This cheesy bread recipe is the kind of easy, cozy side dish that makes a regular dinner feel like a treat. All you need is a loaf of French bread, butter, cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, and garlic or onion powder. That’s it! In just a few minutes, you can turn a simple loaf into warm, buttery, melty cheesy bread with crisp edges and a soft center.
I love recipes like this because they are simple enough for a weeknight but still fun enough for pasta night, soup night, game day, or a snacky dinner when nobody wants to fuss. Cheesy bread is also easy to customize. Keep it classic with cheddar and mozzarella, add a sprinkle of Parmesan, or give it a little kick with red pepper flakes.
Fun fact:
Garlic bread is related to bruschetta, the Italian toasted bread traditionally rubbed with garlic and topped with olive oil. The buttery version many of us know today became especially popular in Italian-American cooking, where butter, garlic, herbs, and melty cheese turned it into the comfort-food side dish we love.
Why this recipe works:
French bread has enough structure to hold the butter and cheese without falling apart, cheddar adds flavor, and mozzarella brings the stretchy, gooey melt. Using softened butter helps the seasoning spread evenly, while baking on a sheet pan gives the bottom just enough crispness.
Tips and tricks for the best cheesy bread:
- Use fresh bread when you can. A sturdy French loaf or Italian bread gives you crispy edges and a soft, buttery middle.
- Soften the butter first so it spreads without tearing the bread.
- Freshly grated cheese melts smoother than bagged shredded cheese because packaged shreds often contain anti-caking ingredients.
- Spread the butter mixture all the way to the edges so every bite has flavor.
- If the cheese browns too fast, loosely tent the bread with foil and continue baking until the center is hot.
- For extra crisp edges, broil for the last minute or two, but watch closely so it does not burn.
What do you eat with cheesy bread?
Why do you need to eat anything with it? Just kidding. Cheesy bread is great as a side dish with spaghetti, lasagna, anything made with Alfredo, or most Italian-style dishes, like Creamy Chicken and Ziti. It is also delicious with tomato soup, chili, baked pasta, grilled chicken, or a big dinner salad.
Which cheese is best for bread?
I think cheddar or Colby cheese is great for bread because it has flavor, but I’m also fond of mozzarella because it melts beautifully. A blend gives you the best of both worlds: cheddar for taste and mozzarella for that stretchy cheese pull. You can also add Parmesan for a sharper, salty finish, provolone for a mild tang, or Monterey Jack for a creamy melt.
Should cheesy bread be refrigerated?
Yes. If your cheesy bread has butter and cheese on it, refrigerate leftovers once they have cooled. Don’t leave it sitting out longer than 2 hours. Store it in an airtight container or wrap it well in foil, then reheat in the oven or air fryer so the bread crisps back up.
Can you make cheesy bread ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble the bread, cover it tightly, and keep it in the refrigerator until you are ready to bake. You can also freeze prepared slices in a single layer, then store them in a freezer-safe bag. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes as needed.
Easy flavor variations:
- Pizza cheesy bread: Add Italian seasoning and serve with warm marinara for dipping.
- Spicy cheesy bread: Add red pepper flakes or a few thin jalapeño slices before baking.
- Herby cheesy bread: Sprinkle parsley, chives, basil, or oregano over the top.
- Extra garlicky bread: Mix in a little fresh minced garlic with the garlic powder.
- Loaded cheesy bread: Add cooked bacon bits, green onions, or a little Parmesan on top.
Quick method: Slice the loaf lengthwise, mix softened butter with garlic or onion powder, spread it evenly over the cut sides, then top with cheddar and mozzarella. Bake until the cheese is melted and the edges are golden. Slice and serve warm while the cheese is still gooey.
Try it with…
ITEMS/INGREDIENTS USED IN RECIPE – If you are interested in any of the items I may have used (or are similar to the items I used) in making this recipe, I have listed some of them below. NOTE: These links are affiliate links of which I receive a small commission from the sale of certain item. This does not affect your price, it remains the same.
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Rock on!
~Bobbi
Pull Apart Cheesy Bread
Equipment
- 9 x 13 Baking Sheet
Ingredients
- 1 Loaf French Bread
- 1/4 Cup Butter Double, if butter lover
- 2 Cups Shredded Cheddar Cheese
- 2 Cups Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
- 2 Tsp Onion Powder Can sub with Garlic Powder
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°.
- Slice bread almost all the way through. Add butter in between each slice carefully without pulling apart. Add as much or as little as you like.
- Add shredded cheddar cheese in between each slice. Again, being careful not to pull the bread apart. Add as much or as little as you like.
- Repeat with shredded mozzarella cheese. Add as much or as little as you like. Sprinkle any extra you want on top.
- Sprinkle onion/garlic powder on top of the mozzarella cheese.
- Bake in preheated oven for 5-10 minutes, depending on how you like your bread.
Notes
Nutrition
