20-Minute Ultimate Cheesy Garlic Bread

Prep: 10 minCook: 10 min6 servingsmediumAmerican
Ultimate Cheesy Garlic Bread with Cheddar and Mozzarella

This indulgent garlic bread combines sharp cheddar and mozzarella cheeses with fresh garlic, scallions, and parsley for an irresistible side dish. The herb-butter mixture creates a rich, gooey topping that melts beautifully over crusty bread. Perfect for pasta nights, barbecues, or anytime you want to a simple meal. The food processor method ensures even distribution of flavors, while the combination of two cheeses provides both sharpness and that perfect cheese pull everyone loves.

Ingredients

6 servings
  • 1 lb French, Italian, or Ciabatta bread, halved lengthwise
  • 1 ½ sticks salted butter, at room temperature
  • 2 cloves garlic, roughly chopped
  • 2 scallions, roughly chopped
    chives1:1none

    Milder onion flavor

    Full guide →
  • 1 cup fresh Italian parsley, loosely packed
    dried parsley4:1 fresh to driednone

    Less vibrant flavor

    Full guide →
  • 6 oz sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
    mild cheddar1:1none

    Less sharp flavor

    Full guide →
  • 6 oz mozzarella cheese, shredded

Instructions

  1. 1

    Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F and adjust the rack to the middle position

  2. 2

    Place the bread halves onto a large baking sheet

  3. 3

    In a food processor, add the soft butter, garlic, scallions, and cheeses and process until smooth

  4. 4

    Spread the buttery cheese mixture all over the cut surface of the bread halves to create a thick layer

  5. 5

    Bake uncovered until the butter is melted, slightly gooey, and just barely beginning to brown

  6. 6

    Cut into slices and serve warm

Tips

Tip 1

Extra cheese mixture can be stored in the refrigerator for about a week for future use

Tip 2

This garlic bread makes excellent sandwiches when cooled

Tip 3

Feel free to add more cheese if you want it really cheesy

Good to Know

Storage

Store leftover garlic bread covered in refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in 300°F oven for 5-7 minutes.

Make Ahead

Cheese mixture can be prepared up to a week ahead and stored in refrigerator. Assemble and bake when ready to serve.

Serve With

Serve immediately while warm and gooey for best texture and flavor.

Common Mistakes

Watch

Don't overbake or the cheese will become tough and the bread will dry out

Watch

Use room temperature butter to ensure smooth mixing in the food processor

Substitutions

French bread
sourdough or Italian bread1:1none

Similar crusty texture

Full guide →
Sharp cheddar
mild cheddar1:1none

Less sharp flavor

Full guide →
Fresh parsley
dried parsley4:1 fresh to driednone

Less vibrant flavor

Full guide →
Scallions
chives1:1none

Milder onion flavor

Full guide →
Find more substitutions →

FAQ

Can I freeze the assembled garlic bread?

Yes, wrap tightly in foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding 5-10 extra minutes to cooking time.

What if I don't have a food processor?

Finely mince the garlic and scallions by hand, then mix everything together with softened butter using a fork or spoon until well combined.

How long will leftover cheese mixture keep?

The butter-cheese mixture will keep in the refrigerator for about one week when stored in an airtight container.