If you're craving something irresistibly melty and flavorful, this Best Cheesy Garlic Bread Recipe is exactly what you need. Perfect as a comforting snack, a shareable appetizer, or a side that instantly upgrades any meal, this recipe brings together tender, garlicky bread with gooey cheese in a golden, toasty package. I love making it when friends drop by or anytime I want a simple pleasure that feels indulgent but is surprisingly easy to pull off.
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Why This Recipe Works
This Best Cheesy Garlic Bread Recipe nails that perfect harmony of textures and flavors every time. The roasted garlic brings a mellow, sweet depth that cuts through the buttery richness, while the melted mozzarella melts into a luscious, stretchy blanket over the soft, fluffy Hawaiian rolls. It's approachable, uses just a handful of ingredients, and delivers crowd-pleasing results whether you're whipping it up for lunch or a casual dinner.
- Consistent Texture: Roasting the garlic softens it nicely so it blends evenly into the olive oil, creating a creamy spread that soaks into the bread just right.
- Deep, Balanced Flavor: Butter, fresh parsley, and a touch of salt brighten the garlicky base, while mozzarella provides a mild, gooey cheese note without overpowering.
- Simple Ingredients: You can find everything at your local grocery store - no fancy items needed, just fresh garlic and good-quality bread.
- Fast Prep, Big Payoff: Under an hour start to finish, with mostly hands-off time while the cheese bubbles to a bubbly golden finish in the oven.
Ingredient Game Plan
Picking your ingredients thoughtfully makes a world of difference with this recipe. I always opt for fresh garlic to get that sharp but sweet punch and prefer airy yet slightly sweet Hawaiian rolls, which soak up the garlic butter without getting soggy. Quality shredded mozzarella that melts smoothly helps tie everything together into a luscious finish.
- Fresh Garlic Cloves: Using whole cloves for roasting softens the sharpness and brings out a mellow sweetness that's perfect for this recipe.
- Olive Oil: A good extra-virgin olive oil adds depth and a subtle fruitiness to the garlic blend.
- Melted Butter: Real butter is key for richness; it browns beautifully and infuses the bread with flavor.
- Day-Old Hawaiian Rolls: Rolls that are not super fresh hold up better during baking, giving you a tender crumb with a slight crisp on top.
- Shredded Mozzarella: Avoid pre-shredded if possible, as fresh shredded melts more smoothly and tastes fresher.
- Fresh Parsley: A quick sprinkle adds a lovely bright, herbal note and a pop of color.
Quick Note: Exact measurements are in the printable recipe card at the bottom.
How to Cook Best Cheesy Garlic Bread Recipe
Step 1 - Prep & Season
Start by roasting your garlic cloves until they're golden and soft-about 20 minutes at 180°C (350°F) works beautifully. You'll notice their sharp edge mellow into something silky sweet and fragrant. Mix the roasted garlic with olive oil and a pinch of salt. This creates a smooth, spreadable garlic base that's the soul of the recipe. Keep this ready while you move on to prepping the butter mixture.
Step 2 - Build Flavor
In a bowl, whisk together the melted butter, egg, milk, salt, and freshly chopped parsley until fully blended. The egg adds subtle richness and helps bind everything together, giving your bread that luscious, tender crumb on top. This buttery batter is what you'll brush all over the sheet of Hawaiian rolls, so don't hold back - you want an even coating that soaks into the nooks and crannies for maximum flavor.
Step 3 - Finish for Best Texture
Once the rolls are brushed generously with the butter mixture, sprinkle a thick layer of shredded mozzarella evenly across the surface. Pop the whole sheet into your preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) and bake for about 25 minutes. You'll know it's done when the cheese is bubbling and golden brown, with those irresistible slightly crisp edges. Keep an eye toward the end to avoid burning - the goal is a gorgeous golden top and warm, soft bread below.
Pro Moves I Swear By
Over the years, I've found a few little tricks that take the Best Cheesy Garlic Bread Recipe from good to unforgettable. Roasting the garlic softens the flavor and blends it perfectly with olive oil. Whisking the butter with egg and milk gives the bread a silky texture and helps the cheese stick beautifully. Don't rush the bake-you want a slow golden melt, not a quick scorch. Oh, and a sprinkle of fresh parsley at the end makes the whole dish pop with freshness.
- Doneness Cue: Watch for bubbling cheese that's turning a light golden with some brown spots-this means it's perfectly melted and toasted.
- Temperature Trick: Baking at 180°C (350°F) is low enough for even cooking but high enough to get that golden crust without drying out the bread.
- Make-Ahead Move: If you want to prep in advance, assemble the butter and cheese on the bread, then cover tightly and refrigerate for a couple of hours before baking.
- Skip This Pitfall: Avoid soggy bread by not overbrushing - you want moist, not soaked, so the rolls crisp slightly on top as they bake.
Serve It Up
Finishing Touches
I like to garnish my cheesy garlic bread right after it comes out of the oven with an extra sprinkle of fresh parsley and, if you're feeling adventurous, a pinch of chili flakes for a subtle spicy kick. You'll notice the fresh herbs brighten all those warm, buttery flavors and add an inviting contrast to the rich cheese.
Great Pairings
This cheesy garlic bread pairs wonderfully with fresh salad greens for a crisp balance or alongside robust tomato-based soups and pasta dishes. I often enjoy it with a simple marinara dipping sauce or alongside roasted vegetables to round out the meal with a bit of freshness and texture contrast.
Easy Plating Wins
Serving it straight from the baking sheet is perfectly fine for casual meals, but for something a bit more polished, I slice the whole sheet into sharing squares and arrange them on a rustic wooden board garnished with extra herbs. It gives a cozy, welcoming vibe whether it's a weeknight in or a small gathering.
Make-Ahead & Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover cheesy garlic bread in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in foil to keep it moist but prevent it from getting soggy. It stays fresh in the fridge for about 2 to 3 days. When you reheat, you'll want to restore that crispness to the cheese and bread crust.
Freezer Notes
This recipe freezes well when wrapped tightly in foil and placed in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating to ensure even warming without drying out the bread or cheese.
Reheating Best Cheesy Garlic Bread Recipe Without Drying Out
The oven or toaster oven works best to revive that crispy, melty texture-preheat to 180°C (350°F) and warm for about 8-10 minutes, loosely covered with foil if you're worried about drying. If you're short on time, the microwave works fine but keep the bread slightly covered and heat in short bursts to avoid rubbery cheese. Air fryers are a great in-between, giving you quick reheating with a nicely toasted finish.
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely! While mozzarella is great for its meltiness, you can mix in cheddar for sharper flavor or parmesan for an extra savory note. Just keep the amount similar to maintain the texture balance.
I recommend roasting fresh garlic cloves because it softens the sharpness and adds that deep, sweet flavor. Pre-minced garlic tends to be more pungent and doesn't mellow as nicely.
Yes, you can substitute with your favorite gluten-free rolls or baguette. The texture might differ slightly, but the layered garlic butter and cheese will still shine.
You can definitely use a French baguette or any soft dinner rolls of similar size. Just keep in mind that Hawaiian rolls add a subtle sweetness and softness that's especially delicious in this recipe.
Final Thoughts
PrintComplete Recipe
Best Cheesy Garlic Bread Recipe
This Best Cheesy Garlic Bread recipe features soft Hawaiian rolls slathered with a flavorful roasted garlic and herb butter mixture, topped generously with melted mozzarella cheese, and baked to golden perfection. It's an easy and irresistible appetizer or side dish perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Garlic Mixture
- 8-10 garlic cloves
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Pinch of salt
Butter Spread
- ½ cup (113 grams) melted butter
- 1 egg
- ¼ cup (60 grams) milk
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Bread and Cheese
- 12 King's Hawaiian Original Hawaiian Sheet Rolls, kept in full sheet form (or substitute with similarly sized French baguette)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Roast Garlic: Roast the garlic cloves until golden and softened, then combine them with olive oil and a pinch of salt. Set this garlic mixture aside to infuse flavor.
- Prepare Butter Spread: In a bowl, whisk together the melted butter, egg, milk, salt, and chopped fresh parsley until the mixture is fully combined and smooth.
- Butter the Bread: Place the whole Hawaiian rolls intact on a baking sheet. Brush the prepared butter mixture evenly over the entire surface of the bread.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the buttered bread, ensuring an even coverage for a cheesy crust.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Bake the bread for 25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling and golden brown.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the bread from the oven, garnish with extra chopped parsley and optional chili flakes, and serve warm for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use fresh garlic for the best flavor, and roasting it mellows its sharpness while adding sweetness.
- Substitute Hawaiian rolls with French baguette slices if unavailable for a crispier texture.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of chili flakes either before baking or as a garnish.
- Allow the bread to cool slightly before slicing to avoid cheese slipping off.
- Use whole milk in the butter spread for richness, but you can substitute with low-fat milk for a lighter version.
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