This Best Cheesy Garlic Bread is the ultimate indulgence—perfectly buttery, garlicky, and cheesy with a crispy texture that’s light and satisfying. Whether you’re serving it as a side dish to your favorite meal or enjoying it as a snack on its own, this cheesy garlic bread is sure to be a hit every time!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This cheesy garlic bread is a step up from the typical garlic bread. The roasted garlic brings a rich, mellow flavor that pairs perfectly with the creamy garlic butter custard. The mozzarella cheese melts into a golden, bubbly topping, while the bread remains crispy on the outside, soft on the inside. It’s the ideal balance of flavors and textures—delicious, savory, and irresistible.

Best Cheesy Garlic Bread

Ingredients

For Roasted Garlic:

8-10 garlic cloves
2 tbsp olive oil
Pinch of salt

For Garlic Butter Custard:

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

For Assembly:

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

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

Directions

Roast the Garlic: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). 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, and bake for about 20 minutes until soft and golden. Once roasted, mash the garlic with a fork and set aside.
Prepare the Garlic Butter Custard: In a bowl, whisk together the mashed roasted garlic, melted butter, egg, milk, salt, paprika, and parsley until well combined.
Assembly: Reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C). Use a sharp knife to slice the bread rolls into two halves (or use a baguette of similar size). Arrange the bread halves on a large baking sheet and bake for 8-10 minutes until the bread is golden and crispy.
Dip in Garlic Butter Custard: Carefully dip the baked bread halves into the garlic butter custard, ensuring each side is well coated with the mixture.
Bake Again: Place the dipped bread back on the baking sheet and bake for an additional 15-18 minutes at 350°F (175°C) until the bread is golden.
Add Cheese and Broil: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the bread. Set the oven to broil and broil for about 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden.
Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and chili flakes, then slice and serve while hot.

Servings and Timing

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: 12 servings

Variations

Spicy Garlic Bread: Add red chili flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the garlic butter custard to give your bread a spicy kick.
Herbed Garlic Bread: Add other fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to the garlic butter custard for an aromatic twist.
Cheese Lovers: Swap out the mozzarella for a blend of other cheeses like Parmesan or cheddar for an even cheesier result.
Vegan Version: Use plant-based butter, a flax egg, and dairy-free cheese to make this garlic bread vegan-friendly.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftover cheesy garlic bread in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes to restore its crispiness and cheese melt.

FAQs

1. Can I use regular bread instead of Hawaiian rolls?

Yes, you can use any bread you like, but the sweetness of the King’s Hawaiian rolls pairs wonderfully with the garlicky, cheesy flavors.

2. Can I use garlic powder instead of roasted garlic?

While roasted garlic provides a deep, mellow flavor, you can substitute garlic powder in a pinch. Use about 1-2 teaspoons of garlic powder instead of roasted garlic.

3. Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the garlic butter custard and roasted garlic ahead of time. Assemble and bake the bread just before serving for the best texture.

4. How can I make this bread even crispier?

To make the bread extra crispy, you can brush the edges with more melted butter before baking, or bake the bread a little longer to achieve a crunchier texture.

5. Can I freeze the cheesy garlic bread?

Yes, you can freeze the bread before adding cheese. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake at 350°F (175°C) until hot, then add cheese and broil as directed.

6. Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, you can use any cheese you prefer, such as cheddar, parmesan, or provolone. Mixing cheeses can also add great flavor variety.

7. How do I know when the bread is done?

The bread is done when it is golden brown and crispy on the edges, with the cheese melted and bubbly on top. Be careful not to overbake, especially when broiling.

8. Can I make this garlic bread without an egg?

Yes, you can omit the egg if you’d like. The custard will still work, but it may not be as rich and creamy. You could substitute with a little extra milk or plant-based milk if needed.

9. How long will this garlic bread stay fresh?

The garlic bread is best enjoyed fresh, but it can last for about 2 days when stored properly in an airtight container.

10. How can I make this garlic bread spicier?

To add more spice, you can add more chili flakes, cayenne pepper, or even a bit of hot sauce to the garlic butter custard.

Conclusion

This Best Cheesy Garlic Bread is the perfect side for any meal or a snack on its own. The crispy, golden bread topped with a buttery garlic custard and melted mozzarella cheese is a crowd-pleaser that everyone will love. Whether it’s for a dinner party or a casual night in, this garlic bread is sure to make your taste buds dance with joy!