Best Cheesy Garlic Bread Recipe

This Cheesy Garlic Bread recipe is the ultimate comfort food, combining soft, buttery bread with roasted garlic, creamy custard, and a generous layer of melted mozzarella cheese. It’s a perfect side dish for pasta, soups, or just a standalone snack that everyone will love. The layers of flavor come from roasted garlic, butter, and a touch of paprika, while the crispy, cheesy finish will make this bread disappear in no time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you’re a fan of garlic bread, this recipe will take it to a whole new level. The roasted garlic gives the bread a sweet and rich depth of flavor, while the garlic butter custard makes each bite irresistibly creamy. The mozzarella cheese adds the perfect gooey and cheesy finish, and the fresh parsley and chili flakes provide a burst of color and flavor. This easy recipe uses King’s Hawaiian rolls, but you can substitute with a French baguette for a slightly different twist. Get ready for a mouthwatering treat!

Ingredients

Roasted Garlic:

• 8-10 garlic cloves, peeled
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Pinch of salt

Garlic Butter Custard:

• Roasted garlic from above
• ½ cup butter, melted (113g)
• 1 egg
• ¼ cup milk (60g)
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

For the Bread:

• 12 King’s Hawaiian Original Hawaiian Sheet Rolls (or substitute with a French baguette of similar size)
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• Chopped parsley and chili flakes for garnish

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Roasted Garlic:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Toss the peeled garlic cloves with olive oil and a pinch of salt. Place them in a mini oven-safe pot with a lid (or cover with foil).
3. Roast the garlic for about 20 minutes, or until the cloves are soft and golden.
4. Once roasted, mash the garlic with a fork and set aside.

Garlic Butter Custard:

1. In a bowl, combine the mashed roasted garlic, melted butter, egg, milk, salt, paprika, and chopped parsley.
2. Whisk thoroughly until everything is well combined and the custard is smooth.

Assembly:

1. Change the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) after roasting the garlic.
2. Use a sharp knife to carefully slice the sheet of bread rolls into 2 halves (as shown in the pictures above). Place the bread halves on a large baking sheet and bake for 8-10 minutes until the bread is light golden and crispy.
3. Transfer the garlic butter custard into a larger pan and carefully dip the baked bread sheets/loaves into the custard, ensuring they’re well coated on all sides.
4. Place the bread back on the baking sheet and bake at 350°F for 15-18 minutes, or until the bread is golden.
5. Once the bread is baked, cover it with the shredded mozzarella cheese.
6. Change the oven setting to broil/grill and broil for about 5 minutes until the cheese is melted and golden brown.
7. Garnish with fresh parsley and chili flakes. Slice, serve, and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6-8
• Prep time: 10 minutes
• Cook time: 40 minutes
• Total time: 50 minutes

Variations

1. Add Herbs: Sprinkle some additional dried herbs such as oregano or thyme into the custard for extra flavor.
2. Spicy Garlic Bread: Add extra chili flakes to the garlic butter mixture for a spicy kick.
3. Cheese Variation: Try mixing in other cheeses such as cheddar, provolone, or parmesan for a different cheesy profile.
4. Vegan Version: Substitute butter with vegan butter and use dairy-free cheese to make it a vegan-friendly version.
5. Garlic Butter Dip: Serve the garlic bread with a side of garlic butter for extra dipping.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Leftover cheesy garlic bread can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly again. You can also reheat in a microwave for a softer result, though the crispy texture may not fully return.

FAQs

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

Yes, you can substitute King’s Hawaiian rolls with any bread you prefer, such as a French baguette or a soft dinner roll. Just ensure the bread is sturdy enough to hold up to the garlic butter custard.

Can I prepare the garlic butter custard ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the garlic butter custard ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just bring it back to room temperature before using.

Can I make this recipe without roasting the garlic?

Roasting the garlic enhances the flavor and adds sweetness, but if you’re short on time, you can skip this step and use raw garlic. Just sauté the garlic in olive oil for a minute before adding it to the custard.

Can I make this garlic bread spicy?

Absolutely! Increase the chili flakes in the recipe, or add a few dashes of hot sauce or cayenne pepper to the garlic butter custard for an extra spicy kick.

Can I freeze leftover garlic bread?

Yes, you can freeze leftover garlic bread. Allow it to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in foil or plastic wrap. Freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake at 350°F until hot and crispy.

Can I use shredded garlic instead of roasted garlic?

While you can use fresh minced garlic, roasted garlic offers a sweeter, more mellow flavor. If you use fresh garlic, reduce the amount to 4-5 cloves to prevent it from being too overpowering.

Can I make this recipe without cheese?

For a cheese-free version, simply skip the mozzarella cheese. The garlic butter custard itself will still provide plenty of flavor, and the crispy, buttery bread will still be delicious.

How do I make sure the garlic bread is crispy?

Make sure to bake the bread halves until golden before dipping in the garlic butter custard, and ensure that the bread is well-coated in the custard before baking it again.

How long should I broil the garlic bread?

Broil the bread for 3-5 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Watch carefully to prevent burning, as broilers can heat up quickly.

Can I add more cheese to the garlic bread?

Definitely! Feel free to add more shredded mozzarella or other cheeses to your liking. The more cheese, the better!

Conclusion

This Best Cheesy Garlic Bread recipe is the perfect side dish for any meal or even as a snack on its own. The sweet, roasted garlic paired with a rich garlic butter custard and topped with gooey melted mozzarella cheese makes for a mouthwatering treat. Whether served alongside pasta, soup, or as an appetizer, this cheesy garlic bread will steal the show every time. Try it for your next meal and enjoy every cheesy, garlicky bite!

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