Best Cheesy Garlic Bread Recipe

Introduction

Enjoy the ultimate comfort food with this Best Cheesy Garlic Bread recipe. Soft, golden rolls soaked in a rich garlic butter custard, topped with melted mozzarella cheese, make a perfect side or snack for any occasion.

Ingredients

• 8-10 garlic cloves
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Pinch of salt
• ½ cup butter, melted (113g)
• 1 egg
• ¼ cup milk (60g)
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp paprika
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
• 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

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Combine the peeled garlic cloves with olive oil and a pinch of salt. Transfer the mixture to a small oven-safe pot with a lid or cover with foil.
2. Step 2: Roast the garlic in the oven for about 20 minutes, until soft and golden. Remove and mash the garlic with a fork. Set aside.
3. Step 3: In a bowl, whisk together the mashed roasted garlic, melted butter, egg, milk, salt, paprika, and parsley until fully combined to create the garlic butter custard.
4. Step 4: Reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C). Using a sharp knife, slice the sheet of rolls into two halves. Arrange on a large baking sheet and bake for 8-10 minutes until light golden and slightly crispy.
5. Step 5: Pour the garlic butter custard into a larger pan. Carefully dip the baked bread halves into the custard, ensuring they are well coated on all sides.
6. Step 6: Place the soaked bread back on the baking sheet and bake at 350°F for 15-18 minutes until golden and fragrant.
7. Step 7: Remove the bread and sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly over the top. Switch your oven to broil/grill and broil the bread for about 5 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly with a golden crust.
8. Step 8: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and chili flakes. Slice and serve warm for the best experience.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese along with the mozzarella before broiling.
• If you prefer a spicier kick, mix some crushed red pepper flakes into the garlic butter custard.
• Use a French baguette if you don’t have Hawaiian rolls; just adjust baking time accordingly.
• For a dairy-free version, substitute butter with vegan margarine and use a plant-based milk.

Storage

Store leftover garlic bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm it in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes to restore crispness and melty cheese. Avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare the roasted garlic ahead of time?

Yes, roasted garlic can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Just bring it to room temperature before mixing into the butter custard.

What if I don’t have fresh parsley?

Dried parsley can be used instead, but use about half the amount since it is more concentrated. Fresh parsley provides the best flavor and color.

Best Cheesy Garlic Bread Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 145 reviews

This Best Cheesy Garlic Bread recipe combines soft, roasted garlic with a rich butter custard, all wrapped around fluffy Hawaiian rolls and topped with melted mozzarella cheese. Perfect as a comforting appetizer or side dish, it features a crispy, golden crust with a soft, cheesy interior bursting with savory garlic and herb flavors.

• Author: Lara
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Yield: 12 servings 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Roasted Garlic

• 8–10 garlic cloves
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Pinch of salt

Garlic Butter Custard

• ½ cup butter, melted (113g)
• 1 egg
• ¼ cup milk (60g)
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp paprika
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

Bread and Topping

• 12 King’s Hawaiian Original Hawaiian Sheet Rolls, kept in full sheet form (or replace with a French baguette of similar size)
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• Chopped fresh parsley and chili flakes for serving

Instructions

1. Roast Garlic: Preheat your oven to 400°F. Mix the peeled garlic cloves with olive oil and a pinch of salt, then transfer to a small oven-safe pot with a lid or cover tightly with foil. Bake for about 20 minutes until the garlic is soft and golden. Remove from oven and mash the roasted garlic with a fork. Set aside.
2. Prepare Garlic Butter Custard: In a bowl, combine the mashed roasted garlic, melted butter, egg, milk, salt, paprika, and chopped parsley. Whisk the mixture thoroughly until fully blended and smooth.
3. Pre-bake Bread: Lower the oven temperature to 350°F. Using a sharp knife, slice the sheet of Hawaiian rolls into two halves lengthwise. Place the halves on a large baking sheet and bake for 8-10 minutes until they turn light golden and develop a crispy texture.
4. Dip Bread in Butter Custard: Transfer the garlic butter custard to a larger shallow pan. Carefully dip each pre-baked bread half into the custard, coating all sides well to absorb the flavorful mixture.
5. Bake with Custard: Place the custard-coated bread back on the baking sheet. Bake at 350°F for 15-18 minutes, or until the bread turns golden and the custard is set.
6. Add Cheese and Broil: Remove the bread from the oven and generously cover the top with shredded mozzarella cheese. Switch the oven to broil (grill) mode and broil the bread for about 5 minutes or until the cheese is fully melted and golden brown on top.
7. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley and chili flakes over the cheesy bread for a burst of color and flavor. Slice into servings and enjoy warm.

Notes

• Using King’s Hawaiian rolls gives a soft, slightly sweet flavor, but French baguette works as a good substitute for a crunchier texture.
• For extra garlic flavor, you can add a bit more roasted garlic to the butter custard.
• Be careful when broiling the cheese; watch closely to avoid burning.
• This bread is best served fresh and warm but can be stored wrapped in foil for a day and reheated in the oven.
• You can add chili flakes into the butter custard if you prefer a spicy garlic bread.

Keywords: cheesy garlic bread, garlic bread recipe, Hawaiian rolls, roasted garlic, appetizer, mozzarella cheese, baked garlic bread