Name: BEST CHEESY GARLIC BREAD RECIPE
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 8-10 garlic cloves; 2 tbsp olive oil; Pinch of salt; Roasted garlic from above; ½ cup butter, melted (113g); 1 egg; ¼ cup milk (60g); ½ tsp salt; ½ tsp paprika; 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley; 12 King’s Hawaiian Original Hawaiian Sheet Rolls, kept in the full sheet form (or replace with a French baguette of similar size); 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese; Chopped parsley and chili flakes for serving

If you’ve been searching for the ultimate crowd-pleaser to accompany any Italian feast, holiday gathering, or even just your next movie night, the BEST CHEESY GARLIC BREAD RECIPE is about to become your new go-to. Think: layers of tender, buttery bread, deeply roasted garlic folded into a luscious custard, heaps of bubbling mozzarella, and a crispy finish that will have everyone reaching for seconds (and thirds). There’s something truly magical about the combination of simple ingredients that transforms into pure, cheesy comfort on your plate. One bite of this and you’ll wonder how you ever settled for anything less.

BEST CHEESY GARLIC BREAD RECIPE - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This BEST CHEESY GARLIC BREAD RECIPE is a lesson in the beauty of simplicity—each ingredient plays a vital role in making this loaf unforgettable. Every element boosts the flavor, texture, or irresistible golden color that makes this bread such a hit. Don’t skip or swap if you want to experience the full magic!

Garlic cloves: Roasting them brings out a sweet, mellow depth that’s worlds apart from raw garlic.
Olive oil: Helps the garlic roast evenly, adding a subtle richness and aroma.
Salt: Essential for both roasting and seasoning, balancing the flavors beautifully.
Butter: Forms the velvety, indulgent base for the garlic custard.
Egg: Adds body to the custard, helping it soak into the bread for that soft, rich center.
Milk: Keeps the custard creamy and ensures it absorbs evenly into the bread.
Paprika: Adds a hint of warmth and color without taking over.
Fresh parsley: Sprinkled both in the custard and on top for a pop of freshness.
King’s Hawaiian Sheet Rolls or French baguette: The soft, slightly sweet base that soaks up every flavor (the sheet formation makes the crisp/chewy ratio perfect!).
Mozzarella cheese: Melts into gooey perfection, giving every bite that classic cheese pull.
Chopped parsley and chili flakes: The finishing touch for brightness and a little heat.

How to Make BEST CHEESY GARLIC BREAD RECIPE

Step 1: Roast the Garlic

Begin by preheating your oven to 400F. Toss your peeled garlic cloves with olive oil and a pinch of salt, ensuring each clove is generously coated. Tuck them into a small oven-safe pot with a lid or wrap snugly in foil. Pop them in the oven for about 20 minutes. When they emerge, they’ll be soft, fragrant, and golden—ready to be mashed into the backbone of your bread’s bold garlic flavor.

Step 2: Make the Garlic Butter Custard

While your kitchen fills with that glorious roasted garlic aroma, grab a bowl and combine your mashed garlic, melted butter, a room-temperature egg, milk, salt, paprika, and a sprinkle of parsley. Whisk everything together thoroughly. The egg and milk create a decadent custard that seeps into every nook and cranny of the bread, while the roasted garlic infuses every slice with irresistible flavor.

Step 3: Pre-bake the Bread for Crispiness

After roasting the garlic, lower your oven to 350F. Gently slice your sheet of Hawaiian rolls (or baguette) into two horizontal halves to create a top and a bottom. Place them, cut-side up, on a large baking sheet. Bake for 8-10 minutes until the surface is lightly golden and just crisped—it’s like priming a perfect canvas for everything that comes next.

Step 4: Soak the Bread in Custard

Pour your garlic butter custard into a pan large enough to dip each bread half. Carefully submerge the pre-toasted halves, letting them drink in that garlicky, buttery goodness on all sides. This is the secret to the unique soft-yet-crispy texture that makes the BEST CHEESY GARLIC BREAD RECIPE so outstanding. Let any excess drip off before returning them to your baking sheet.

Step 5: Bake and Broil to Golden Perfection

Return your custard-dipped bread halves to the oven and bake at 350F for 15-18 minutes, watching for a deeper golden hue. Then, lavish the tops with two generous cups of shredded mozzarella. Crank the oven to broil (or grill) and broil for just around five minutes—keep an eye out so the cheese bubbles, melts, and caramelizes without burning. Finish with a flourish of parsley and a scattering of chili flakes just before slicing and serving hot.

How to Serve BEST CHEESY GARLIC BREAD RECIPE

Garnishes

Don’t skip the fresh parsley and a light sprinkle of chili flakes at the end—they’re not just for looks! The parsley brings a pop of freshness that cuts through all the glorious richness, while the chili flakes add a sneaky, subtle warmth that compliments each cheesy, garlicky bite.

Side Dishes

This show-stopping bread is practically a meal on its own, but it’s also made to shine next to your favorite comfort foods. Pair it with a silky tomato soup, a bold marinara for dipping, or alongside classics like lasagna, spaghetti Bolognese, or a vibrant green salad for balance. If you’re hosting a feast, nestle it between hearty mains and roasted veggies—it just fits in anywhere.

Creative Ways to Present

Feeling fancy? Slice the bread into strips to serve as shareable, dunk-friendly “breadsticks” at parties. For a dramatic table centerpiece, serve whole and let everyone tear off a chunk. Or, for a unique twist, cube the bread into bite-sized pieces, then skewer them with cherry tomatoes and basil for a playful, cheesy antipasto platter. However you serve it, the BEST CHEESY GARLIC BREAD RECIPE will steal the spotlight!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Have leftovers (as unlikely as that sounds)? Store cooled slices in an airtight container in the fridge, where they’ll keep fresh and flavorful for up to three days. Be sure to layer parchment or wax paper between slices to prevent sticking and sogginess.

Freezing

This recipe freezes beautifully! Place cooled slices in a single layer on a baking sheet in the freezer until solid, then transfer to a zip-top bag or sealed container. They’ll keep for up to two months. When cravings strike, you’re just minutes away from homemade happiness.

Reheating

No one wants soggy garlic bread, right? To reheat, arrange slices on a baking sheet and warm in a 350F oven for about 8-10 minutes (or until hot and crispy at the edges). You can also broil each slice for a minute or two to re-crisp the cheesy top—just keep a close watch so it doesn’t over-brown.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of bread?

Absolutely! While King’s Hawaiian rolls give a uniquely soft, slightly sweet flavor, you can swap in a French baguette or even any sturdy bread loaf you love. Just note that a chewier, denser bread will give a different mouthfeel—but still delicious in this BEST CHEESY GARLIC BREAD RECIPE.

Do I have to roast the garlic?

Roasting the garlic is key for that mellow, rich flavor and creamy texture, but if you’re in a rush, you could sauté minced fresh garlic lightly in butter instead. You’ll miss some subtle sweetness, but the bread will still be a hit.

Can I add other herbs or spices?

Definitely! While parsley and paprika are classic for the BEST CHEESY GARLIC BREAD RECIPE, you can venture out with fresh thyme, oregano, or even a pinch of crushed fennel seeds or black pepper for extra complexity. Just keep the balance so the garlic isn’t lost!

Is it possible to make this dairy-free?

Yes, you can swap in vegan butter and plant-based milk. For the cheese, use your favorite dairy-free mozzarella alternative. The texture will be slightly different, but with all that garlic and herb action, the flavor will still shine.

How can I make this ahead for a party?

Prepare everything up to the cheese topping, then wrap the bread and refrigerate. When guests arrive, pop it in the oven to finish baking and broiling so it’s perfectly warm and gooey when served. The BEST CHEESY GARLIC BREAD RECIPE is always best served fresh out of the oven!

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready to level up every meal, party, or cozy Friday night in, you simply have to try the BEST CHEESY GARLIC BREAD RECIPE. There’s so much to love about the melty cheese, golden crust, and out-of-this-world garlicky flavor. Whip it up, share it around, and be prepared to hand out the recipe—because everyone will beg for it. Happy baking!