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Overhead shot of Cheesy Garlic Bread sticks

Cheesy Garlic Bread

Cheesy Garlic Bread is the ultimate side or snack for anyone who loves soft, buttery bread loaded with gooey cheese and a delightful hint of garlic. Whether you’re serving it alongside a hearty pasta, dishing it out for party appetizers, or simply enjoying it as an indulgent snack, this cheesy bread dish will have you savoring every warm, comforting bite.
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Course: Appetizer, Side Dish
Cuisine: American, Italian-Inspired
Keyword: Cheesy Garlic Bread
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Dough Rising: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 27 minutes
Servings: 12

Ingredients

For the Dough

  • Warm Water: 180 ml ~0.75 cup
  • Granulated Sugar: 1 tsp ~4 g
  • Active Dry Yeast: 1⅛ tsp ~4 g
  • Olive Oil: 1½ tbsp ~22 ml
  • Salt: ¾ tsp ~4 g
  • White Vinegar: ½ tsp ~2.5 ml (optional, aids tenderness)
  • All-Purpose Flour: ~240–300 g ~0.53–0.66 lb, as needed for a soft dough

For the Topping

  • Butter melted: 1½ tbsp (~22 g)
  • Garlic Cloves: 2 minced
  • Parmesan Cheese: ~30 g ~0.07 lb, grated
  • Mozzarella Cheese: ~140 g ~0.3 lb, shredded or sliced
  • Salt & Pepper: to taste
  • Dried Herbs oregano, basil: optional for extra flavor

Instructions

Activate Yeast

  • Mix warm water (about 110°F/43°C), sugar, and yeast in a small bowl.
  • Let rest ~5 minutes until foamy, indicating active yeast.

Form Dough

  • In a mixing bowl (or stand mixer), combine yeast mixture, olive oil, salt, vinegar, and about half the flour.
  • Gradually add the remaining flour until dough is soft but not sticky.
  • Knead ~3–4 minutes until smooth and elastic.

First Rise

  • Shape dough into a ball and place in a lightly oiled bowl.
  • Cover with a towel and let it rise for ~1 hour in a warm spot, or until doubled in size.

Shape & Top

  • Punch down dough, then stretch or roll into a rectangle (~⅓-inch thick).
  • Combine melted butter and minced garlic. Spread over dough’s surface.
  • Sprinkle Parmesan cheese, then top with shredded mozzarella.
  • Season with salt, pepper, and optional dried herbs.

Bake

  • Preheat oven to 475°F (245°C). If you have a pizza stone, preheat it too.
  • Transfer dough (on parchment) to a hot stone or baking sheet.
  • Bake ~8–12 minutes until cheese is bubbly and edges are golden.

Slice & Serve

  • Let the bread cool slightly before cutting into sticks or squares.
  • Serve warm with marinara or ranch for dipping if desired.

Notes

Want an even more robust flavor? Mix a pinch of red chili flakes into the garlic butter, or experiment with different cheese blends (like cheddar or pepper jack) for added zest. If you’re short on time, you can also use a store-bought pizza dough—just roll it out, add your garlic butter and cheese topping, and bake. This Cheesy Garlic Bread is super flexible, so get creative to find your perfect flavor combination!