If you love indulgent, warm, and irresistible comfort food, then this Cheesy Bread (Garlic Butter Mozzarella & Parmesan Bake) Recipe is about to become your new favorite treat to share with family and friends. Picture golden, buttery bread soaked with garlic, topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan that bubbles and browns beautifully in the oven. It’s the perfect snack or side that combines simple ingredients into a spectacular, mouthwatering experience. Whether you serve it for a party, game day, or a cozy night in, this recipe never fails to bring smiles and second helpings.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this Cheesy Bread (Garlic Butter Mozzarella & Parmesan Bake) Recipe, you’ll only need a handful of straightforward ingredients, each chosen to deliver rich flavor, perfect texture, and beautiful color. Every element comes together easily but plays an essential role in making this bread truly unforgettable.
- 1 loaf Italian, French, or sourdough bread: Provides the sturdy, crispy base that holds all the delicious toppings.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened): Creates the luscious garlic butter spread that soaks into the bread for moisture and richness.
- 4 cloves garlic (minced): Infuses the whole dish with that classic, mouth-tingling garlic aroma.
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley (chopped): Adds a pop of freshness and vibrant green color.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Brings an earthy, Mediterranean herbaceous note.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances every flavor, making everything pop.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds subtle gentle heat.
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully into a gooey, stretchy, and creamy layer.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Offers a salty, nutty kick and inspires that remarkable bubbling golden crust.
- Optional: red pepper flakes: A touch of heat to spice things up if you like a little zing.
How to Make Cheesy Bread (Garlic Butter Mozzarella & Parmesan Bake) Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Garlic Butter
Start by mixing your softened butter with minced garlic, chopped parsley, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper in a medium bowl. Stir everything together until it’s fully combined and taste to see if you want to adjust any seasoning. This garlic butter mixture is what will seep into the bread, infusing it with incredible flavor and keeping every bite moist and rich.
Step 2: Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius). This temperature is spot-on for melting the cheese perfectly while toasting the bread just right, creating that ideal contrast between crunchy edges and a soft inside.
Step 3: Slice and Score the Bread
Take your loaf and slice it lengthwise into two even halves. To get extra texture and allow the garlic butter to penetrate deeper, you can make shallow diagonal cuts on the cut sides of the bread. This step is optional but highly recommended for a more flavorful result.
Step 4: Spread the Garlic Butter
Generously spread the garlic butter mixture over both cut sides of the bread. Don’t be shy here—this is where much of the magic happens. Every nook and cranny coated in that butter will guarantee bursts of flavor.
Step 5: Add the Cheeses
Sprinkle shredded mozzarella evenly across both bread halves, ensuring every bite will have that gooey cheese pull. Then, follow up with grated Parmesan to add that salty, crispy topping that browns so beautifully under heat.
Step 6: Optional Toppings
If you want to get creative, now is the time to add extras like sliced tomatoes, pepperoni, olives, or even a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat. These personal touches turn this recipe from great to show-stopping at any gathering.
Step 7: Bake Until Golden and Bubbling
Place the prepared bread halves on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 12 to 15 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the cheese has melted completely, is bubbly, and the edges turn a gorgeous golden brown. For those who love extra crispiness, broil the bread for the final minute or two while keeping a close eye to avoid burning.
Step 8: Cool Slightly and Serve
Allow the bread to rest for a few minutes before slicing. This brief cooling helps the cheese set a bit so each slice holds together beautifully, making it easier to serve and enjoy.
How to Serve Cheesy Bread (Garlic Butter Mozzarella & Parmesan Bake) Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley or a light dusting of grated Parmesan are perfect garnishes, adding a fresh and polished finish to your cheesy bread. You can also drizzle a bit of garlic-infused olive oil on top for an extra flavor boost and a shiny allure.
Side Dishes
Cheesy Bread (Garlic Butter Mozzarella & Parmesan Bake) Recipe pairs wonderfully with a fresh green salad, tomato soup, or even your favorite pasta to balance the richness. For a fun weekend meal, serve it alongside chili or a hearty stew for dipping and dunking.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, slice the bread into bite-sized pieces and serve it with a variety of dipping sauces like marinara, ranch, or garlic aioli. You can also transform it into a base for bruschetta by topping individual slices with diced tomatoes and basil after baking. Presentation is key when sharing this crowd-pleaser!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover cheesy bread can be covered tightly with foil or plastic wrap and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Storing it properly keeps the bread moist and prevents the cheese from drying out.
Freezing
This recipe freezes beautifully. Wrap the baked bread tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, and keep it in the freezer for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat for a fresh-baked taste.
Reheating
To bring leftover or frozen cheesy bread back to life, warm it in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) for about 10 minutes or until heated through and the cheese is melty again. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep the crust crisp and the texture perfect.
FAQs
Can I use another type of cheese instead of mozzarella and Parmesan?
Absolutely! While mozzarella and Parmesan are classic choices for their meltability and flavor, you can experiment with cheeses like cheddar, provolone, or fontina. Just keep in mind their melting characteristics to maintain the best texture.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?
Yes, you can substitute the butter with vegan margarine or olive oil and choose plant-based cheese alternatives that melt well. Fresh herbs and garlic remain the same to preserve that signature flavor.
How can I add more flavor to the garlic butter?
Try adding a squeeze of lemon juice, a splash of balsamic vinegar, or finely grated onion for extra depth. You can also mix in some smoked paprika or fresh thyme for a unique twist.
What is the best bread to use for this recipe?
Italian, French baguette, or sourdough are excellent choices because of their sturdy texture and ability to hold up well under moist garlic butter and melting cheese. Avoid very soft breads that might get soggy.
Can I prepare the bread ahead of time?
Yes! Spread the garlic butter and add cheese, then cover and refrigerate before baking. Bake within 24 hours for the best freshness, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking straight from cold.
Final Thoughts
Trust me when I say this Cheesy Bread (Garlic Butter Mozzarella & Parmesan Bake) Recipe is the ultimate way to bring people together around delicious food. It’s quick, simple, and loaded with fantastic flavor that never disappoints. Once you try this recipe, it’s sure to become your go-to for satisfying any craving for cheesy, buttery, garlicky goodness. Gather your ingredients, fire up the oven, and enjoy every gooey, savory bite!
Print
Cheesy Bread (Garlic Butter Mozzarella & Parmesan Bake) Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Cheesy Bread recipe is a quick and easy guide to making a delicious, garlic-infused, cheesy bread that’s perfect as an appetizer, snack, or side dish. Featuring a buttery garlic spread topped with a blend of mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, this baked bread is crispy on the outside and gooey on the inside, with optional toppings to customize your flavor.
Ingredients
Bread
- 1 loaf (1 pound) Italian bread, French bread, or sourdough bread
Garlic Butter Spread
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Cheese Topping
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Optional
- Red pepper flakes, for a touch of heat
- Optional toppings such as sliced tomatoes, olives, or pepperoni
Instructions
- Prepare Garlic Butter: In a medium bowl, combine softened butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly. Taste the mixture and adjust seasonings if needed to ensure a balanced flavor.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it reaches the right temperature for baking the bread evenly.
- Slice Bread: Using a sharp knife, slice the bread lengthwise into two equal halves to create a flat surface for spreading the garlic butter and adding cheese.
- Score Bread (Optional): For enhanced flavor penetration, make shallow diagonal cuts across the cut sides of each bread half without cutting all the way through.
- Spread Garlic Butter: Generously spread the prepared garlic butter over the cut sides of both bread halves, ensuring an even coating for maximum flavor.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over both halves, followed by a layer of grated Parmesan cheese for a rich, cheesy topping.
- Optional Toppings: Add any desired toppings such as sliced tomatoes, olives, or pepperoni to customize your cheesy bread.
- Bake: Place the bread halves on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown.
- Broil (Optional): For extra golden and crispy cheese, broil the bread for the last 1-2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from oven and allow the bread to cool slightly before slicing and serving warm for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- Using fresh garlic will result in a more robust garlic flavor compared to pre-minced garlic.
- Adjust the amount of cheese to taste or use a blend of different cheeses for variety.
- Optional toppings add a nice twist but are not necessary for classic cheesy garlic bread.
- Be careful when broiling to avoid burning the cheese.
- This bread is best served fresh and warm but can be reheated in the oven for a few minutes.
