🧄🧀 Cheesy Garlic Bread (Oven-Baked)
⏱ Time
-
Prep: 10 minutes
-
Bake: 12–15 minutes
-
Total: ~25 minutes
🍽 Servings
-
6–8 slices
🧾 Ingredients
-
1 loaf French bread or baguette
-
4 tbsp butter, softened
-
2 tbsp olive oil
-
3–4 cloves garlic, minced
-
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
-
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
-
1 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped (optional)
-
¼ tsp salt
-
¼ tsp black pepper
-
Optional: pinch of chili flakes or Italian seasoning
👩🍳 Instructions
1️⃣ Prep the bread
-
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
-
Slice bread in half lengthwise and place on a baking tray lined with parchment or foil.
2️⃣ Make garlic butter
-
In a small bowl, mix butter, olive oil, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and optional seasonings.
3️⃣ Assemble
-
Spread garlic butter evenly over the bread.
-
Sprinkle mozzarella evenly on top.
-
Finish with Parmesan.
4️⃣ Bake
-
Bake for 12–15 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
-
For extra browning, broil for 1–2 minutes (watch closely).
5️⃣ Serve
-
Sprinkle with fresh parsley
-
Slice and serve hot
❓ Q & A – Common Questions
Q: What’s the best bread to use?
A: French bread or a baguette works best—crispy outside, soft inside.
Q: Can I use pre-minced garlic?
A: Fresh garlic gives the best flavor, but pre-minced works if you’re short on time.
Q: Can I make it extra cheesy?
A: Yes! Add:
-
Cheddar for sharpness
-
Provolone for stretch
-
More mozzarella on top
Q: Can I make it ahead of time?
A: Yes. Assemble, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours. Bake when ready.
Q: How do I keep it from getting soggy?
A: Don’t overload with butter and bake at high heat so the bread crisps up.
Q: Can I freeze garlic bread?
A: Yes. Wrap tightly and freeze before baking for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen, adding 3–5 minutes.
Q: What dishes go well with garlic bread?
A: Pasta, soup, salad, lasagna, or grilled chicken.