If you’ve ever dreamed of a bread so irresistibly soft, buttery, and packed with garlicky goodness that it just melts in your mouth, you’re in for a treat with the Best Cheesy Garlic Bread Recipe. This recipe takes classic garlic bread to a whole new level by layering in rich roasted garlic, a luscious butter custard, and ooey-gooey mozzarella cheese, all nestled inside soft Hawaiian rolls or a fluffy baguette. It’s the ultimate crowd-pleaser perfect for family dinners, game days, or cozy gatherings when you crave comfort in every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A rectangular pizza cut into nine square slices shows a thick, golden brown crust with a layer of melted cheese on top that is slightly browned in spots. The cheese has a white and golden color with small bits of red chili flakes and green parsley sprinkled evenly across the surface. One slice is being lifted, stretching long strings of cheese between the slice and the rest of the pizza. The pizza sits on a dark wooden board that contrasts with the white marbled surface underneath. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients are simple staples that come together to create layers of flavor and texture that make this dish unforgettable. Each element plays its part: aromatic garlic, creamy butter, fresh herbs, and melty cheese, all enveloped in soft bread that crisps just right in the oven.

8-10 garlic cloves: Roasting them sweetens their flavor and softens their bite to mellow perfection.
2 tbsp olive oil: Helps roast the garlic evenly while adding a touch of fruity richness.
Pinch of salt: Enhances the natural flavors of the garlic during roasting.
½ cup butter, melted (113g): Adds luscious creaminess and binds all the ingredients with a silken smoothness.
1 egg: Provides structure for the garlic butter custard, giving it a light, custardy texture.
¼ cup milk (60g): Creates a tender, moist custard that soaks into the bread beautifully.
½ tsp salt: Balances the flavors in the custard for a savory depth.
½ tsp paprika: Adds a subtle warmth and a hint of color to brighten the custard.
2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley: Brings a pop of herbal freshness that lifts the richness.
12 King’s Hawaiian Original Hawaiian Sheet Rolls: Their soft, slightly sweet crumb is perfect for soaking up the flavorful custard; alternatively, a French baguette works well.
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts into a bubbly, stretchy topping that crowns this garlic bread with cheesy heaven.
Chopped parsley and chili flakes for serving: Adds a fresh color contrast and a tiny kick of heat for balance.

How to Make Best Cheesy Garlic Bread Recipe

Step 1: Roast the Garlic

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F. Toss the peeled garlic cloves with olive oil and a pinch of salt to season evenly. Transfer them to a small oven-safe pot with a lid or cover the container tightly with foil to trap the heat. Roast for about 20 minutes until the garlic is soft and golden brown. This roasting process transforms raw garlic’s sharpness into a mellow, sweet flavor that’s essential for the Best Cheesy Garlic Bread Recipe.

Step 2: Prepare the Garlic Butter Custard

Once your roasted garlic is cool enough to handle, mash it thoroughly with a fork until smooth. In a large bowl, whisk together the roasted garlic, melted butter, egg, milk, salt, paprika, and chopped parsley. The blend of these ingredients creates a rich, custardy sauce that will soak into the bread, infusing it with incredible flavor and keeping it moist and tender.

Step 3: Toast the Bread

Reduce your oven temperature to 350°F to get ready for the next steps. Take your whole sheet of Hawaiian rolls and slice it in half horizontally with a sharp knife, creating two large sandwich-style halves. Place these halves on a baking sheet and bake for 8 to 10 minutes until lightly golden and just beginning to crisp. It’s important that the bread gets a bit of structure here so it can hold the custard without becoming soggy.

Step 4: Dip and Bake

Pour your garlic butter custard mixture into a larger pan that’s wide enough to dip the bread halves completely. Carefully immerse each piece, making sure it soaks up the custard on all sides for maximum flavor infusion. Lay the soaked bread back on the baking sheet and bake at 350°F for 15 to 18 minutes until it turns a beautiful golden color and is cooked through with that fantastic custardy texture inside.

Step 5: Top with Cheese and Broil

Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the tops of the bread halves. Switch your oven setting to broil (or grill) and place the bread under the heat for about 5 minutes. Watch carefully as the cheese melts into a bubbling, golden crown that completes the Best Cheesy Garlic Bread Recipe. Once it’s perfectly melted and slightly browned, remove from the oven.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

To finish, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley and a pinch of chili flakes over the top for a pop of color and a subtle kick of heat. Slice into individual servings and prepare to enjoy every bite of this melty, garlicky dream come true.

How to Serve Best Cheesy Garlic Bread Recipe

The image shows two slices of pizza on a wooden board placed on a white marbled surface. The pizza has one visible layer of melted cheese that is golden brown and bubbly in spots, sprinkled evenly with finely chopped green herbs. Each slice is thick and triangular, with a crispy-looking dark brown crust, especially around the edges. Small flakes of seasoning and herbs are scattered on and around the pizza, adding texture and color contrast. The top layer of cheese covers the entire pizza surface smoothly, slightly browned at points, while the inside crust looks soft and airy photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh chopped parsley adds a vibrant green sprinkle that brightens the look and flavor, while chili flakes provide a little zing that cuts through the richness without overpowering the garlic’s mellow sweetness. These garnishes make the presentation pop and give a lovely contrast to the creamy cheese.

Side Dishes

This cheesy garlic bread pairs beautifully with hearty soups like tomato basil or creamy broccoli cheddar, making for a complete comfort food feast. It’s also wonderful alongside pasta dishes, salads, or grilled veggies, creating a perfect balance of textures and flavors on your plate.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving your Best Cheesy Garlic Bread Recipe as a shareable appetizer by slicing it into bite-sized squares and arranging them on a wooden board with dipping sauces such as marinara or ranch. For a fun twist, scoop out some bread to fill with extra garlic herb cheese before topping it with mozzarella for a stuffed version everyone will rave about.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, you can store any leftover cheesy garlic bread in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in foil at room temperature for up to 2 days. To retain as much moisture and flavor as possible, avoid refrigeration unless necessary.

Freezing

For longer storage, wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap and then foil before freezing. It freezes beautifully for up to 1 month. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers by placing them in a preheated 350°F oven uncovered for about 10 minutes until warmed through and the crust is crisp again. You can add a few extra minutes under the broiler to refresh the cheesy top and melt the cheese back to perfection.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of bread for this recipe?

Absolutely! While King’s Hawaiian rolls give a wonderfully soft and slightly sweet base, a French baguette or any other soft bread with a good crust will work well. Just adjust baking times slightly to match the bread’s thickness and moisture content.

Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?

You can substitute the butter with a dairy-free margarine or coconut oil and use a plant-based milk alternative. For the cheese topping, try vegan mozzarella styles that melt well. The flavor will be slightly different but still deliciously cheesy and garlicky!

How can I make the garlic less intense if I prefer milder flavors?

Roasting the garlic already softens the intensity, but you can reduce the number of garlic cloves or swap some roasted garlic for garlic powder to tone it down further without losing that essential garlicky depth.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time and bake it later?

Yes, you can prepare the garlic butter custard and roast the garlic in advance. Dip the bread just before baking to keep it from becoming soggy. You can also assemble the bread with cheese and refrigerate for a few hours before baking and broiling for quick finishing.

What’s the best way to get the cheese perfectly melted and golden?

Using the broil (grill) setting on your oven for the last few minutes is key. Keep a close eye to prevent burning; the cheese should bubble, turn golden, and develop slightly crispy edges for that irresistible finish.

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you give the Best Cheesy Garlic Bread Recipe a try because it’s one of those comforting dishes that brings so much joy to the table. Whether it’s a family dinner, holiday party, or just a craving on a quiet evening, this bread delivers big on flavor and warmth. Once you taste it, I bet it will quickly become one of your all-time favorites too!