Crispy Sheet Pan Garlic Cheese Bread Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

For a deeper flavor profile, consider brushing the bread with a small amount of extra virgin olive oil before applying the garlic butter. This adds a subtle fruitiness that complements the savory notes of the garlic and cheese. If you enjoy a bit of heat, a light sprinkle of red pepper flakes after the bread comes out of the oven can add a pleasant kick that balances the richness of the melted mozzarella cheese perfectly.

If you are serving this for a gathering, keep the bread warm by placing it on a pre-warmed serving platter. The bread remains at its best when served immediately after coming out of the oven.

If the bread cools down, you can quickly refresh the crispness by placing it back in the oven at 350 degrees for just a few minutes. Avoid using the microwave, as this will destroy the texture of the crust and make the bread unpleasantly chewy.

Variations

• Pesto Garlic Bread: Spread a thin layer of basil pesto over the garlic butter before adding the mozzarella. The herbal notes of the basil add a vibrant dimension to the classic garlic bread flavor.
• Spicy Pepperoni Bread: Add thin slices of pepperoni on top of the mozzarella before broiling. The pepperoni crisps up beautifully in the broiler, adding a salty and savory crunch to each bite.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

Freezer

Not recommended as the bread will lose its crispy texture.

Reheat

Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes until warmed through.

Store any leftover garlic cheese bread in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in aluminum foil to maintain its texture. It is best to keep it in the refrigerator if you are not planning to consume it within two hours. While the texture will never be quite as crisp as when it was first baked, proper storage helps in preserving the flavor of the garlic butter and cheese for up to two days.

You can prepare the bread by spreading the garlic butter and topping with cheese several hours in advance. Keep the prepared baking sheet covered in the refrigerator until you are ready to bake.

When it is time to serve, simply place the cold baking sheet directly into the preheated broiler. You may need to add an extra minute to the cooking time to account for the chilled temperature of the ingredients, but the results remain excellent.

Serving ideas

Serve this garlic cheese bread as an appetizer alongside a fresh green salad or a bowl of hearty tomato soup for a comforting meal. It also pairs exceptionally well with pasta dishes, acting as a perfect vessel for soaking up extra sauce.

Arrange the slices on a wooden board or a platter to make it easy for guests to grab a piece. The combination of textures makes it a versatile side that complements a wide array of main courses.

When serving, present the bread while it is still hot and the cheese is soft. Use a sturdy spatula to ensure the bread stays intact when moving it from the baking sheet to the serving platter.

If you have any extra Italian herbs, a fresh sprinkle just before serving adds a pop of color and brightness. Encourage guests to enjoy the bread while the cheese is still warm and gooey for the best possible experience of the flavors and textures.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Crispy Sheet Pan Garlic Cheese Bread

Prep 5 minCook 10 minRest 2 minTotal 17 minServes 6

Ingredients

• 1 loaf Italian bread, sliced into 1-inch thick pieces
• 1/2 cup garlic butter, softened
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 tbsp dried Italian herbs

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven broiler to high. Arrange the sliced Italian bread on a large baking sheet in a single layer to ensure even toasting during the broiling process.
2. Spread the softened garlic butter generously over the surface of each bread slice. Top the buttered bread with a thick, even layer of shredded mozzarella cheese, ensuring coverage to the edges.
3. Place the baking sheet under the broiler for 3 to 5 minutes until the cheese is bubbling and golden brown. Remove from the oven and immediately sprinkle the Italian herbs over the hot, melted cheese.

Contains: gluten, milk

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

320

Protein

12 g

Carbohydrates

28 g

Fat

18 g

Fiber

1.5 g

Sugar

1 g

Sodium

450 mg

Automatic estimate from the ingredient list, not laboratory-verified.