This Cheese Bread is everything I crave in a savory snack or side dish. A loaf of French or Italian bread gets loaded with garlic butter and a generous mix of cheeses before being baked to perfection. It’s golden, melty, and irresistibly delicious.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I always appreciate a recipe that delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort. This Cheese Bread does just that. With a crispy exterior and gooey, cheesy center, it’s the ideal comfort food. I can serve it at parties, pair it with dinner, or just indulge in a warm slice anytime I need a quick fix.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 loaf French bread or Italian bread, sliced in half lengthwise
- 4 tablespoons butter, melted
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Combine melted butter, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl.
- Place the bread halves on the baking sheet, cut side up, and brush with the garlic butter mixture.
- Sprinkle mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan cheeses evenly over the top.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- For a crispier finish, broil for 1-2 minutes.
- Top with fresh parsley, slice, and enjoy warm.
Servings and timing
Serves: 6-8
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Variations
Sometimes I like to add a spicy kick with crushed red pepper flakes or sliced jalapeños. When I want something more herbaceous, I mix fresh basil or thyme into the butter. I also occasionally use different cheeses like provolone or fontina for a unique flavor twist.
storage/reheating
I store leftovers wrapped in foil in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, I place slices in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes. I avoid the microwave because it can make the bread soggy.
FAQs
How do I get the top perfectly golden and bubbly?
I like to finish the bread under the broiler for 1-2 minutes. It gives a great color and slight crisp.
Can I use pre-shredded cheese?
Yes, but I prefer shredding it myself for better melt and flavor.
Is it possible to make this ahead of time?
Definitely. I assemble the bread, wrap it, and refrigerate it. I bake it fresh when needed.
Can I freeze this Cheese Bread?
Yes, I assemble it and freeze before baking. When ready, I bake it directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes.
What meals go well with this?
I often serve it with pasta dishes, soups like tomato or minestrone, or even as part of a brunch spread.
Conclusion
Cheese Bread is one of those recipes I return to again and again. It’s simple, flexible, and always a crowd favorite. Whether I’m hosting friends or just treating myself, this recipe never disappoints.
Print
Cheese Bread
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Cheese Bread is a savory, indulgent snack or side dish made with French or Italian bread, slathered in garlic butter and topped with a trio of melty cheeses. Perfectly golden and bubbly, it’s comfort food at its finest.
Ingredients
1 loaf French bread or Italian bread, sliced in half lengthwise
4 tablespoons butter, melted
2 cloves garlic, minced
½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a small bowl, combine melted butter, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Place bread halves on the baking sheet, cut side up, and brush evenly with the garlic butter mixture.
- Sprinkle mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan cheeses over the bread.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- For a crispier top, broil for 1–2 minutes.
- Garnish with chopped parsley, slice, and serve warm.
Notes
- Add crushed red pepper flakes or jalapeños for heat.
- Mix fresh herbs like basil or thyme into the butter for extra flavor.
- Swap in provolone or fontina for a different cheese profile.
- Store leftovers wrapped in foil and reheat in the oven for best texture.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
