Heavenly Garlic Bread Loaded with Gooey Cheese Recipe

Crispy, golden edges and a molten center make this ultimate cheesy garlic bread recipe a true crowd-pleaser at any gathering.

Melted butter mingles with fresh garlic, creating an irresistible aroma that fills the kitchen.

Sharp cheddar and creamy mozzarella blend perfectly with fragrant herbs and a hint of parmesan.

Each slice promises a delightful crunch that gives way to a soft, cheesy interior.

The combination of simple ingredients turns an ordinary bread into an extraordinary side dish.

Serve this mouthwatering bread alongside pasta, soups, or enjoy it as a standalone snack that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 4 hours 20 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 4 hours

Calories: 360 kcal

Servings: 9

What’s Inside Cheesy Garlic Bread

• Flour: Provides structure and foundation for the cheesy bread, choosing high-protein bread flour ensures better texture and rise.
• Water: Activates yeast and hydrates flour, use filtered water at precise warm temperature for optimal yeast activation.
• Yeast: Biological leavening agent that creates airy, light bread texture, select fresh active dry yeast for best fermentation.
• Sugar: Feeds yeast and promotes fermentation, helps achieve golden brown crust and enhances flavor complexity.
• Salt: Strengthens gluten network and balances overall taste, use fine sea salt for even distribution.
• Olive Oil: Adds moisture and richness, enhances dough's elasticity and contributes subtle flavor undertones.

• Garlic: Provides robust aromatic base, choose fresh bulbs with firm, smooth skin for maximum flavor intensity.
• Italian Seasoning: Blends herbs that create Mediterranean depth, select high-quality dried herb mix for consistent taste.
• Parmesan Cheese: Delivers sharp, umami notes, opt for freshly grated authentic Italian cheese for superior melting quality.

• Tomatoes: Creates rich marinara foundation, select ripe, San Marzano variety for deep, sweet-tangy profile.
• Herbs: Adds layered aromatic complexity, use fresh herbs when possible for brighter flavor expressions.
• Butter: Provides creamy smoothness and rounded taste, choose unsalted European-style butter for superior quality.

Equipment Guide for Cheesy Garlic Bread

• stand mixer: essential for mixing and kneading bread dough smoothly and consistently.
• small saucepan: perfect for heating water and activating yeast.
• sauce pot: ideal for simmering marinara sauce with rich ingredients.
• casserole dishes: great for stretching and baking the cheesy bread.
• measuring cups and spoons: necessary for accurate ingredient quantities.
• wooden spoon or spatula: useful for mixing and stirring ingredients.
• kitchen towel: helps cover dough during proofing process.
• sharp knife or dough scraper: helpful for dividing and shaping dough.
• baking gloves: recommended for handling hot dishes safely.

Cooking Instructions for Garlic Bread

• Yeast Awakening

Warm water becomes the gentle home for tiny yeast friends, coaxing them into a bubbly dance with a touch of sweetness. This magical moment transforms simple ingredients into a living, breathing dough.

• Dough Formation

Flour and salt welcome the yeast’s frothy embrace, mixing into a tender landscape that will become soft and pillowy. Gentle kneading builds strength and character in the dough’s delicate structure.

• Resting and Rising

Dough takes a peaceful nap, expanding and developing deep flavors during quiet moments of transformation. Patient waiting allows complex taste profiles to emerge naturally.

• Flavor Preparation

Tomatoes simmer slowly, mingling with herbs and garlic to create a rich sauce that whispers stories of Italian kitchens. Butter and parmesan add luxurious depth to the marinara’s soul.

• Bread Crafting

Stretched dough finds its home in a welcoming pan, draped with olive oil and adorned with melting cheese. The oven becomes a magical chamber where simple ingredients merge into a golden, fragrant masterpiece.

• Final Celebration

Hot bread emerges, crackling and steaming, ready to be torn and shared. Marinara sauce stands by as the perfect companion, inviting friends and family to gather and enjoy.

Topping Options & Garlic Bread Hacks

• Mix mozzarella with sharp cheddar or parmesan for deeper flavor profiles. Experiment with different cheese combinations to create your signature cheesy sensation.
• Crush fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme into olive oil sauce for extra aromatic depth. Dried herbs work wonderfully too, intensifying the bread's overall taste experience.
• Prepare dough and marinara sauce up to 3 days in advance. Store separately in airtight containers, allowing flavors to develop and saving precious prep time.
• Swap traditional flour with gluten-free bread flour blend. Add xanthan gum for improved texture and elasticity, ensuring a similar soft and chewy result.

Serving Cheesy Garlic Bread Hot & Fresh

• Rustic Dinner Party Centerpiece: Transform this cheesy garlic bread into a stunning centerpiece for your next gathering, placing it directly on a wooden board with fresh herbs scattered around for a rustic, inviting presentation.
• Marinara Dipping Adventure: Serve the warm bread alongside the homemade marinara sauce in individual small bowls, encouraging guests to tear and dip their slices for an interactive and delicious dining experience.
• Wine and Cheese Pairing: Complement the rich, cheesy flavors with a crisp white wine like pinot grigio or a light-bodied red such as chianti, creating a sophisticated yet casual meal that feels both elegant and comfortable.
• Movie Night Comfort Food: Cut the bread into smaller pieces for easy sharing during movie nights, providing a warm, gooey snack that feels like a restaurant-quality treat right in your living room.

Garlic Bread Storage Tips

• Fridge Fresh Strategy: Store leftover cheesy garlic bread in an airtight container for 3-4 days. Wrap each slice individually to maintain moisture and prevent soggy texture.
• Freezer Hero Technique: Slice bread before freezing, placing parchment paper between layers. Freeze up to 2 months in sealed freezer bags. Reheat directly from frozen at 350°F for crispy edges.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare dough and marinara sauce 2 days before serving. Keep dough refrigerated and sauce in sealed containers. This approach saves time and enhances flavor development.
• Quick Reheat Hack: Revive cold bread by warming in oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes. Brush with extra olive oil for renewed crispness and golden appearance.

Crispy Cheesy Garlic Bread

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4.7 from 20 reviews

• Total Time: 4 hours
• Yield: 9 1x

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Description

Homemade ultimate cheesy garlic bread delivers a mouthwatering Italian-inspired side dish perfect for gatherings. Crisp edges, melted cheese, and rich garlic flavor make this simple recipe a crowd-pleasing companion you’ll crave alongside pasta or salads.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb mozzarella, whole milk low-moisture, grated
• 3 ½ cups (450 g) bread flour
• 1 ¼ cups (300 ml) water
• 2 ½ tsp (7 g) active dry yeast
• ⅓ cup (72 g) olive oil
• 2 ¼ tsp (10 g) granulated sugar
• 1 tbsp (20 g) fine sea salt
• ⅓ cup sharp white cheddar, grated
• ⅓ cup parmesan, grated
• ¼ cup extra light olive oil
• 1 tbsp italian seasoning
• 28 oz whole peeled tomatoes, san marzano preferred
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsps neutral oil
• 2 tbsps fresh oregano, minced
• 2 tbsps fresh basil, minced
• 1 tbsp parmesan, grated
• 2 tbsps unsalted butter
• 1 pinch kosher salt (for olive oil sauce)
• 1 pinch kosher salt (for marinara sauce)

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Instructions

1. Yeast Activation: Combine yeast with warm water and sugar, allowing it to become foamy and aromatic, signaling its readiness.
2. Dough Formation: In a stand mixer, blend flour and salt, then incorporate the activated yeast, mixing until a cohesive, smooth dough develops.
3. Dough Development: Perform gentle folding techniques on a floured surface, allowing gluten to develop and enhance the dough’s structure and elasticity.
4. Proofing Process: Let the dough rest at room temperature, covered to maintain moisture, then implement strategic folding to build strength and texture.
5. Flavor Enhancement: Refrigerate the dough overnight, intensifying its flavor profile and improving handling characteristics.
6. Herbed Oil Preparation: Create a fragrant olive oil infusion by combining oil with Italian herbs and a touch of salt.
7. Marinara Creation: Gently sauté garlic, then blend with tomatoes and aromatic herbs, simmering slowly to concentrate flavors and incorporate parmesan and butter.
8. Dough Preparation: Remove dough from refrigeration, allowing it to reach room temperature for optimal manipulation and stretching into baking vessels.
9. Bread Assembly: Generously brush the dough surface with herbed olive oil mixture and liberally sprinkle with a luxurious layer of cheese.
10. Baking Finale: Bake at high temperature to achieve a golden, crispy exterior with a soft, chewy interior, then allow slight cooling to ensure structural integrity.
11. Serving Suggestion: Present the cheesy garlic bread alongside the carefully crafted marinara sauce for a complete and indulgent culinary experience.

Notes

• Activate Yeast Perfectly: Ensure water temperature is between 100-110°F to wake up yeast without killing it, creating a foamy, fragrant base for exceptional bread.
• Develop Gluten Strategically: Knead dough thoroughly to build strong protein networks, resulting in a chewy, elastic texture that defines artisan-style bread.
• Master Cold Fermentation: Refrigerate dough overnight to unlock deeper flavor complexity and improve dough handling, transforming ordinary bread into extraordinary.
• Achieve Crispy-Soft Balance: Bake at high temperature (425-450°F) to create a golden, crisp exterior while maintaining a tender, pillowy interior.

• Prep Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 9
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 430 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 12 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg