Best Cheesy Garlic Bread Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you love garlic bread, this version takes it to the next level! The addition of roasted garlic creates a deeper, more mellow flavor, while the garlic butter custard adds richness and a touch of creaminess. Topped with mozzarella cheese and broiled to perfection, each bite offers the perfect balance of crispy, cheesy, and savory goodness. It’s not too heavy, yet incredibly indulgent—this cheesy garlic bread is just the right comfort food.

Ingredients

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

Roasted Garlic:

• 8-10 garlic cloves

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• Pinch of salt

Garlic Butter Custard:

• Roasted garlic from above

• ½ cup butter, melted (113g)

• 1 egg

• ¼ cup milk (60g)

• ½ tsp salt

• ½ teaspoon paprika

• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

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:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F.

2. Mix the peeled garlic cloves with olive oil and salt. Place them in a small oven-safe pot with a lid (or cover with foil). Roast for about 20 minutes until the garlic is soft and golden.

3. Mash the roasted garlic with a fork and set it aside.

Garlic Butter Custard:

1. In a bowl, combine the mashed roasted garlic, melted butter, egg, milk, salt, paprika, and parsley.

2. Whisk thoroughly until well combined.

Assembly:

1. Lower the oven temperature to 350°F after roasting the garlic.

2. Use a sharp knife to slice the sheet of bread rolls into two halves. Place them on a large baking sheet and bake for 8-10 minutes until they are light golden and crispy.

3. Transfer the garlic butter custard to a larger pan. Carefully dip the baked bread halves into the custard, coating all sides thoroughly.

4. Place the bread back on the baking sheet and bake at 350°F for 15-18 minutes until golden.

5. Once golden, cover the bread with shredded mozzarella cheese. Set the oven to broil and cook for about 5 minutes until the cheese is melted and golden.

6. Garnish with fresh parsley and chili flakes. Slice and serve!

Servings and Timing

• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes

• Servings: 12

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Variations

• Add Different Cheeses: If you want a richer, more flavorful bread, you can mix different cheeses like cheddar, parmesan, or gouda for a unique twist.

• Herb Variations: Feel free to swap parsley with other fresh herbs like basil, thyme, or rosemary for an extra depth of flavor.

• Spicy Garlic Bread: Add finely chopped fresh chilies or red pepper flakes directly into the garlic butter custard for an extra kick.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover cheesy garlic bread in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.

• Reheating: To reheat, place the bread in the oven at 350°F for about 5 minutes, or until it’s warmed through. For extra crispiness, broil for a minute or two at the end.

FAQs

1. How do I make the garlic flavor less intense?

If you prefer a milder garlic flavor, try roasting the garlic for a longer period. Roasting garlic softens and sweetens its flavor, reducing its sharpness.

2. Can I make this recipe with regular bread?

Yes, you can use any type of bread you like, such as a French baguette, sourdough, or even a loaf of ciabatta. Just make sure to adjust the cooking times accordingly.

3. Can I freeze cheesy garlic bread?

Yes, you can freeze the bread before or after baking. If freezing before baking, assemble the garlic butter custard and freeze the bread halves separately. Bake them from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cook time.

4. Is it necessary to broil the cheese?

Broiling the cheese gives it a golden, crispy texture. While it’s not necessary, it adds a delicious layer of flavor. If you prefer, you can simply bake it until the cheese is melted.

5. What can I serve this cheesy garlic bread with?

This bread is great with pasta, soups, salads, or even as a standalone snack. It’s a perfect side dish for dishes like spaghetti, lasagna, or Caesar salad.

6. Can I make the garlic butter custard ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the garlic butter custard in advance. Store it in the fridge for up to 2 days and reheat before using.

7. Can I use pre-made garlic butter instead of making my own?

While homemade garlic butter provides more flavor and control, pre-made garlic butter can work in a pinch. Just make sure to adjust the seasoning to taste.

8. How can I make this recipe dairy-free?

To make the bread dairy-free, swap the butter for a dairy-free margarine or olive oil. You can also use a dairy-free cheese alternative for the topping.

9. Can I use a different type of bread roll?

Yes, you can use any type of soft roll, like brioche or even Hawaiian bread alternatives. The key is to pick something that will hold up to the garlic butter custard.

10. Can I add meat to this garlic bread?

You can easily make a meat lover’s version by adding sausage, or pepperoni on top before broiling the cheese.

Conclusion

This Best Cheesy Garlic Bread recipe is everything you want in a savory bread: crispy, buttery, garlicky, and cheesy. Whether you’re serving it as a side dish, snack, or appetizer, it’s sure to be a hit. With the perfect balance of flavors and textures, it’s a recipe that will make you the hero of any meal. Enjoy the deliciousness with your loved ones!

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