Print

Irresistible Garlic Cheese Bread in Just 12 Minutes Recipe

Irresistible Garlic Cheese Bread in Just 12 Minutes Recipe
Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 28 reviews

This Irresistible Garlic Cheese Bread recipe delivers golden, crispy edges and gooey melted mozzarella with a perfect garlicky punch. Ready in just 12 minutes, it’s a quick and crowd-pleasing treat ideal for family game nights, potlucks, or any occasion needing a comforting side or appetizer. With fresh garlic, real Parmesan, and buttery bread, it transforms a simple loaf into a mouthwatering delight that disappears fast.

Ingredients

Scale

Bread

  • 1 loaf French bread (about 12 inches long, unsliced)

Garlic Butter

  • 1/2 cup butter, softened (left out for 30 minutes)
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced (fresh only)
  • Pinch of salt (optional)

Cheese

  • 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella (block or pre-shredded)
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan (real, not powdered)

Garnish

  • 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Garlic Butter: In a bowl, mash together the softened butter and minced fresh garlic using a fork until fully combined, ensuring no garlic chunks remain. Taste and add a pinch of salt if needed for extra flavor.
  2. Assemble the Bread: Slice the French bread loaf lengthwise and place both halves cut-side up on a baking sheet. Spread the garlic butter generously all the way to the edges to avoid dry spots. Evenly sprinkle the shredded mozzarella over the buttered bread, then shower with grated Parmesan. Save a small amount of cheese for a final sprinkle before broiling.
  3. Bake to Perfection: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake the assembled bread for 10-12 minutes until the cheese is fully melted, bubbly, and edges are crisp. For the signature golden-brown Parmesan freckles, broil for an additional 1-2 minutes while keeping a close eye to prevent burning.

Notes

  • Use fresh minced garlic for the best flavor; garlic powder can substitute at 1/4 teaspoon per clove if needed.
  • To prevent cheese sliding off, broil the buttered bread for 1 minute before adding cheese creating a glue-like layer.
  • You can prepare the bread up to 4 hours ahead and refrigerate; add a few extra minutes to baking time if baking from cold.
  • Alternate breads like ciabatta or baguette work well, and gluten-free loaves can be used with adjusted baking times.
  • If edges brown too quickly, tent with foil after 8 minutes while continuing to bake.
  • Garnish with fresh herbs after baking to keep colors vibrant.
  • For variations, add red pepper flakes, crispy bacon, pepperoni, smoked Gouda, or everything bagel seasoning to change up the flavor.
  • Store leftovers wrapped in foil in the fridge for up to 2 days and reheat in the oven to keep crispiness.

Nutrition

Keywords: garlic cheese bread, easy garlic bread recipe, cheesy bread, garlic butter bread, mozzarella garlic bread, appetizer, side dish, quick bread recipe

Find it online: https://lucabites.com/irresistible-garlic-cheese-bread-in-just-12-minutes-recipe/