There’s just something utterly irresistible about Cheesy Bread: that golden, melty, bubbling top and the aroma of garlic wafting through the kitchen as it bakes. This Cheesy Bread recipe is rich and satisfying, with gooey mozzarella, a sprinkle of savory Parmesan, and a touch of fresh herbs all atop a crispy French loaf. Whether you serve it as an appetizer, alongside your favorite pasta, or simply as a snack, it’s bound to become a constantly requested favorite. I can’t wait to share with you how truly simple and spectacular this comfort food classic can be!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The lineup for this Cheesy Bread is refreshingly short but each ingredient is chosen for flavor, texture, and that “wow” factor when you pull it from the oven. Every element plays a part, so don’t skip these essentials for the ultimate cheesy experience!
- French bread: A sturdy loaf with a crisp crust and tender crumb provides the perfect base for all that cheesy goodness.
- Unsalted butter: Softened butter blends beautifully with the garlic and herbs, ensuring every bite is full of flavor.
- Garlic: Fresh minced garlic infuses the bread with its unmistakable fragrance and zing.
- Mozzarella cheese: This cheese brings unbeatable meltiness and that stretchy, gooey quality everyone loves in Cheesy Bread.
- Parmesan cheese: A bit of sharp, salty bite rounds out the flavor and helps the top get golden brown.
- Fresh parsley: Optional, but the bright color and slight freshness make this Cheesy Bread look as amazing as it tastes.
- Dried oregano: Adds a comforting herby note that pairs fabulously with the cheeses and garlic.
- Salt: Just a pinch heightens all the baked-in flavors.
- Black pepper: For a gentle heat and a little extra depth in every bite.
How to Make Cheesy Bread
Step 1: Prepare the Garlic Butter
Start by blending together the softened butter, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and dried oregano in a small bowl. Mixing it thoroughly ensures that every corner of your French bread will carry that savory, aromatic spread. If you love extra flavor, don’t be shy with the garlic!
Step 2: Spread the Butter Mixture
Place the halved French bread, cut-side up, on a baking sheet. Spread the garlic butter evenly over both halves, going all the way to the edges so not a single bite is left bare. This is where the magic begins, as the butter will seep into the bread while baking, turning it crisp and flavorful.
Step 3: Add Cheeses
Generously sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the buttered bread, followed by a shower of grated Parmesan on top. The mix of cheeses ensures your Cheesy Bread will be stretchy, melty, and have that coveted golden crust. If you’re feeling adventurous, mix in a bit of cheddar or provolone for an extra layer of flavor!
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Bake the bread in a preheated 400°F (200°C) oven for around 10 to 12 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the cheese is fully melted and bubbling at the edges, making the kitchen smell absolutely incredible.
Step 5: Broil for a Golden Finish
If you love a little crunch and color on top, switch to the broiler for the last 1 to 2 minutes. Watch closely, as the cheese can go from golden to burnt quickly! Once it’s to your liking, take the bread out and let it cool slightly for easier slicing.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over your Cheesy Bread just before slicing. The vibrant green adds not only a flash of color but a light, herby finish that brings all the flavors together. Serve warm for the gooey-est, most delightful experience!
How to Serve Cheesy Bread
Garnishes
A final sprinkle of fresh parsley or even some finely sliced green onions brings brightness and a pop of color to your Cheesy Bread. For an extra kick, try a dusting of crushed red pepper flakes or a touch more Parmesan just before serving.
Side Dishes
Cheesy Bread is the perfect companion to classic Italian meals like spaghetti, lasagna, or creamy soups. It also shines next to salads or as a soak-it-up side for tomato-based stews—basically, any dish that could use a cheesy, crunchy upgrade!
Creative Ways to Present
Slice your Cheesy Bread into strips for easy dipping, cut into cubes for a party platter, or serve whole halves for a dramatic centerpiece at a casual dinner. You can even add a drizzle of hot honey or a spoonful of marinara sauce for a fun, interactive twist at the table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any Cheesy Bread left—rare, but it happens—wrap slices tightly in foil or store in an airtight container. It’ll stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to three days and makes for a wonderful snack or quick side.
Freezing
Want to keep a stash on hand? Freeze Cheesy Bread by wrapping individual slices or whole halves in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. They’ll keep their flavor and texture for up to two months, ready to enjoy when a cheesy craving hits.
Reheating
For best results, reheat Cheesy Bread in the oven or a toaster oven at 350°F until hot and bubbly again. This will revive the crisp edges and gooey center without making it tough. A quick zap in the microwave works in a pinch, but you’ll lose a bit of that signature crunch.
FAQs
Can I use different types of bread for Cheesy Bread?
Absolutely! While French bread is a favorite for its crisp crust, you can experiment with Italian loaves, ciabatta, or even a rustic sourdough for a unique take. Just make sure the bread isn’t too thin so it can hold all the cheesy goodness.
How can I make Cheesy Bread spicier?
If you like a bit of heat, simply sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes onto the cheese before baking, or add a pinch of cayenne to your butter mixture. You can even use a spicy cheese blend for an extra punch.
Is Cheesy Bread suitable for vegetarians?
Yes! This recipe is completely vegetarian-friendly as long as you choose cheeses made without animal rennet. Always check your cheese labels if you’re serving strict vegetarians.
Can I prepare Cheesy Bread ahead of time?
Definitely—assemble as directed up to the baking step, then cover and refrigerate for up to a day before baking. When ready, bake as normal, adding a few extra minutes since it will be cold from the fridge.
What cheese substitutions work best?
Mozzarella and Parmesan are classic, but feel free to swap in cheddar, Monterey Jack, or provolone for variety. Just be sure the cheese you choose melts well and isn’t too oily, so your Cheesy Bread stays perfectly gooey and not greasy.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like digging into a fresh, warm slice of Cheesy Bread with loved ones gathered around. It’s deliciously simple yet always impressive, and the possibilities are endless for variation. Give this recipe a try—I promise, it’ll be your new go-to for any meal or occasion!
Print
Cheesy Bread Recipe
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 8 slices 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in this Cheesy Bread recipe that combines the gooey goodness of mozzarella and Parmesan with a garlicky butter spread on French bread. It’s a perfect side dish or appetizer for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 loaf French bread (halved lengthwise)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
French Bread:
Garlic Butter:
Cheese Topping:
Optional:
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Prepare Garlic Butter: Mix softened butter with minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Spread Butter: Spread the garlic butter on both bread halves.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the buttered bread.
- Bake: Place on a baking sheet and bake for 10–12 minutes until cheese melts and bubbles.
- Broil: For a golden top, broil for 1–2 minutes.
- Finish and Serve: Sprinkle with parsley if desired, cool slightly, slice, and serve.
Notes
- Add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Experiment with different cheese blends like cheddar or provolone.
- Perfect as a side with pasta or soups.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 330mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
