Cheesy Garlic French Bread

This homemade cheesy garlic bread transforms a simple French loaf into an irresistible side dish that pairs perfectly with pasta, soups, or stands alone as a crowd-pleasing appetizer. The combination of melted butter, fresh garlic, and two types of cheese creates that perfect pull-apart texture we all crave.

I started making this recipe when my kids began refusing store-bought frozen garlic bread. Now they hover around the kitchen when they smell it baking, and it disappears within minutes of coming out of the oven.

Ingredients

• French bread loaf: The foundation of good garlic bread starts with quality bread. Look for a loaf with a slightly crisp exterior and soft interior
• Salted butter: Room temperature butter spreads more easily. The salt enhances all other flavors
• Garlic powder: Provides consistent garlic flavor throughout every bite
• Fresh garlic cloves: Adds bright punchy garlic flavor that powder alone cannot achieve
• Italian seasoning: This herb blend adds depth and complexity without requiring multiple spice jars
• Colby jack cheese: Creates a perfect melt with mild flavor that appeals to everyone
• Mozzarella cheese: Gives you that classic stretchy cheese pull when served warm
• Fresh parsley: Optional but adds bright color and subtle freshness

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the bread:

Preheat your oven to 400°F. Slice the French bread loaf lengthwise to create two equal halves. Place both pieces cut side up on a baking sheet. A rimmed sheet prevents butter from dripping onto your oven floor.

Create the garlic butter mixture:

In a small mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, garlic powder, minced fresh garlic, and Italian seasoning. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly incorporated. The softened butter should be pliable enough to blend easily with the seasonings without being completely melted.

Apply the garlic butter:

Using a spatula or butter knife, spread the garlic butter mixture evenly across the cut surface of both bread halves. Be sure to spread it all the way to the edges for consistent flavor in every bite.

Add the cheese topping:

Sprinkle the Colby jack cheese evenly over both buttered bread halves, followed by an even layer of mozzarella cheese. The combination of these two cheeses provides perfect meltability and flavor.

Bake to golden perfection:

Place the baking sheet in your preheated oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes. Look for melted cheese with slight browning and bubbling. For an extra crispy top with more color, broil for 1 to 2 minutes at the end of baking time, but watch carefully to prevent burning.

Garnish and serve:

Remove from the oven and sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley if desired. Allow to cool for 1 to 2 minutes before slicing into portions with a sharp knife.

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The minced fresh garlic is truly the secret ingredient in this recipe. While many versions rely solely on garlic powder, the combination of both forms creates a complex garlic flavor that develops different notes as it bakes. My family now judges all restaurant garlic bread against this homemade version.

Make Ahead Instructions

You can prepare this cheesy garlic bread up to 24 hours in advance. Simply follow all the preparation steps, then wrap the unbaked bread tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate. When ready to serve, remove from the refrigerator while the oven preheats, then bake as directed, adding 2-3 minutes to the baking time since the bread will be cold.

Perfect Pairings

This cheesy garlic bread elevates any pasta dish from ordinary to spectacular. It pairs beautifully with lasagna, spaghetti with marinara, or fettuccine alfredo. Beyond Italian meals, it complements hearty soups like tomato or minestrone, and even makes a wonderful side for salads when you need something substantial to round out a lighter meal.

Flavor Variations

While this classic version is hard to beat, you can easily customize this recipe to create new flavor profiles. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the butter mixture for a spicy kick. Substitute the Italian seasoning with herbs de Provence for a French twist. For a more robust version, try adding grated Parmesan cheese alongside the other cheeses or incorporating roasted garlic instead of fresh.

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This is the garlic bread recipe you will reach for repeatedly—it is that good!

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use a different type of bread?

Yes! While French bread creates the classic texture, you can substitute with Italian bread, ciabatta, or a baguette. The key is using a bread with a sturdy crust that can hold the toppings while becoming crispy when baked.

→ What cheeses work best for this dish?

Colby jack and mozzarella create an ideal blend of flavor and meltability. However, you can experiment with other combinations like sharp cheddar, provolone, or Monterey Jack. For best results, always include at least one cheese with excellent melting properties.

→ Can I prepare this ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the garlic bread up to 24 hours in advance. Prepare everything as directed, then wrap tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. When ready to serve, simply bake as instructed, adding 2-3 minutes to the cooking time.

→ How do I store and reheat leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best results, reheat in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes until warmed through and crispy again. You can also use a toaster oven, but avoid microwaving as it will make the bread soggy.

→ What can I serve with cheesy garlic bread?

This versatile side pairs perfectly with pasta dishes, soups, salads, or as an appetizer with marinara dipping sauce. It's especially delicious alongside spaghetti, lasagna, or a hearty minestrone soup.

→ Can I add other toppings or ingredients?

Absolutely! Consider adding toppings like crispy bacon bits, sun-dried tomatoes, caramelized onions, or fresh herbs like basil. You can also mix grated Parmesan into the butter spread for extra flavor depth.