Ultimate Cheesy Garlic Bread

Is there anything better than pulling apart a slice of hot, bubbling cheesy garlic bread with those perfect cheese pulls stretching between pieces? This isn’t just garlic bread—it’s the ULTIMATE version that will make your taste buds dance. Crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and loaded with gooey, melty cheese that creates those Instagram-worthy stretchy moments.

The secret to this showstopper is the perfect balance of butter, fresh garlic, and two types of cheese that create different textures and flavors. The Colby jack brings a rich creaminess while the mozzarella delivers that spectacular stretch factor. Plus, it takes just 20 minutes from start to finish—making it the perfect last-minute side dish for pasta night or an irresistible appetizer for game day!

Ingredients

• 1 Loaf French bread
• 1/2 cup salted butter, softened
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 cup Colby jack cheese, shredded
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• Fresh chopped parsley, for garnish

Steps

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (205°C). Cut your French bread loaf lengthwise and place on top of a baking sheet. For best results, use a serrated knife and make a clean, even cut to create two equal halves that will bake evenly.
2. In a small bowl combine the softened butter, garlic powder, minced garlic, and Italian seasoning. Mix until completely incorporated—this ensures even flavor distribution throughout the butter. If your butter isn’t soft enough, you’ll get uneven garlic clumps, so make sure it’s at room temperature.
3. Spread the garlic butter mixture evenly on each side of the bread, going all the way to the edges. Don’t skimp on the corners! The butter creates that delicious crispy edge when baked.
4. Top both halves generously with Colby Jack and mozzarella cheese, using an equal amount on each side. For the best cheese pull effect, make sure your cheese layer is at least 1/4 inch thick.
5. Bake in the oven for 12-15 minutes until butter is melted and bubbly and the cheese has fully melted. Look for golden brown edges on the bread and small bubbles forming in the cheese—these are signs of perfect doneness.
6. For an extra crispy, golden top, broil for 1-2 minutes at the end. Watch carefully as it can burn quickly! The perfect broiled top will have small brown spots across the cheese.
7. Remove from oven and let rest for 1 minute before garnishing with fresh chopped parsley if desired. Slice into approximately 12 pieces and serve immediately while the cheese is still stretchy and hot.

Smart Swaps

• Use whole grain bread instead of French bread for more fiber and nutrients
• Substitute vegan butter and dairy-free cheese for a vegan version
• Try roasted garlic (about 6-8 cloves) instead of fresh for a sweeter, more mellow garlic flavor
• Swap in Gruyère cheese for a more sophisticated flavor profile with excellent melting properties

Make It Diabetes-Friendly

• Use whole grain baguette instead of white French bread to reduce the glycemic impact (saves approximately 5g carbs per slice)
• Reduce cheese to 2/3 cup each of Colby and mozzarella (reduces fat while maintaining flavor)
• Add 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed to the butter mixture for added fiber which slows carbohydrate absorption
• Serve with a side salad dressed with olive oil and vinegar to further reduce the glycemic load of the meal
• Keep portions to 1 slice (approximately 15g carbs per slice with modifications)

Pro Tips

• Shred your own cheese rather than using pre-shredded for better melting (pre-shredded contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting)
• For make-ahead convenience, prepare the garlic butter up to 3 days in advance and store in the refrigerator
• If your bread is very fresh and soft, toast the cut sides for 2-3 minutes at 350°F (175°C) before adding toppings to prevent sogginess
• Let the bread rest for 5 minutes after baking before cutting for cleaner slices and less cheese slide-off