The Best Cheesy Garlic Bread Recipe is the ultimate comfort food that brings together the irresistible flavors of roasted garlic, melted gooey cheese, and soft, buttery bread. This recipe transforms simple ingredients into a crowd-pleasing appetizer or snack that everyone will adore. Whether you’re planning a casual family dinner or hosting friends, this cheesy garlic bread will steal the show with its crispy edges, rich garlic butter custard, and perfectly toasted mozzarella topping. Get ready to savor a warm, hearty bite that’s bursting with flavor and oozing with cheesy goodness.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows two parts: on the left, a small white marbled surface holds a wooden board with golden roasted garlic cloves arranged unevenly in the middle. On the right, a gray tray carries two large pieces of toasted light golden brown rectangular bread slices neatly positioned side by side, each piece showing a textured and slightly crispy surface. A woman's hand is seen on the edge of the wooden board. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering the right ingredients for this Best Cheesy Garlic Bread Recipe is wonderfully straightforward. Each element has a special job, bringing out the creamy, garlicky, and fragrant notes while ensuring the perfect texture and color in every bite.

8-10 garlic cloves: Roasted to soften and mellow the pungency, providing deep, sweet garlic flavor.
2 tbsp olive oil: Helps roast the garlic evenly and adds richness to the butter custard.
Pinch of salt: Enhances the natural flavors of the garlic and balances the richness.
½ cup butter, melted (113g): Adds luscious creaminess and toasts beautifully on the bread edges.
1 egg: Creates a smooth, custard-like texture when mixed with butter and milk.
¼ cup milk (60g): Lightens the custard mixture for better absorption by the bread.
½ tsp salt: Ensures every bite is perfectly seasoned.
½ tsp paprika: Adds a mild smoky warmth and beautiful color contrast.
2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley: Brings fresh, herbal brightness to the custard and final dish.
12 King’s Hawaiian Original Hawaiian Sheet Rolls: Soft and slightly sweet rolls hold up perfectly to soaking and baking; can substitute with a French baguette of similar size for a sharper crust.
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts into a bubbly, golden crown that makes this bread truly cheesy and irresistible.
Chopped parsley and chili flakes for serving: Adds a fresh and spicy garnish to finish the dish beautifully.

TIP

You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.

How to Make Best Cheesy Garlic Bread Recipe

Step 1: Roast the Garlic

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F. Toss peeled garlic cloves with olive oil and a pinch of salt, then transfer them to a mini oven-safe pot or a dish covered tightly with foil. Roast for about 20 minutes until the garlic is tender and golden. This slow roasting softens the garlic’s sharp bite into a sweet, mellow flavor that makes this recipe unforgettable.

Step 2: Prepare the Garlic Butter Custard

Once your garlic is roasted, mash it until smooth with a fork. In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted butter, mashed roasted garlic, egg, milk, salt, paprika, and fresh parsley. This custard mix is the secret behind the bread’s tender, flavorful soak that infuses every bite with a buttery, garlicky goodness.

Step 3: Toast the Bread

Lower the oven temperature to 350°F. Using a sharp knife, carefully slice the Hawaiian sheet rolls into two halves horizontally while keeping the full sheet intact. Arrange them on a large baking sheet and toast in the oven for 8 to 10 minutes until they turn light golden and crispy, creating a sturdy base ready to soak up the custard without falling apart.

Step 4: Dip and Bake

Transfer the garlic butter custard to a large pan, then gently dip the toasted bread halves into the mixture, carefully coating all sides. Return them to the baking sheet and bake at 350°F for 15 to 18 minutes until beautifully golden and slightly puffed. This step ensures the bread absorbs all those rich flavors deeply.

Step 5: Add Cheese and Broil

Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly over the warm bread. Switch your oven to broil. Place the bread back under the broiler for about 5 minutes until the cheese melts, bubbles, and turns golden brown with delicious crispy edges. The melted cheese crown is the ultimate finishing touch for this Best Cheesy Garlic Bread Recipe.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Finally, sprinkle chopped parsley and a pinch of chili flakes on top for a fresh color pop and a subtle kick of heat. Slice the bread and get ready to share, savoring every cheesy, garlicky bite!

How to Serve Best Cheesy Garlic Bread Recipe

Two pieces of rectangular toast with golden-brown melted cheese on top sit on a wooden cutting board. The cheese layer is bubbly and browned in spots, sprinkled with small green parsley pieces. The toast edges are dark and slightly crispy, showing the contrast to the bright cheesy top. The wooden board rests on a white marbled surface with scattered parsley and chili flakes around. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh parsley brings a burst of vibrant green and a hint of herbaceous freshness, perfectly cutting through the richness. Chili flakes add delightful warmth and eye-catching color, creating an inviting plate.

Side Dishes

This cheesy garlic bread pairs wonderfully with hearty soups like tomato bisque or minestrone, fresh leafy salads for balance, or even pasta dishes such as spaghetti Bolognese. Its crowd-pleasing nature makes it ideal alongside nearly any meal that calls for a buttery, garlicky side.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving this bread as a pull-apart snack at casual gatherings, letting guests tear off cheesy chunks. You can also create mini slices to accompany a charcuterie board, or add a drizzle of balsamic glaze for a fancy twist. Personalize presentations with different cheese blends for varied textures and flavors.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap leftover garlic bread tightly in aluminum foil or place in an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to retain freshness and flavor without drying out.

Freezing

This recipe freezes surprisingly well. After baking and cooling completely, wrap the bread securely in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months for a quick savory treat whenever you desire.

Reheating

To bring leftovers back to life, reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10 to 15 minutes until warmed through and the cheese is melty again. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the bread soggy.

FAQs

Can I use other types of bread for this recipe?

Absolutely! While King’s Hawaiian rolls give a soft and slightly sweet base, a French baguette or ciabatta can also be used for a crunchier texture. Just adjust baking times accordingly.

Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, by substituting butter with a plant-based alternative and using dairy-free cheese options, you can create a delicious dairy-free version without sacrificing flavor.

How do I make the garlic flavor less intense?

Roasting garlic mellows its pungency considerably. If you prefer a subtler taste, reduce the amount of garlic cloves or roast them longer until very soft and sweet.

Can I add other herbs or spices?

Definitely! Fresh rosemary, thyme, or even a pinch of Italian seasoning can add interesting flavor dimensions. Feel free to experiment to match your preferences.

What’s the best way to melt the cheese evenly?

Broiling the bread after adding cheese ensures even melting and a golden crust. Keep a close eye to prevent burning, checking every couple of minutes.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly special about the Best Cheesy Garlic Bread Recipe that makes every bite a little celebration of comfort and flavor. It’s simple yet indulgent, perfect for sharing or enjoying solo with a favorite drink. I encourage you to give this recipe a try—it’s one of those dishes that keeps everyone coming back for more, making any meal instantly better. Trust me, once you taste it, you’ll want to add it to your regular rotation!