This easy Italian cheese bread recipe is flavored with garlic, parsley and Italian cheese. This quick recipe uses simple ingredients, takes less than 10 minutes and is a delicious side dish or appetizer!
Easy side dishes are great for busy weeknights or entertaining. This quick Italian cheese bread recipe is so easy to put together and is good with the garlic butter and gooey melted cheese.
It's great as an appetizer with Italian flatbread pizzas, the perfect side dish with pasta topped with hidden veggie sauce, alongside jumbo shrimp and scallop scampi or with bucatini cacio e pepe!
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🥖 Ingredient notes
- Bread - A soft loaf of Italian or even French bread works best for this cheesy garlic bread. A crustier, heartier loaf of sourdough or ciabatta bread will also work, but will make for chewier pieces. Alternatively, homemade bread dough can also be used and baked for this Italian cheese bread recipe.
- Cheese - Italian cheese blend is a great cheese to add to the topping for this cheesy bread. It typically includes a blend of mozzarella cheese, parmesan cheese, provolone cheese, asiago cheese, fontina cheese and romano cheese. Plain shredded mozzarella or provolone are other kinds of cheese that would work. The topping is a lighter cheese topping, but feel free to double the cheese for an even cheesier garlic herb bread.
📋 Substitutions and variations
- Spicy - Add ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the butter and cheese mixture.
- Dried Herbs - Instead of fresh parsley, dried Italian herbs such as parsley, basil or oregano can be used. Italian seasoning may also be used.
🔪 Step by step instructions
First thing, slice the loaf of bread in half lengthwise and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. In a small bowl, combine the remaining ingredients and mix together thoroughly.
Spread the butter and cheese mixture evenly on the cut side of each half of the bread and broil in the oven until the cheese is melted and golden brown.
If you ever don't recognize a tool or skill that I mention, be sure to look it up in the Glossary of Cooking Terms and Definitions for more information.
⭐ Expert tips
- Mince the cloves of garlic and chop the parsley into small pieces for the best flavor and texture.
- Make sure the butter is softened to room temperature so you can easily mix it with the other ingredients.
- Keep a close eye on the bread when it's cooking under the broiler or it could easily burn.
🥘 Alternative cooking methods
Toaster Oven - This Italian cheese bread can be browned in a toaster oven, but the bread may need to be cut into smaller pieces depending on the size of the oven.
🥡 Storage suggestions
Leftover garlic cheese bread will keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-5 days and can be reheated in the microwave or under the broiler in the oven.
🥔 More easy side dish recipes
If you loved this Italian cheese bread recipe, check out these other easy side dish recipes that I know you will love too!
📖 Recipe
Italian Cheese Bread Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 loaf Italian bread
- 1 stick salted butter softened
- ½ cup shredded Italian cheese blend
- 2 Tablespoons minced garlic
- 1 Tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Preheat the broiler in the oven on high and line a sheet pan with parchment paper.
- Slice the loaf of bread in half lengthwise and place cut side up on the prepared sheet pan.
- In a small mixing bowl, combine the butter, cheese, garlic and parsley and mix until thoroughly combined.
- Spread the butter and cheese mixture evenly on both cut sides of the bread halves.
- Place the bread under the broiler and cook for 2-3 minutes until the cheese and butter are melted and lightly browned.
- Slice the bread into pieces and serve.
Notes
- Chop the garlic and parsley into small pieces for the best flavor and texture.
- Make sure the butter is softened to room temperature so you can easily mix it with the other ingredients.
- Keep a close eye on the bread when it's cooking under the broiler or it could easily burn.
- This bread can be browned in a toast oven, but the bread may need to be cut into smaller pieces depending on the size of the oven.
Substitutions and Variations
- Bread - A soft loaf of Italian or even French bread works best for this recipe. A crustier, heartier loaf of sourdough or ciabatta bread will also work, but will make for chewier pieces.
- Cheese - Italian cheese blend is a great cheese to add to the topping for this bread. Shredded mozzarella or provolone will also work. The topping is a lighter cheese topping, but feel free to double the cheese for an even cheesier bread.
- Spicy - Add ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the butter and cheese mixture.
- Dried Herbs - Instead of fresh, dried parsley can be used or Italian seasoning.
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