If you’re on a quest for the perfect garlic bread, look no further. This cheesy garlic bread recipe combines everything we love about garlic bread: a soft, fluffy center, crispy golden edges, and a cheesy, garlicky topping that’s simply irresistible. Perfect for gatherings, family dinners, or whenever you crave something warm and comforting, this garlic bread is the ultimate choice.
Forget store-bought garlic bread – making it from scratch is a game-changer! With fresh garlic, high-quality olive oil, and gooey, melted cheese, you’ll experience the rich, authentic flavors that only homemade garlic bread can deliver. Plus, this recipe is easy to make and can be customized with your favorite toppings.
Why is this the best Cheesy Garlic Bread?
What makes this cheesy garlic bread different from others? First, the dough is made from scratch, resulting in a bread that’s soft yet perfectly structured to hold the cheese and garlic topping. The garlic spread, made with fresh garlic cloves and softened butter, brings an intense, rich flavor that coats every slice. Add to that a generous layer of cheese, and you’ve got the best homemade garlic bread experience.
This garlic bread is versatile and can be customized with additional toppings like sliced tomatoes, bell peppers, or red onion. You can also make it as mild or as garlicky as you like – just adjust the amount of garlic to suit your taste!
Tips for Making the Best Garlic Bread at Home
- Use Fresh Garlic and High-Quality Olive Oil
The flavor of fresh garlic and quality olive oil is unmatched. These ingredients make all the difference in creating a garlic bread that’s aromatic and deeply flavorful.
- Let the Dough Rise Twice
Letting the dough rise a second time on the baking tray helps create a fluffy, airy texture that balances beautifully with the crispy edges and cheesy topping.
- Customize with Toppings
From classic tomato slices to sun-dried tomatoes, mushrooms, or olives, feel free to add your favorite toppings for extra flavor and variety.
- Bake at a High Temperature
A hot oven ensures the edges turn golden and crispy while the cheese melts perfectly. Preheating the oven is essential for the best results.
Perfect Pairings for Cheesy Garlic Bread
Cheesy garlic bread is a great addition to many dishes. Serve it alongside a bowl of tomato soup, minestrone, or any creamy pasta for a cozy, comforting meal. It also pairs well with a fresh green salad or as a side for Italian-inspired meals. If you’re hosting, include it on an appetizer board with olives, hummus, and other dips – it’s bound to be a crowd favorite!
Why Homemade Garlic Bread Is Worth the Effort
Making garlic bread from scratch may seem like a step up from the usual, but it’s worth every bit of effort. Homemade dough, fresh garlic, and quality ingredients make this bread fresher, tastier, and more customizable than anything you’ll find in the store. Plus, with this cheesy garlic bread recipe, you’ll experience an unbeatable blend of flavors that’s perfect for any occasion.
This garlic bread is best enjoyed warm, right out of the oven. The melted cheese, golden crust, and soft, garlicky center create an unforgettable experience that will have everyone asking for seconds. So, if you’re ready to take your garlic bread game to the next level, this recipe is a must-try!
How to Use Foil for Reheating
To maintain the bread’s soft, cheesy texture, wrap leftover garlic bread in foil before reheating it in the oven. This simple method helps lock in moisture and ensure every slice tastes as fresh as the day it was baked. Serve warm and enjoy!
Using a Small Bowl for Your Garlic Mixture
When preparing the garlic and butter mixture, combine your minced garlic, softened butter, and a splash of olive oil in a small bowl. This helps ensure that all of the flavors blend evenly, resulting in a perfectly balanced spread for your bread.
Cheesy Garlic Bread
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Baking Tray
- parchment paper
- Small pot or saucepan
- Blender or fork (for garlic spread)
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour 500 g
- 1 packet instant yeast 7 g
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 ¼ cups warm water 300 ml
- 2 tbsp olive oil
For the Garlic Spread:
- 3 heads of garlic cloves peeled
- ½ cup olive oil 125 ml
- 7 tbsp vegan or regular butter softened (100 g)
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped
- 1 tsp paprika flakes
- 1 tsp paprika powder
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp salt
For the Toppings:
- 1 ½ cups shredded vegan or regular cheese 200 g
Optional Toppings:
- Tomatoes sliced
- Sun-dried tomatoes
- Olives sliced
- Mushrooms sliced
- Bell peppers diced
- Red onion thinly sliced
Instructions
Prepare the Dough
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, instant yeast, sugar, and salt.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Make a well in the center and pour in the warm water and olive oil.
- Form the Dough: Mix until a soft dough forms.
- Knead: Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
Prepare the Garlic Spread
- Fry Garlic: In a small pot, heat the olive oil over low heat. Add the peeled garlic cloves and fry gently for 10-15 minutes until soft and fragrant but not browned.
- Cool: Remove from heat and allow the garlic to cool slightly.
- Combine Ingredients: In a bowl, mix the fried garlic cloves (including the olive oil) with the softened butter, parsley, paprika flakes, paprika powder, black pepper, and salt.
- Blend Until Smooth: Use a blender or mash with a fork until the mixture is smooth and spreadable.
Assemble the Flatbreads
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line baking trays with parchment paper.
- Divide Dough: Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into 2-3 equal pieces, each about 9-14 oz (250-400 g).
- Shape Dough: Roll out each piece into an elongated or circular shape to fit your baking trays.
- Second Rise: Place the shaped dough on the prepared trays, cover lightly, and let it rise for an additional 15-20 minutes. This will help make the flatbread softer and fluffier.
Add Garlic Spread, Cheese, and Toppings
- Add Garlic Spread: Spread the garlic mixture evenly over each piece of dough.
- Add Cheese and Toppings: Sprinkle each flatbread with shredded cheese and add any optional toppings you prefer.
Bake
- Bake Flatbreads: Place in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serve
- Cool and Slice: Remove from the oven, let it cool slightly, then slice.
- Enjoy: Serve warm and enjoy your homemade garlic cheese flatbread!
Notes
- This recipe can be customized with additional toppings like sliced tomatoes, bell peppers, mushrooms, or olives.
- Gluten-free flour can be used to make this recipe gluten-free; adjust water as needed.
- For the best texture, allow the dough to rise twice, as instructed, to achieve a light, airy interior with crispy edges.