Name: Cheesy Bread Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-482876H4M11S
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 tablespoon sugar; 2 teaspoons salt; 2 1/4 teaspoons instant yeast (1 packet); 1 1/4 cups warm water (110°F or 45°C); 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese; 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)

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There’s something magical about cheesy bread—it’s the kind of dish that brings people together, fills the house with mouthwatering aromas, and makes you feel all warm and cozy inside. This cheesy bread recipe is super simple, and trust me, once you pull that golden, cheesy goodness out of the oven, you’ll want to devour the whole loaf yourself! Whether you’re serving it as a side at dinner or enjoying it as a snack, this recipe is guaranteed to make your taste buds sing. It’s cheesy, buttery, and just the perfect balance of flavors.

Why You’ll Love Cheesy Bread

This cheesy bread is the definition of comfort food, and I bet you’ll fall in love with it after the very first bite! Here’s why:

Versatile: Whether you’re serving it alongside pasta, a hearty soup, or just snacking by itself, cheesy bread fits in perfectly with almost any meal.
Budget-Friendly: You don’t need to spend a fortune on fancy ingredients. This dish uses simple items you probably already have in your pantry—making it a great choice for any day of the week.
Quick and Easy: With just a few steps and minimal prep, you can have warm, gooey cheesy bread ready in no time. It’s an absolute game-changer when you want something delicious but don’t have a lot of time.
Crowd-Pleasing: This cheesy bread is a hit with kids and adults alike. Trust me, no one can resist that cheesy, buttery goodness!
Customizable: Love garlic? Add more garlic butter. Prefer a spicy kick? Toss in a bit of chili flakes. This recipe is super flexible, so feel free to tweak it to suit your preferences!

Ingredients

This cheesy bread comes together using just a few simple ingredients, but the result is so much more than the sum of its parts. Here’s what you’ll need:

Bread: Choose a nice, hearty loaf—like a baguette or Italian bread. The bread is the base, so you want something that holds up well to all that cheese and butter!
Cheese: A blend of mozzarella and cheddar is what gives this bread that perfect meltiness with a nice sharp flavor. The mozzarella will get gooey, and the cheddar will add a bit of bite.
Butter: Softened butter is your secret weapon here. It spreads easily and ensures the bread is rich and flavorful.
Garlic: Fresh garlic is a must! It adds an irresistible aroma and flavor that will have everyone asking for the recipe.
Herbs: Fresh parsley or dried Italian herbs for a touch of green and extra flavor. This really elevates the bread and makes it feel a little fancier.
Parmesan (optional): A sprinkle of parmesan on top can give the bread that extra crunchy, cheesy layer if you want to go all out.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s dive into the steps that’ll transform simple ingredients into mouthwatering cheesy bread:

Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that the bread bakes evenly and gets nice and crispy on the outside while staying soft and cheesy on the inside.

Prepare the Bread: Slice your bread into thick pieces. Think about the size of each slice—you want to make sure the cheese and butter can coat it well without getting too overloaded.

Mix the Garlic Butter: In a small bowl, combine softened butter, minced garlic, and your choice of herbs. Mix it all together until you have a smooth, aromatic garlic butter spread.

Spread the Garlic Butter: Generously spread the garlic butter mixture onto each slice of bread. Don’t be shy—get a nice even layer on there so every bite has that rich, garlicky flavor.

Top with Cheese: Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese on top of each slice. If you’re feeling fancy, add a little parmesan as well for that extra cheesy crunch.

Bake to Perfection: Place the slices of bread on a baking sheet and bake for about 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the bread is golden and crispy. Keep an eye on it—you want that cheesy top to be perfectly golden.

Serve and Enjoy: Once your cheesy bread is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool for just a minute before digging in. Serve warm and enjoy the ooey-gooey deliciousness!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 300

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

How to Serve Cheesy Bread

This cheesy bread is perfect for so many occasions! Here are a few serving suggestions to make your meal even more special:

Pair with Soup: Cheesy bread makes the perfect dipping companion to a hot bowl of tomato soup, minestrone, or creamy potato soup. The combo is unbeatable!
Serve with Pasta: Whether it’s spaghetti, lasagna, or a creamy Alfredo, cheesy bread will complete your Italian feast.
Snack on It: Sometimes, this cheesy bread is so good it can be a snack on its own. Serve it alongside a glass of wine or even some fresh veggies for dipping!
Make It a Sandwich: If you’re craving something hearty, use your cheesy bread to make a grilled cheese sandwich or even a veggie sandwich for a satisfying meal.

Additional Tips

Make-Ahead: You can prep the garlic butter ahead of time and store it in the fridge for a few days. This makes the assembly super fast when you’re ready to bake!
Customize the Cheese: Mix up your cheese selection! Try adding provolone, gouda, or a bit of pepper jack for extra flavor.
Add Toppings: Want to take this cheesy bread to the next level? Top with a sprinkle of red pepper flakes, or even add some cooked bacon or fresh basil for extra flair.
Store Leftovers: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, pop it in the oven for a few minutes to get the cheese melty again!

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use any type of bread for this recipe?
A1: Absolutely! While a hearty baguette or Italian bread works great, you can use any bread you like. Try sourdough for a tangy twist or even a soft white bread for a lighter version.

Q2: Can I make this ahead of time?
A2: Yes, you can prep the garlic butter ahead of time and store it in the fridge. You can also assemble the bread and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake.

Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store leftover cheesy bread in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. For best results, reheat it in the oven for a few minutes to melt the cheese again.

Q4: Can I freeze cheesy bread?
A4: Yes, you can freeze the bread before baking it. Wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. When you’re ready to bake, just pop it in the oven straight from the freezer and bake as usual.

Q5: Can I use vegan cheese?
A5: Yes, vegan cheese works great for this recipe. There are plenty of options out there that melt well and will give you that cheesy texture.

Q6: Can I add other toppings to this bread?
A6: Absolutely! Add cooked bacon bits, caramelized onions, or even sautéed mushrooms for some extra flavor.

Q7: Is this recipe spicy?
A7: This recipe is not inherently spicy, but you can easily spice it up by adding red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the garlic butter mixture.

Q8: How do I prevent the bread from getting soggy?
A8: To prevent sogginess, make sure to bake the bread long enough to get the cheese nice and bubbly, and avoid using too much butter that might make it too greasy.

Q9: Can I use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic?
A9: Yes, you can substitute garlic powder, but fresh garlic will give you that lovely aroma and flavor that garlic powder can’t quite match.

Q10: How long does it take to bake?
A10: Cheesy bread takes about 10-15 minutes to bake, depending on your oven. Keep an eye on it, and remove it when the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

Conclusion

There you have it—simple, flavorful, and utterly delicious cheesy bread! It’s the kind of dish that turns any meal into something special. Whether you’re dipping it into soup, enjoying it alongside pasta, or just snacking on it by itself, this cheesy bread is bound to become a favorite in your kitchen. Give it a try, and prepare yourself for an irresistible, cheesy, buttery experience!