Name: 3-Cheese Garlic Bread
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 loaf French or Italian bread, halved lengthwise; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 3 cloves garlic, minced (or 1 tsp garlic powder); 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (for garnish); Optional: 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes or Italian seasoning

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3-Cheese Garlic Bread is one of my favorite ways to take a simple loaf of bread and turn it into something rich, cheesy, and absolutely irresistible. With a blend of gooey mozzarella, sharp cheddar, and nutty Parmesan all melted over garlicky, buttery bread—it’s the ultimate side dish or snack for any meal that needs a little extra comfort and crunch.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s quick, easy, and seriously crowd-pleasing. The garlic butter soaks into the bread, the cheese melts into bubbly perfection, and every bite is packed with flavor. It’s the perfect partner for pasta, soups, salads—or let’s be honest, I’ll eat it on its own straight from the oven.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

French bread or Italian loaf (cut in half lengthwise)
Unsalted butter (softened)
Garlic (minced or garlic powder)
Mozzarella cheese (shredded)
Cheddar cheese (shredded)
Parmesan cheese (grated)
Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
Optional: red pepper flakes or Italian seasoning

Directions

I preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with foil for easy cleanup.
I mix the softened butter with minced garlic (or garlic powder) and a pinch of salt.
I spread the garlic butter evenly over the cut sides of the bread.
I sprinkle the mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan generously over the buttered bread.
I place the bread on the baking sheet and bake for 10–12 minutes, until the cheese is melted and starting to bubble.
For a golden top, I broil for an extra 1–2 minutes—watching closely to prevent burning.
I remove it from the oven, sprinkle with parsley, and slice to serve warm.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 6–8 servings.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 10–12 minutes
Total time: Around 20–25 minutes

Variations

Sometimes I add a thin layer of marinara under the cheese for a pizza-like twist. I’ve also used a sourdough loaf or ciabatta for different textures. If I’m looking for heat, I sprinkle red pepper flakes or use pepper jack cheese in the mix. For even more richness, I stir in a touch of cream cheese or mayonnaise to the garlic butter.

storage/reheating

I store any leftover slices in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I pop them in the oven or air fryer at 350°F until warm and crispy—about 5–7 minutes. I avoid microwaving since it makes the bread soggy and the cheese rubbery.

FAQs

What’s the best bread for garlic cheese bread?

I always go with a sturdy loaf like French or Italian bread. It needs to be thick enough to hold all the toppings without going soggy.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes. I prepare the garlic bread up to the point of baking, then wrap it tightly and refrigerate. When ready, I bake it straight from the fridge.

Can I use pre-shredded cheese?

Yes, but I prefer grating it myself for better melting and flavor. Pre-shredded cheese often has anti-caking agents that affect texture.

What herbs work best with this?

I love parsley for garnish, but I’ve also added chopped basil, oregano, or thyme for more herbal flavor.

Can I freeze leftovers?

Yes. I wrap individual slices tightly and freeze them. To reheat, I bake straight from frozen at 350°F for about 10 minutes.

Conclusion

3-Cheese Garlic Bread is one of those side dishes that always steals the spotlight. With layers of buttery garlic flavor and perfectly melted cheese, it’s comforting, easy, and totally satisfying. Whether I’m serving it with a big bowl of pasta or just enjoying it on its own, this cheesy bread always hits the spot.