The Ultimate Italian Garlic Bread Recipe: Cheesy Herb Butter Magic

Crafting the perfect italian garlic bread becomes a delightful culinary adventure that transforms simple ingredients into something magical.

Fragrant herbs dance with melted butter, creating an irresistible aroma that fills your kitchen.

Mozzarella adds a creamy, luxurious touch to this classic side dish.

Crusty bread provides the ideal canvas for rich, savory flavors.

Minimal ingredients combine to produce maximum satisfaction with every single bite.

Warm, golden slices promise a mouthwatering experience that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Don’t miss the chance to elevate your meal with this simple yet spectacular recipe.

Got Questions About This Garlic Bread? Let’s Answer Them

• What herbs work best with garlic bread?

Dried parsley is classic, but you can also use oregano, basil, or Italian seasoning blend for extra flavor.

• Can I use fresh garlic instead of garlic powder?

Yes, mince 2-3 fresh garlic cloves and sauté them in butter before brushing on the bread for a more intense garlic taste.

• What type of bread is recommended for this recipe?

A French baguette or Italian bread works best, providing a crispy exterior and soft interior when toasted.

• Is it possible to make this recipe ahead of time?

Prepare the butter mixture in advance and brush on bread just before baking to maintain maximum freshness and crunch.

Why Italian Garlic Bread with Mozzarella Is the Real Deal

• Boost Flavor in Minutes: Create restaurant-style garlic bread with simple ingredients that transform ordinary bread into a mouthwatering side dish.
• Crowd-Pleasing Versatility: Perfect for family dinners, game nights, or as a delicious accompaniment to pasta, soups, and salads that everyone will love.
• Super Simple Preparation: Requires minimal cooking skills and basic pantry ingredients, making this recipe accessible for home cooks of all experience levels.
• Customize with Ease: Experiment with different cheese types, add fresh herbs, or use various bread styles to match your personal taste and meal preferences.

What Makes This Garlic Bread So Cheesy & Savory

• French Baguette: A crusty bread that provides the perfect foundation for this garlic bread.
• Italian Bread: A soft and flavorful alternative to the baguette.

• Butter: Adds rich, creamy flavor and helps create a golden, crispy texture.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Provides a mild, stretchy melted topping that complements the garlic flavor.
• Garlic Powder: Delivers a concentrated, even garlic taste throughout the bread.
• Dried Parsley: Adds a subtle herb note and green flecks of color.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Enhances the overall flavor profile of the garlic bread.

How to Bake the Dreamiest Cheesy Garlic Bread

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to a cozy 350°F. This temperature will transform your bread into a crispy, golden delight.

Step 2: Create Magical Herb Butter

• Garlic powder
• Dried parsley

Stir the ingredients until they dance together into a fragrant mixture.

Step 3: Prepare Bread Slices

Lay out bread slices on a baking sheet. Using a basting brush, lavishly coat each slice with the herb butter mixture.

Make sure every inch gets some love.

Step 4: First Bake for Crispiness

Slide the baking sheet into the oven.

Bake for 10 minutes until the bread edges turn a beautiful light golden color and become wonderfully crisp.

Step 5: Add Cheesy Goodness

Sprinkle shredded mozzarella generously over each bread slice.

Drizzle any remaining herb butter across the top for extra flavor.

Step 6: Final Melty Bake

Return the baking sheet to the oven.

Bake for another 5 minutes until the cheese becomes gloriously melted, bubbly, and the bread reaches a deep golden brown.

Serve hot and enjoy your mouthwatering creation!

Garlic Bread Tips to Get That Gooey Finish

• Choose a crusty, sturdy Italian bread like ciabatta or baguette for the best texture and crispy edges.
• Soften butter at room temperature before mixing with herbs for easier blending and more even coating.
• Experiment with fresh herbs like basil, oregano, or thyme for a more vibrant, aromatic flavor profile.
• For a lighter version, use olive oil instead of butter and reduce the amount of cheese used.
• Serve immediately after baking to enjoy the bread's maximum crunchiness and melted cheese's gooey goodness.

Savory Twists to Try with This Classic Bread

• Spicy Jalapeño Kick: Add finely chopped fresh jalapeños to the herb butter mixture for a zesty, spicy version that brings heat to the classic garlic bread.
• Mediterranean Olive Fusion: Mix chopped kalamata olives and crumbled feta cheese into the butter blend, creating a tangy Mediterranean-inspired garlic bread.
• Pesto Parmesan Upgrade: Replace herb butter with store-bought or homemade basil pesto, then top with grated parmesan cheese for an herbal, rich flavor profile.
• Roasted Vegetable Blend: Incorporate finely chopped roasted red peppers and sautéed spinach into the butter mixture, adding depth and nutritional value to the bread.

Perfect Pairings for Mozzarella Garlic Bread

• Pair with Hearty Red Wine: Choose a robust Italian Chianti or Sangiovese that complements the rich, garlicky flavors and cuts through the buttery cheese.
• Serve alongside Classic Tomato Soup: Create a comforting combination where the crispy bread can be dipped into a warm, tangy tomato soup for maximum flavor enjoyment.
• Match with Fresh Caprese Salad: Balance the heavy garlic bread with a light, zesty salad featuring fresh mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, and fragrant basil to provide a refreshing contrast.
• Complement with Grilled Chicken Pasta: Transform the garlic bread into a complete meal by serving it alongside a light, herb-infused grilled chicken pasta that echoes the bread's herbal notes.

Keeping Mozzarella Garlic Bread Tasty After Baking

• Refrigeration: Store leftover garlic bread in an airtight container for up to 3 days, keeping it in the coolest part of the refrigerator to maintain freshness.
• Freezing: Wrap individual slices tightly in aluminum foil, then place in a freezer-safe bag and store for up to 2 months, preventing freezer burn.
• Reheating Oven: Unwrap frozen bread, place on a baking sheet, and warm at 350°F for 10-12 minutes until crispy and heated through.
• Toaster Oven: Place slices directly on the rack, toast for 3-5 minutes at 350°F, watching carefully to prevent burning and ensure even heating.

Italian Garlic Bread with Herb Butter and Mozzarella Recipe

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4.6 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Savory Italian garlic bread dances with herb-infused butter and melted mozzarella, creating a mouthwatering symphony of flavors. Crispy edges and gooey cheese invite you to indulge in this irresistible side dish that elevates any meal with authentic Italian charm.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 loaf French bread
• 1 cup (226 grams) mozzarella cheese, shredded

Butter and Seasoning:

• 1/2 cup (113 grams) unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
2. Create a flavorful herb butter by gently melting butter in a small saucepan over medium heat, then whisk in garlic powder and dried parsley until fully incorporated.
3. Arrange bread slices evenly on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they do not overlap.
4. Using a pastry brush, coat each bread slice thoroughly with the aromatic herb butter mixture, making sure to cover the entire surface.
5. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and toast the bread for approximately 10 minutes until edges turn light golden and crisp.
6. Remove the bread from the oven and generously sprinkle shredded mozzarella over each slice, allowing some cheese to cascade onto the baking sheet.
7. Drizzle any remaining herb butter across the cheese-topped bread for extra flavor intensity.
8. Return the baking sheet to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes, watching carefully until the cheese melts completely and develops a bubbly, golden-brown surface.
9. Remove from the oven and let the garlic bread rest for 2-3 minutes before serving to allow the cheese to set and flavors to meld.

Notes

• Choose a sturdy, crusty Italian or French bread for the best texture and flavor absorption.
• Experiment with fresh herbs like basil or thyme instead of dried parsley to elevate the taste profile.
• For a lighter version, use olive oil instead of butter and reduce the amount of cheese used.
• Customize the garlic intensity by adjusting the amount of garlic powder or using fresh minced garlic for a more robust flavor.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 313
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 7 g
• Cholesterol: 61 mg