This Garlic Bread with Cheese is the ultimate side dish — crunchy on the outside, soft and buttery inside, and loaded with melted Parmesan and mozzarella. Made with French bread, a flavorful garlic butter spread, and a secret ingredient (Italian salad dressing!) that takes it to restaurant-quality, this cheesy garlic bread is perfect alongside pasta, soups, or your favorite Italian dinners.

Full Recipe: 

Ingredients

• 1 loaf French bread (about 1 lb)

• 1 stick salted butter, at room temperature

• 6 cloves garlic, minced

• ¼ cup Italian salad dressing (optional, but recommended)

• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided

• Fresh parsley, for garnish

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Slice the French bread in half lengthwise to create two equal halves.

3. In a large bowl, mix the softened butter, minced garlic, Italian salad dressing, and 1 cup of the shredded mozzarella until well combined.

4. Spread the garlic butter mixture evenly over the cut sides of the bread.

5. Top each piece first with the Parmesan cheese, then with the remaining 2 cups of mozzarella.

6. Place the bread halves on a baking sheet, butter side up.

7. Bake for 10 minutes until the cheese melts.

8. Increase the oven temperature to 450°F and bake for an additional 5–8 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. Watch closely to prevent burning.

9. Remove from oven, slice into 1-inch pieces, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve hot with pasta, soup, or marinara sauce.

Nutrients

(Approximate per slice, based on 10 servings)

• Calories: 203 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 15g

• Protein: 8g

• Fat: 12g

• Saturated Fat: 7g

• Trans Fat: 1g

• Cholesterol: 33mg

• Sodium: 372mg

• Potassium: 59mg

• Fiber: 1g

• Sugar: 1g

• Vitamin A: 332 IU

• Vitamin C: 1mg

• Calcium: 140mg

• Iron: 1mg

Why Garlic Bread with Cheese Is So Popular

Garlic bread has long been a favorite accompaniment to countless meals, and adding cheese only enhances its appeal. The blend of savory garlic, creamy melted cheese, and the crisp, buttery texture of toasted bread creates a flavor and mouthfeel combination that is universally irresistible. What makes this recipe particularly special is the use of both Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses, each bringing unique qualities—sharp, salty depth from the Parmesan and melty, stretchy richness from the mozzarella. The addition of Italian dressing to the garlic butter mixture adds a subtle tang and herby complexity that sets this recipe apart from basic garlic breads, making it feel indulgent, special, and utterly crave-worthy.

Perfect for Pasta Nights, Parties, and Comfort Food Cravings

This Garlic Bread with Cheese is perfect for a wide range of occasions. It’s a must-have side for pasta nights, perfectly complementing dishes like spaghetti Bolognese, fettuccine Alfredo, or lasagna. It’s a hit at parties and gatherings, easily sliced into shareable pieces that guests can grab and devour. It’s also an ideal companion for hearty soups, stews, and salads, providing a satisfying, cheesy crunch that rounds out lighter meals. Whether you’re planning a family dinner, hosting friends, or simply treating yourself to a cozy night in, this garlic bread transforms any meal into a comforting, crowd-pleasing feast.

Celebrating Simple, Flavorful Ingredients

The beauty of this garlic bread lies in its use of simple, familiar ingredients that combine to create something extraordinary. A fresh loaf of French bread forms the perfect base, offering a crisp crust and a soft, airy interior. Butter, softened to the ideal spreading consistency, ensures the bread soaks up rich flavor and crisps beautifully in the oven. Fresh minced garlic infuses the bread with its unmistakable aroma and depth. Italian salad dressing, a surprise addition, adds a tangy, herby lift that makes the garlic butter spread even more flavorful. The generous topping of Parmesan brings sharpness and complexity, while mozzarella melts into irresistible gooey layers that stretch with every bite. Fresh parsley adds a final burst of color and freshness.

Adaptability and Flavor Variations

One of the joys of this cheesy garlic bread is its adaptability. You can tweak the recipe to suit your preferences or the occasion. Swap the mozzarella for provolone or fontina for a different melty texture, or try a blend of Italian cheeses for more variety. For extra richness, incorporate a few tablespoons of cream cheese into the garlic butter mixture. Spice lovers might add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for subtle heat. If you prefer a stronger garlic flavor, roast the garlic beforehand for a sweeter, more mellow profile. Gluten-free French bread can be used for a gluten-free version. The addition of sun-dried tomatoes, olives, or even crispy pancetta pieces sprinkled over the cheese before baking can turn this into a gourmet appetizer or main course side.

Nutritional Benefits

While undeniably indulgent, Garlic Bread with Cheese can still fit into a balanced diet when enjoyed in moderation. French bread provides carbohydrates for energy, while mozzarella and Parmesan contribute protein and calcium for bone health. Garlic is well-known for its potential health benefits, including immune support and anti-inflammatory properties. Choosing high-quality cheeses and real butter ensures better nutritional content compared to processed alternatives. Pairing this bread with nutrient-rich dishes like vegetable-laden pastas or vibrant salads helps create a more balanced, satisfying meal. Like all comfort foods, enjoying this garlic bread as part of a diverse diet makes it all the more satisfying and guilt-free.

Tips for the Best Garlic Bread with Cheese

A few simple techniques can ensure that your Garlic Bread with Cheese turns out perfectly every time. Use good-quality, fresh French bread for the best texture—slightly crusty outside, soft and airy inside. Allow the butter to come to room temperature before mixing it with the other ingredients for easier spreading and better absorption into the bread. Spread the garlic butter mixture generously but evenly to ensure every bite is packed with flavor. For a crispier finish, bake the bread cut side up on a wire rack placed over a baking sheet. Watch carefully during the final minutes of baking at the higher temperature to achieve beautifully golden, bubbly cheese without burning. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley right before serving to add a burst of freshness and visual appeal.

Serving Suggestions

Garlic Bread with Cheese pairs beautifully with a wide array of meals. It’s an obvious companion for Italian classics like lasagna, baked ziti, spaghetti and meatballs, and creamy Alfredo dishes. It’s also a comforting addition to soups such as tomato basil, minestrone, or creamy broccoli cheddar. Serve it alongside grilled meats, seafood, or hearty salads for a delicious, casual dinner. For a fun party platter, slice it into small squares and serve with marinara sauce for dipping. It even works as an indulgent snack or appetizer on its own. A glass of bold red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or a crisp beer like a pilsner makes the perfect pairing, elevating the meal into something truly special.

The Irresistible Comfort of Cheesy Bread

Few foods capture the spirit of comfort and satisfaction as perfectly as cheesy garlic bread. The aroma of garlic butter melting into crispy bread, the sight of golden, bubbling cheese, and the first satisfying crunch followed by a soft, buttery interior create a multisensory experience that is pure joy. Cheesy garlic bread reminds us that sometimes the simplest foods, prepared with care and high-quality ingredients, are the ones that bring the most happiness. It’s food that encourages gathering, sharing, and savoring, making it a beloved addition to meals both grand and casual.

Reasons to Love Garlic Bread with Cheese

There are countless reasons to adore this recipe. It’s fast and easy to make, requiring only about 15 minutes of prep and bake time. It uses basic pantry and fridge staples to create an outstanding result. It’s endlessly adaptable to personal tastes and creative variations. It turns everyday dinners into special meals and provides a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for parties and gatherings. Most importantly, it delivers a perfect blend of crispy, cheesy, buttery goodness that satisfies cravings and brings people together around the table.

Conclusion

Garlic Bread with Cheese is the ultimate side dish that transforms simple meals into memorable experiences. Combining crunchy, buttery bread with gooey, golden cheese and aromatic garlic, it offers everything you could want in a comforting, crave-worthy dish. Easy enough for a weeknight yet special enough for entertaining, it’s a recipe you’ll turn to again and again. Whether served alongside your favorite pasta, paired with a hearty soup, or enjoyed all on its own, this cheesy garlic bread brings warmth, joy, and unbeatable flavor to every bite.