This Cheesy Garlic Bread is life-changing—its combination of buttery, garlicky, cheesy, and crispy flavors is everything you’ve been dreaming of in a garlic bread. It’s perfectly crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside, without being too heavy. Whether you’re serving it as a side dish or a snack, this cheesy garlic bread will become your go-to recipe for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This cheesy garlic bread strikes the perfect balance between rich, buttery flavor, a burst of roasted garlic, and melted mozzarella cheese. It’s got a crispy, golden-brown crust with a soft, gooey interior, making it an irresistible treat. The addition of roasted garlic and a special garlic butter custard ensures the bread is flavorful without being overpowering. And, with the final touch of broiling to melt the cheese, it’s guaranteed to impress every time. Best of all, it’s easy to make and perfect for serving with pasta, soups, or as an appetizer.

Best Cheesy Garlic Bread

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For Roasted Garlic:

8-10 garlic cloves
2 tbsp olive oil
Pinch of salt

For Garlic Butter Custard:

Roasted garlic from above
½ cup butter, melted (113g)
1 egg
¼ cup milk (60g)
½ tsp salt
½ tsp paprika
2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

For Assembly:

12 King’s Hawaiian Original Hawaiian Sheet Rolls (or replace with a French baguette of similar size)
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Chopped parsley and chili flakes for serving

Directions

Roasted Garlic:

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
Mix the peeled garlic cloves with olive oil and salt. Place the garlic mixture in a mini oven-safe pot with a lid (or cover with foil).
Roast the garlic for about 20 minutes, until soft and golden. Once done, mash the garlic with a fork and set aside.

Garlic Butter Custard:

In a bowl, combine the mashed roasted garlic, melted butter, egg, milk, salt, paprika, and chopped parsley.
Whisk the ingredients together until fully combined.

Assembly:

Change the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) after roasting the garlic.
Use a sharp knife to slice the sheet of bread rolls into two halves. Place the bread halves on a large baking sheet and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until light golden and crispy.
Transfer the garlic butter custard to a larger pan. Carefully dip the baked bread sheets/loaves into the custard, ensuring they’re well coated on all sides.
Place the coated bread back on the baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15-18 minutes until golden.
Cover the bread with the shredded mozzarella cheese. Switch the oven to broil/grill mode and broil for about 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden.
Garnish the bread with fresh parsley and chili flakes. Slice up, serve, and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

Servings: 12 slices
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes

Variations

Spicy Garlic Bread: Add chili powder or red pepper flakes to the garlic butter custard for an extra kick of heat.
Cheese Variations: Try adding a mix of cheeses such as cheddar, parmesan, or provolone for a different flavor profile.
Vegan Version: Replace the butter with a plant-based alternative and use a vegan egg replacement to make this a vegan-friendly dish.
Herb-Infused Garlic Bread: Add extra fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme to the garlic butter custard for a fragrant twist.

Storage/Reheating

Cheesy garlic bread is best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes until the cheese is melted and the bread is crispy again. You can also freeze individual slices and reheat in the oven or toaster for a quick snack later.

FAQs

Can I use regular bread instead of King’s Hawaiian Rolls?

Yes, you can substitute King’s Hawaiian rolls with any bread that’s similar in size, such as a French baguette or a loaf of Italian bread.

How can I make this recipe spicier?

To add more spice, increase the amount of chili flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the garlic butter custard.

Can I make this ahead of time?

You can prepare the garlic butter custard and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. Assemble and bake the bread just before serving.

Can I use store-bought roasted garlic?

Yes, you can use store-bought roasted garlic to save time, but freshly roasted garlic will provide a deeper and more flavorful taste.

How can I keep the bread from getting soggy?

To avoid sogginess, make sure the bread is well toasted before you dip it into the garlic butter custard. You can also broil the bread after applying the cheese to keep the texture crispy.

Is there a way to make this recipe without broiling?

If you don’t have a broil function, you can bake the bread for an extra 5-7 minutes until the cheese is melted and golden.

Can I add more cheese?

Absolutely! You can increase the amount of shredded mozzarella or add a variety of cheeses for different textures and flavors.

What should I serve this cheesy garlic bread with?

This garlic bread pairs wonderfully with pasta dishes, soups, salads, or simply as a savory snack on its own.

How do I store leftover garlic bread?

Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. You can also freeze individual slices for later use.

Can I make this recipe without an egg?

Yes, you can omit the egg in the garlic butter custard, though it may affect the custard’s richness slightly. You can substitute it with a bit of extra butter or use a plant-based egg alternative.

Conclusion

This Best Cheesy Garlic Bread recipe is the ultimate comfort food. With the perfect combination of garlic, butter, cheese, and crispy bread, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser at any meal. Whether you’re serving it alongside pasta or as a standalone snack, this cheesy garlic bread will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen.