I make this cheesy bread when I want a warm, gooey, and savory side that goes with just about anything. With a crisp golden crust, a soft inside, and plenty of melted cheese, it’s pure comfort food in every slice.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love how this cheesy bread is quick to put together and uses simple ingredients I usually already have on hand. It’s perfect for serving alongside pasta, soup, or salad, but honestly, I could eat it all by itself. The combination of garlic, butter, and cheese makes it irresistible.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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1 loaf French bread or Italian bread
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½ cup unsalted butter, softened
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
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½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
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¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
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1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Directions
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I preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with foil.
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I slice the loaf in half lengthwise and place it cut side up on the baking sheet.
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In a small bowl, I mix the softened butter with minced garlic, then spread it evenly over both bread halves.
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I sprinkle the mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan evenly over the buttered bread.
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I bake for 10–12 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
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For a golden top, I switch to broil for 1–2 minutes, keeping a close eye so it doesn’t burn.
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I sprinkle parsley over the top, slice, and serve warm.
Servings and timing
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Servings: I usually get 8–10 slices.
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Timing: Prep time is about 5 minutes, bake time roughly 10–12 minutes, so total time is around 15–17 minutes.
Variations
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I sometimes add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
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Swapping mozzarella for pepper jack gives it a spicy twist.
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I’ve layered on sliced tomatoes or cooked bacon before adding cheese for extra flavor.
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Using a mix of Italian cheeses gives it a richer, more complex taste.
Storage/reheating
I store leftover cheesy bread wrapped in foil in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, I warm it in a 350°F oven for 8–10 minutes until hot and melty again. I avoid microwaving so the bread stays crisp.
FAQs
Can I use pre-shredded cheese?
Yes, but freshly shredded cheese melts more smoothly.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely—I assemble it, wrap it in foil, and refrigerate until ready to bake.
What’s the best bread for cheesy bread?
I like French or Italian bread because they’re sturdy but soft inside.
Can I make it gluten-free?
Yes—I use a good quality gluten-free baguette or loaf.
Can I add herbs to the butter?
Definitely—oregano, basil, or thyme work beautifully.
Conclusion
I enjoy making this cheesy bread because it’s fast, delicious, and goes with everything. It’s the kind of side that steals the show, and it always disappears quickly at the table.

Cheesy Bread
- Author: Olivia
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10–12 minutes
- Total Time: 15–17 minutes
- Yield: 8–10 slices
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking, broiling
- Cuisine: American, Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Warm, gooey cheesy bread with a crisp golden crust, soft interior, and a blend of mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan cheeses for a savory, comforting side.
Ingredients
- 1 loaf French bread or Italian bread
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line baking sheet with foil.
- Slice loaf in half lengthwise and place cut side up on baking sheet.
- Mix softened butter with minced garlic; spread evenly over both bread halves.
- Sprinkle mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan evenly over buttered bread.
- Bake 10–12 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- For golden top, broil 1–2 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.
- Sprinkle parsley on top, slice, and serve warm.
Notes
- Add red pepper flakes for heat.
- Swap mozzarella for pepper jack for a spicy twist.
- Layer sliced tomatoes or cooked bacon under cheese for extra flavor.
- Use a mix of Italian cheeses for richer taste.
- Store leftovers wrapped in foil in fridge up to 3 days.
- Reheat in 350°F oven for 8–10 minutes; avoid microwaving to keep bread crisp.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 30mg