Salt & Lavender Inc. Content and photographs are copyrighted. Sharing this post is appreciated, but copying full recipes without permission is prohibited.
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