If you have a soft spot for all things cheesy, buttery, and packed with garlicky goodness, then this Stuffed Garlic Bread Recipe is about to become your new favorite go-to. It combines a crispy crust with a warm, melty, cheesy center, all infused with the perfect blend of garlic and herbs. What I love most about this recipe is how quick and straightforward it is, yet it delivers so much flavor with just a handful of simple ingredients. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or to impress friends at a party, this dish hits every note for comfort and indulgence.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are delightfully simple but each plays a crucial role in crafting the perfect stuffed garlic bread. From the fragrant garlic to the creamy mozzarella, every element works together to create that irresistible combination of textures and flavors.
- 1 large Italian bread loaf: The sturdy base that holds all the cheesy goodness without falling apart.
- 1/2 cup salted butter, softened (1 stick): Adds rich, creamy moisture and helps carry the garlic flavor through every bite.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Provides that essential garlicky punch that defines this recipe.
- 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese, grated: A sharp, nutty flavor that perfectly complements the mozzarella.
- 1 tablespoon fresh chopped parsley: Adds a fresh, vibrant note and a pop of green color.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend of herbs that rounds out the flavor profile beautifully.
- 12 slices full-fat mozzarella cheese: The gooey, melty cheese that makes this dish so unbelievably satisfying.
- Salt (optional): Just a pinch if you want to enhance all the flavors even more.
How to Make Stuffed Garlic Bread Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Bread
Start by preheating your oven to 375℉ and lining a baking sheet with foil — this will make cleanup a breeze. Take your Italian bread loaf and make 10 to 12 evenly spaced slits about half an inch from the bottom. The key here is not to cut all the way through; you want those slices to act like little pockets that hold all the cheese and butter.
Step 2: Mix the Garlic Butter
In a medium bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, grated Parmesan, chopped parsley, and Italian seasoning until everything is well blended. This mixture is the flavor powerhouse of your stuffed garlic bread. The butter helps everything melt beautifully, while the garlic and herbs infuse the bread with that unmistakable aroma.
Step 3: Spread the Garlic Butter Into the Bread
Carefully spread about two teaspoons of the garlic butter mixture into each slit in the bread. Make sure to cover both sides of each cut so every bite is full of flavor. If you have any leftover butter, spread it generously over the top of the loaf to create a golden, appetizing crust as it bakes.
Step 4: Stuff the Bread with Cheese
Take each slice of mozzarella cheese and fold it in half before tucking it snugly into the pockets you created. Press the cheese down into the slits so it melts evenly throughout. A light sprinkle of salt over the top is optional but recommended if you want to balance out the richness.
Step 5: Bake to Melty Perfection
Wrap the stuffed bread tightly in foil and place it on your prepared baking sheet. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the cheese inside is melted and oozy. Then, unwrap the foil slightly so the top is exposed and bake for an additional 5 minutes. This step crisps up the crust beautifully, creating the perfect contrast between crunchy and gooey textures.
Step 6: Rest and Serve
Once out of the oven, let your stuffed garlic bread rest for 3 to 5 minutes. This helps the cheese set just enough to be sliced easily without losing its gooey charm. Then, slice it up and get ready for some serious deliciousness.
How to Serve Stuffed Garlic Bread Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of extra fresh parsley or a pinch of red pepper flakes can add a vibrant color and subtle kick when serving. A drizzle of olive oil or a dusting of additional Parmesan cheese right before serving amps up the indulgence, making every slice look as good as it tastes.
Side Dishes
Stuffed garlic bread pairs wonderfully with a fresh garden salad or a bowl of hearty tomato soup. For a more substantial meal, serve it alongside pasta dishes like spaghetti Bolognese or creamy Alfredo. The bread soaks up sauces beautifully, making it a perfect accompaniment that everyone will love.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider serving your stuffed garlic bread on a rustic wooden board with small bowls of marinara and ranch for dipping. For a party, slice the bread into bite-sized pieces and serve as finger food for guests to grab easily. You can also toast the leftovers and add a slice of fresh tomato or basil on top for a quick bruschetta-style snack.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap any leftover stuffed garlic bread tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, allowing you to enjoy its cheesy, garlicky goodness beyond the initial meal.
Freezing
If you want to make this Stuffed Garlic Bread Recipe in advance, freezing is a great option. Wrap the prepared (but unbaked) bread tightly in foil and then in plastic wrap before placing it in the freezer. When ready, bake it straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the overall baking time.
Reheating
To reheat, place your leftover bread on a baking sheet and warm it in a 350℉ oven for about 10-15 minutes. This will revive the crispy crust and melt the cheese just like fresh. Avoid microwaving as it tends to make the bread soggy and the cheese rubbery.
FAQs
Can I use different types of cheese in this Stuffed Garlic Bread Recipe?
Absolutely! While mozzarella is classic for its meltiness, you can experiment with cheddar, fontina, or even a mix of cheeses for different flavors and textures.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegan or dairy-free?
Yes, by substituting the butter with a vegan alternative and using plant-based cheese, you can create a delicious dairy-free version without sacrificing much of the flavor.
How can I make the bread extra crispy?
Unwrapping the foil during the last baking phase is key for crispiness. You can also lightly brush the top of the bread with olive oil before baking to enhance the crust.
Can I prepare the stuffed bread a day in advance?
Definitely! Assemble the bread with the garlic butter and cheese, wrap it tightly, and keep it in the fridge overnight. Pop it in the oven the next day, just adding a bit more baking time if needed.
What’s the best bread for this recipe?
Italian bread is ideal because of its sturdy yet soft texture. You want a loaf that can hold fillings without falling apart, and Italian bread strikes that balance perfectly.
Final Thoughts
This Stuffed Garlic Bread Recipe is one of those irresistibly simple dishes that everyone raves about and always asks for seconds. The combination of melty cheese, fragrant garlic butter, and crispy crust is pure comfort food joy. So go ahead, give it a try next time you want to add something special to your meal or need a show-stopping appetizer. Trust me, once you make it, it might just become your new favorite way to treat yourself and your loved ones.
Print
Stuffed Garlic Bread Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 servings
Description
Stuffed Garlic Bread is a deliciously garlicky, buttery, and cheesy appetizer that’s easy to prepare with less than 10 minutes of prep time. Perfectly soft inside with a crispy crust, it’s made by stuffing an Italian bread loaf with a blend of garlic butter and mozzarella cheese, baked to gooey perfection.
Ingredients
For the Bread:
- 1 large Italian bread loaf
For the Garlic Butter Mixture:
- 1/2 cup salted butter, softened (1 stick)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 tablespoon fresh chopped parsley
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt, optional
For the Cheese:
- 12 slices full fat mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375℉ (190℃). Line a baking sheet with foil for easy cleanup and set aside.
- Slice the Bread: Cut 10-12 evenly spaced slits into the Italian bread loaf, being careful not to cut all the way through. Leave about ½ inch uncut at the bottom to keep the loaf intact.
- Prepare Garlic Butter: In a medium bowl, combine the softened salted butter, minced garlic, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, and Italian seasoning. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Spread Butter Mixture: Evenly divide and spread the garlic butter mixture between each slice of bread, ensuring to coat both sides inside each slit. Use approximately 2 teaspoons per slit. Spread any leftover garlic butter on the top of the loaf for extra flavor.
- Stuff with Cheese: Fold each slice of mozzarella cheese in half and carefully stuff it deep into each slit, pressing down into the bread pockets. Optionally, sprinkle lightly with salt.
- Wrap and Bake: Wrap the entire bread loaf tightly in foil and place it on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is melted and gooey.
- Crisp the Top: After baking, carefully unwrap the foil to expose the top of the loaf. Bake for an additional 5 minutes to crisp up the top crust.
- Rest and Serve: Remove from oven and let the stuffed garlic bread rest for 3-5 minutes to set before slicing and serving. Enjoy warm and cheesy!
Notes
- Use fresh garlic for the best flavor; garlic powder will change the taste and texture.
- For a spicier version, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter mixture.
- This bread is best eaten fresh out of the oven as the cheese is gooey and melted.
- Leftovers can be reheated in the oven wrapped in foil to retain moisture.
- Feel free to substitute mozzarella with provolone or cheddar cheese for a different flavor twist.
- Adjust salt according to taste, especially if your butter is salted.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-30 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
