There’s something truly magical about the combination of garlic, butter, and cheese on a crusty loaf of French bread. Today, I’m excited to share with you my secret to making the best garlic bread with cheese in just 20 minutes. Perfect for quick family dinners, this recipe is a game-changer for anyone who loves easy pasta recipes and 30-minute meals. Whether you’re serving it alongside a hearty soup, a plate of creamy garlic pasta, or as a standalone snack, this garlic bread is sure to become a household favorite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ready in just 20 minutes—perfect for weeknight dinner ideas
- Combines the richness of butter, the tang of Italian dressing, and the creaminess of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese
- Easy to customize with your favorite herbs or spices
- Great for serving alongside pasta, soup, or as a snack
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious garlic bread with cheese:
- 1 loaf French bread (about 1 lb.)
- 1 stick salted butter (at room temperature)
- 6 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/4 cup Italian salad dressing
- 1/4 cup Parmesan Cheese (grated)
- 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
- Fresh Parsley (to garnish)
Full ingredient list with measurements is provided in the printable recipe card below.
How to Make the Recipe
Let’s dive into how to make this mouthwatering garlic bread with cheese:
- Preheat your oven to 350°. While the oven is warming up, you can start prepping the garlic butter mixture.
- Combine the butter, garlic, Italian salad dressing, and 1 cup of the Mozzarella cheese in a large bowl until well incorporated. The key here is to make sure the mixture is smooth and spreadable.
- Slice the French bread in half lengthwise and spread the top of each half with equal amounts of garlic butter. Don’t be shy—make sure to cover the entire surface for maximum flavor!
- Place the halves on a baking sheet, butter side up. Top with Parmesan cheese, then with the remaining Mozzarella cheese. The combination of Parmesan and mozzarella gives the perfect balance of salty and creamy.
- Bake for 10 minutes, until the cheese is melted. Then, increase the heat to 450° and bake for up to 8 additional minutes, until the top begins to brown. Keep an eye on it during this time to ensure it doesn’t burn.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Slice into 1-inch slices and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve warm with your favorite sides, like pasta, soup, or a homemade marinara sauce.
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
Here are a few tips to take your garlic bread to the next level:
- Use high-quality ingredients—fresh garlic and real butter make a big difference in flavor.
- Don’t overbake! The cheese should be melted and slightly golden, but not burnt.
- Customize the recipe by adding your favorite herbs or spices to the garlic butter mixture. A pinch of red pepper flakes can add a nice kick for those who like a little heat.
How to Serve
Garlic bread with cheese is incredibly versatile. Here are a few of my favorite ways to serve it:
- As a side to blue salt steak rub grilled meats
- Alongside a bowl of creamy tomato soup
- As a complement to homemade marinara sauce
- As a quick snack for movie night
Make Ahead and Storage
While this garlic bread with cheese is best served fresh, you can prepare the garlic butter mixture ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Simply spread it on the bread and bake when you’re ready. Leftover garlic bread can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven at 350° for a few minutes to restore its crispy texture.
And there you have it—my secret recipe for the best garlic bread with cheese that’s ready in just 20 minutes. Perfect for quick family dinners, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your household. Pair it with a fresh salad or a hearty bowl of soup for a complete meal, or serve it as a snack for your next gathering. Whatever way you choose, I promise you’ll love it!
Looking for more quick and delicious recipes? Check out my perfect lunch lady brownies for a sweet treat that’s just as easy to make!
Garlic Bread With Cheese
Ingredients
French bread
- 1 loaf French bread about 1 lb.
- 1 stick salted butter at room temperature
- 6 cloves garlic minced
- ¼ cup Italian salad dressing
- ¼ cup Parmesan Cheese grated
- 3 cups mozzarella cheese shredded, divided
- Fresh Parsley to garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°.
- Combine butter, garlic, Italian salad dressing, and 1 cup mozzarella cheese in a large bowl until well incorporated.
- Slice French bread in half lengthwise and spread the top of each half with equal amounts of garlic butter.
- Place halves on a baking sheet, butter side up. Top with Parmesan cheese, then remaining mozzarella.
- Bake at 350° for 10 minutes, then increase to 450° and bake for up to 8 additional minutes until the top begins to brown.
- Remove, cut into 1-inch slices, garnish with parsley, and serve with pasta, soup, or homemade marinara sauce.