Cheesy Garlic Bread

Cheesy Garlic Bread is easy to make with simple ingredients and in 10 minutes. The perfect pair for pasta, soup, or salad!

As I’ve been making plenty of pasta dishes lately, I thought I’ll share with you my favorite garlic bread recipe. It’s super easy to make and a great use for those day-old loaves sitting on your counter.

All you need is 10 minutes to get it golden and toasty on the table to enjoy. The ingredients are staple pantry items and customizable, too!

What you’ll need

• Bread– Italian or French bread; use baguette or smaller loaves. Ciabatta or Mexican bolillo rolls are also great options.
• Garlic– fresh is best, but garlic powder will work in a pinch
• Butter– use salted variety for extra flavor. You can also use ghee or clarified butter, or olive oil for a vegan
• Cheese– the recipe uses grated Parmesan, but feel free to substitute shredded mozzarella or cheddar for a more gooey, cheesy take
• Herbs– pick your favorite herb blends such as dry Italian seasoning, chopped fresh parsley, dried basil, oregano, or chives.

Butter alternatives

• Use olive oil or margarine for a vegan option.
• Ghee or clarified butter is a great alternative for lactose intolerant.
• Replace the butter with a thin layer of mayonnaise.

Two cooking methods

• Crispy– slice the bread loaf in half lengthwise, spread cut side up with the butter mixture, and arrange open-face in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake at 350 F in the oven for about 8 to 10 minutes or broil on high heat for about 2 to 3 minutes until the edges of the bread begin to toast.
• Soft– slice the bread loaf in half lengthwise, spread cut side up with the batter mixture, and put the buttered halves back together. Wrap tightly in aluminum foil and bake in a 350 F oven for about 8 to 10 minutes until the bread is warmed.

How to serve and store

• Remove the cheesy garlic bread from the oven and slice it into portions. Serve immediately.
• Enjoy with pasta to sop thick sauces or as a side to soups, stews, and tossed salads.
• Wrap leftovers in foil and store at room temperature for up to 1 to 2 days.
• To store for future use, prep the bread with the butter mixture and wrap it, unbaked, in foil. Freeze for up to 3 months.