Ultimate Garlic Bread with Three Cheeses Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

For the best cheese pull, use a combination of low-moisture mozzarella and sharp cheddar. Low-moisture mozzarella melts into long, stretchy strands, while cheddar adds flavor and color.

Shred the cheese yourself from blocks for the smoothest melt. If you’re using pre-shredded cheese, look for one without anti-caking agents, or add a tablespoon of cornstarch to help it melt more evenly.

Broiling times can vary dramatically between ovens. Start checking the garlic bread at the 6-minute mark, and rotate the baking sheet if necessary to ensure even browning.

If the bread is browning too quickly but the cheese isn’t fully melted, move the rack lower. If the cheese is melting but not browning, move it closer to the heat. The goal is a golden, blistered surface with a fully melted interior.

Variations

• Spicy Jalapeño Garlic Bread: Add 2 tablespoons of finely chopped pickled jalapeños to the garlic butter, and sprinkle a few slices of fresh jalapeño on top of the cheese before broiling. This adds a bright, spicy kick that pairs well with the rich, cheesy base.
• Herb and Tomato Garlic Bread: Stir 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh oregano or thyme into the garlic butter, and scatter 1/2 cup of halved cherry tomatoes over the cheese before broiling. The tomatoes burst in the heat, adding a juicy, tangy contrast to the crispy bread.
• Bacon and Chive Garlic Bread: Crumble 4 slices of cooked bacon and sprinkle over the cheese along with 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh chives before broiling. The smoky, salty bacon takes this garlic bread to a whole new level of indulgence.
• Three-Cheese and Onion Garlic Bread: Add 1/4 cup of caramelized onions to the garlic butter, and use a mix of mozzarella, provolone, and parmesan for the topping. The sweet onions complement the nutty, melted cheeses beautifully.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Store leftover garlic bread in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a toaster oven or under the broiler to restore crispness.

Freezer

Freeze unbaked, assembled garlic bread for up to 3 months. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Broil from frozen, adding 2-3 minutes to the cooking time.

Reheat

Reheat leftover garlic bread on a baking sheet in a 400°F (200°C) oven for 5-7 minutes, or until hot and crispy. Avoid microwaving, which makes the bread soggy.

Leftover garlic bread can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the slices on a baking sheet and broil for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and the bread is crisp.

Avoid microwaving, as it will make the bread soggy. If you have a lot of leftovers, you can freeze the unbaked, assembled garlic bread and bake it directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the broiling time.

The garlic butter can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Let it come to room temperature before spreading. You can also assemble the garlic bread completely, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before broiling.

This makes it easy to prepare ahead for a party or a busy weeknight dinner. Just add a couple of extra minutes to the broiling time if starting from cold.

Serving ideas

Serve the ultimate garlic bread as a side dish alongside pasta, soup, or a fresh green salad. It’s also fantastic with grilled meats or as an appetizer for a party. Cut it into thick slices and arrange on a platter, showing off the golden, bubbly cheese. The dramatic cheese pull is part of the fun, so don’t be shy about pulling a slice apart in front of your guests.

For a more substantial meal, top the garlic bread with a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of balsamic glaze before serving. You can also add a few fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and freshness. The bread is best enjoyed warm, straight from the oven, when the cheese is at its most stretchy and the crust is at its crispiest.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Ultimate Garlic Bread with Three Cheeses

Prep 15 minCook 8 minTotal 23 minServes 8

Ingredients

• 1 loaf French bread
• 2 heads garlic
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1/2 tsp sea salt
• 3/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 3/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions

1. Heat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Cut the top off each garlic head to expose the cloves. Drizzle with a little oil, wrap in foil, and roast until the cloves are soft and golden, about 30 minutes. Let cool slightly, then squeeze the roasted cloves out of their skins into a small bowl.
2. Add the softened butter, chopped parsley, grated parmesan, and sea salt to the roasted garlic. Mash everything together with a fork until you have a thick, fragrant spread. The mixture should be well combined but still slightly textured.
3. Slice the French bread loaf in half lengthwise. Place both halves cut-side up on a baking sheet. Spread the garlic butter evenly over the cut surfaces, reaching edge to edge. Make sure every bit of bread is covered for maximum flavor.
4. Pile the shredded mozzarella and cheddar evenly over the buttered bread, covering the surface completely. Press the cheese gently so it adheres to the butter.
5. Turn the oven to broil. Place the baking sheet on the top rack, about 6 inches from the heat. Broil for 8 minutes, watching closely, until the cheese is bubbly, blistered, and has toasted brown spots. The edges of the bread should be crisp and golden.
6. Remove the baking sheet from the oven. Let the garlic bread rest for 2 minutes, then slice into thick pieces. Pull apart a slice to show the long cheese stretch. Serve warm, with the cheese pull as the star.

Contains: gluten, milk

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

420

Protein

15 g

Carbohydrates

35 g

Fat

25 g

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