If you crave warm bread bubbling with golden cheese and a punch of garlic, this BEST CHEESY GARLIC BREAD will blow every other version out of the water. It’s a heavenly combo of roasted garlic, pillowy-soft King’s Hawaiian rolls (or a delicious French baguette), gooey mozzarella, and a rich, custardy butter that soaks deep into every bite—pretty much a cheesy hug straight from the oven!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ultra-Gooey Cheese Pulls: Every slice delivers a glorious stretch of melty mozzarella—this IS the BEST CHEESY GARLIC BREAD promise.
- Custard-Soaked Perfection: The clever creamy custard layer makes the bread ultra-rich inside, but still beautifully crisp on the edges.
- An Unexpected Sweet + Savory Twist: Using King’s Hawaiian rolls creates a balance of soft sweetness and savory garlic that’s absolutely addictive.
- Big Batch-Friendly: Serving a crowd? This recipe was made to make everyone happy—AND you can prep most of it ahead!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This showstopper is surprisingly simple—just a handful of everyday ingredients, each playing a starring role. Don’t skip the roasted garlic step; it gives this BEST CHEESY GARLIC BREAD a depth you’ll never get with garlic powder alone!
- Fresh garlic cloves: Roasting transforms them into sweet, mellow garlic gold that melts right into the custard.
- Olive oil & a pinch of salt: A little drizzle and sprinkle helps the garlic caramelize perfectly in the oven.
- Butter: Go for real, unsalted butter for richness and that classic garlic bread flavor.
- Egg: The secret “custard” element—makes the bread extra tender and holds all that lovely butter in.
- Milk: Balances the richness and makes the custard extra luscious. Any dairy or oat milk will work!
- Paprika: Adds a subtle warmth and gorgeous color.
- Fresh parsley: Adds a grassy, fresh bite and makes your bread look extra-fancy.
- King’s Hawaiian Original Sheet Rolls (or French baguette): The slightly sweet base that sets this apart. If you go with a baguette, you get a chewier, classic crunch.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Nothing beats melty, stretchy mozzarella for the ultimate cheese pull.
- Chopped parsley & chili flakes: For extra color, herby freshness, and a little kick right at the end.
Variations
This BEST CHEESY GARLIC BREAD is endlessly customizable! Try mixing things up to suit what’s in your fridge, a special craving, or dietary needs—you can make it your own every single time.
- Make it Extra Cheesy: Add a big handful of shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even a layer of parmesan for a bolder flavor.
- Spicy Kick: Stir a pinch of crushed red pepper into the custard, or sprinkle jalapeño slices on top with the cheese.
- Herb Lovers’ Dream: Mix in fresh basil or chives along with the parsley or use an Italian herb blend.
- Dairy-Free: Use your favorite dairy-free butter and plant-based cheese shreds (also works with oat or almond milk) for a vegan-friendly loaf.
- Different Bread Base: Swap in sourdough, ciabatta, or thick-cut Texas toast for different textures and flavors.
How to Make BEST CHEESY GARLIC BREAD
Step 1: Roast the Garlic
Start by roasting your garlic cloves with a splash of olive oil and a pinch of salt. Toss them into a small covered pot (or wrap snugly in foil) and bake at 400°F until they transform into soft, golden nuggets—about 20 minutes. Once cool, mash them into a fragrant paste that forms the soul of your BEST CHEESY GARLIC BREAD.
Step 2: Mix Your Garlic Butter Custard
Whisk the mashed roasted garlic with melted butter, an egg, a splash of milk, paprika, salt, and parsley. The mixture will look a bit like a thick, speckled batter—don’t worry, this is what takes that bread from “good” to “best ever.” Make sure everything is smoothly combined!
Step 3: Toast the Bread
Turn the oven down to 350°F. Slice your King’s Hawaiian sheet rolls (or baguette) in half horizontally to create two big slabs. Lay them out on a baking sheet and bake for 8-10 minutes, until just barely golden and lightly crisp on top—this step helps them soak up maximum flavor without turning soggy.
Step 4: Soak the Bread in Garlic Custard
Now the fun part: Dip those toasted bread halves into the garlicky custard, making sure every side and corner gets well coated. Don’t be scared to let them soak for a moment—this is how your bread will get rich, golden, and custard-soft inside.
Step 5: Bake and Broil with Cheese
Pop the soaked bread back onto your baking sheet and bake at 350°F for another 15-18 minutes. When they’re deliciously golden and smell like heaven, pile on the shredded mozzarella cheese. Switch your oven to broil and broil for about 5 minutes—watch closely!—until you have a bubbling, golden cheese top worthy of any cheese lover’s dreams. That’s what the BEST CHEESY GARLIC BREAD should look (and smell!) like.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle chopped parsley and chili flakes over the hot, cheesy surface. Slice up while still warm, and get ready for the best garlic bread experience ever—seriously, every bite is perfection!
Pro Tips for Making BEST CHEESY GARLIC BREAD
- Roast, Don’t Rush: Roasting the garlic low and slow brings out sweetness and depth—never swap for raw or powdered in this recipe!
- Don’t Oversoak: Dip your bread in the custard just until saturated, not falling apart—the bread should be drenched but not soup!
- Watch That Broiler: Cheese can go from melty to burnt in seconds, so keep a close eye and pull the bread as soon as it blisters and browns.
- Best Served Fresh: For that irresistible cheese stretch and crisp edges, slice and share your BEST CHEESY GARLIC BREAD straight from the oven.
How to Serve BEST CHEESY GARLIC BREAD
Garnishes
The prettiest garlic bread needs only a generous scatter of chopped fresh parsley, but don’t hesitate to add a little shower of finely grated parmesan, chili flakes, or even lemon zest for a subtle, zingy twist. A swirl of extra-virgin olive oil right before serving gives a gorgeous sheen too!
Side Dishes
Honestly, this BEST CHEESY GARLIC BREAD is a star on its own, but it’s absolutely magical with a classic pasta dinner—think spaghetti bolognese, creamy fettuccine, or a hearty minestrone soup. It’s the side that “steals the show” at pizza night, and makes any salad feel like a full-on feast.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, slice into small bite-sized “fingers” and serve as a cheesy appetizer platter. Or, for a showstopper effect, bring out the whole sheet and let everyone pull their own piece. You can even layer in roasted veggies or chopped sun-dried tomato between the cheese for a fun surprise!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you miraculously have leftovers, wrap slices tightly in foil or an airtight container. They’ll keep in the fridge for up to three days—just long enough for midnight cravings or a next-day snack!
Freezing
Make a double batch and freeze one for future emergencies! Cool completely, wrap well in foil or freezer wrap, and freeze. For best quality, enjoy within one month—heat straight from frozen or let thaw in the fridge overnight.
Reheating
To bring back that just-baked magic, reheat slices in a 350°F oven (uncovered) for about 10 minutes until the cheese melts again and the edges get crisp. Avoid microwaving if you want that signature crunch—your future self will thank you!
FAQs
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Can I use store-bought roasted garlic instead of roasting my own?
Yes! While homemade roasted garlic gives the richest flavor, you can use store-bought in a pinch. Just mash it well and adjust to taste—it makes this BEST CHEESY GARLIC BREAD quick and convenient.
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Can I make this recipe ahead for parties?
Definitely! You can roast the garlic and prep the custard up to two days in advance. Toast the bread and dip in custard right before baking for the freshest, meltiest results.
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Is this recipe gluten-free?
Not as written, but it works beautifully with gluten-free rolls or baguette—just keep an eye on soak time, as some gluten-free breads absorb more liquid.
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What if I don’t have King’s Hawaiian bread?
No problem! A regular French baguette, ciabatta, or sturdy sourdough all work—each brings its own fun texture and flavor to your BEST CHEESY GARLIC BREAD.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to turn a simple meal or party into something unforgettable, you have to try this BEST CHEESY GARLIC BREAD. Friends and family will be begging for the recipe—and you might just find yourself making it at every gathering from now on. Happy baking and enjoy every glorious, cheesy bite!
PrintBEST CHEESY GARLIC BREAD Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Best Cheesy Garlic Bread Recipe. Crispy, buttery bread infused with roasted garlic and topped with gooey melted mozzarella cheese – a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
Ingredients
Roasted Garlic:
- 8–10 garlic cloves
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Pinch of salt
Garlic Butter Custard:
- Roasted garlic from above
- 1/2 cup butter, melted (113g)
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup milk (60g)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
Assembly:
- 12 King’s Hawaiian Original Hawaiian Sheet Rolls, kept in the full sheet form (or replace with a French baguette of similar size)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Chopped parsley and chili flakes for serving
Instructions
- Roasted Garlic: Pre-heat oven to 400F. Mix garlic cloves with olive oil and salt. Bake for ~20 minutes until soft and golden. Mash and set aside.
- Garlic Butter Custard: Combine roasted garlic, melted butter, egg, milk, salt, paprika, and parsley in a bowl. Whisk to combine.
- Assembly: Divide bread rolls, bake until golden. Dip in garlic butter custard, bake until golden. Top with cheese, broil until melted. Garnish with parsley and chili flakes. Slice and serve.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
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