Ultimate Cheesy Garlic Bread

Inspired by an old Giada recipe that I used to make – we’re talking well over a decade ago – I’ve revived an old family favorite of mine here. This, to me, is simply the best garlic bread ever. Ever. Evarr! The addition of some flavorful cheeses and fresh herbs into the whipped garlic butter mixture just elevates the whole situation into something that truly makes life worth living.

No big deal. I’m trying to keep my emotions casual over here.

What makes the the “ultimate” garlic bread?

I think what makes this so stinking good, is the fact that we’re combining both the garlic, butter, and cheese into one cohesive spread – a whipped cheesy garlic butter if you will – that all goes onto the bread in a single, dreamy layer. It all bakes together so well when you do it this way.

We’ll blend the cheese + garlic + butter + fresh herbs together in a food processor before ever even thinking about the bread. This ensures that the flavors of all of the above are evenly mixed and distributed throughout the mixture. And hence, throughout the bread.

Cheesy but not too cheesy. Herby but not too herby. And just as garlicky as you like – this is where it’s at y’all.

To date, this is the most righteous version of garlic bread I’ve ever made. You can make it as cheesy and garlicky as you like, as I mentioned (worth noting again). But I tend to add just enough cheese to give the whole thing a luscious, gooey factor but not so far as to throw it into pizza territory. But again …

You do you, my friends.

What is the best bread for garlic bread?

The short answer? Whatever you’ve got on hand. I have used this cheesy butter spread on everything from ciabatta and baguettes to plain, ole’ sandwich bread. That’s the beauty of it. That said, I do think that a crusty loaf of French bread or ciabatta is/are particularly delicious when transformed, Cinderella style, into garlic bread.

But, again, you do you here. This buttery garlic spread doesn’t discriminate whatsoever.

What you’ll need to make this Best Ever Garlic Bread

One, 1-lb. loaf (weight approximate) of French, Italian, or Ciabatta bread, halved lengthwise

1.5 sticks salted butter, at room temperature

2 garlic cloves, roughly chopped (or just one, if you want to be conservative)

2 scallions/green onions

1 cup fresh Italian parsley

6 oz. shredded sharp cheddar cheese *

6 oz. shredded mozzarella cheese

*you can make this as cheesy or un-cheesy as you like (my measurements are just guides)

How to make my Ultimate Cheesy Garlic Bread

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Adjust the rack to the middle position.

In a food processor, add the soft butter, garlic, scallions, and cheeses. Process until smooth. Spread this buttery cheese mixture all over the cut surface of the bread halves, using as much or as little as you like, to create a thick layer of buttery, cheesy goodness. (I sometimes have extra, depending on the size of the bread I’m using, This will keep in the fridge for you). 

Bake, uncovered, until the butter is melted, slightly gooey, and just barely beginning to brown. Cut into slices (or not), and serve right away. 

If you like the looks of this Ultimate Cheesy Garlic Bread, you might also enjoy:

Dining In Cookbook’s Sour Cream Flatbreads

Restaurant Style Naan

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