Let's be honest, sometimes you just need cheesy bread, and you need it five minutes ago.

This isn't just a recipe; it's a culinary rescue mission for those moments of deep, carby craving.

Why This Recipe is a Weeknight Hero

This version is the brilliant, everyday cousin of those elaborate pull-apart breads.

It's the perfect shape for dunking into soups and stews, or for serving alongside a simple salad to make a real meal.

Best of all, it’s so straightforward you’ll probably memorize it after making it just once.

Ingredients Needed for the Recipe

• 1 bread loaf approx 30cm/12" long (like a French or Italian loaf)
• 100 g / 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 3 garlic cloves, minced (~ 3 tsp)
• 2 – 2.5 cups (200 – 250g) mozzarella cheese, grated
• Parsley, for sprinkling (optional)

The Secret is in the Butter

You might wonder why we use melted butter here instead of the softened kind.

Well, for this method, melted butter is a complete game-changer. It soaks deep into the bread, creating a flavor that's infused through and through, far better than just spreading softened butter on the surface.

It’s this little trick that makes it incredibly quick and gives it that dangerously moreish quality.

How to make Quick Cheesy Garlic Bread?

Preheat and Prepare

Start by preheating your oven to 160°C/320°F. This lower initial temperature is key for getting the bread perfectly crispy without burning the edges before the cheese even goes on.

While it's warming up, gently melt your butter, either in a small saucepan on the stove or in a microwave-safe bowl.

Create the Garlic Butter

Take that lovely melted butter and stir in the minced garlic and salt.

The smell that rises up at this point is, frankly, one of the best in the entire culinary world. It’s a promise of the deliciousness to come.

Prepare the Bread

Take your loaf of bread and slice it in half, horizontally. You’re creating two long, flat canvases ready for their buttery, cheesy masterpiece.

Place both halves on a baking sheet, cut-side up, ready for their transformation.

Drizzle and Soak

Now, take your garlic butter and drizzle it, as evenly as you can, over the entire exposed surface of both bread halves.

Don’t be shy, and try not to miss any patches—every inch deserves that golden, garlicky goodness.

The First Bake

Pop the baking sheet into your preheated oven and bake for about 20 minutes.

You’re waiting for the edges of the bread to become beautifully golden and crispy. This step ensures the base isn’t soggy.

Add the Cheese and Final Bake

Now, crank that oven up to 200°C/390°F. Take the bread out and generously cover both halves with your grated mozzarella.

Return it to the hot oven for just 7 to 10 minutes, until the cheese is gloriously melted, bubbly, and starting to get those lovely golden spots.

Serve Immediately

Once out of the oven, sprinkle with a little chopped parsley for a fresh, colorful touch, if you like.

Cut it into generous pieces and serve it immediately while it’s still hot, stretchy, and absolutely irresistible.

What to Serve With Your Garlic Bread

This bread is the ultimate supporting actor that can steal the show. It takes a simple bowl of pumpkin or lentil soup and turns it into an "OMG, I could have this every day" kind of meal.

It’s fantastic with a hearty beef stew or a rich chicken stew, perfect for sopping up all those incredible juices.

Or, go for an Italian feast alongside a classic Spaghetti Bolognese, a slow-cooked beef ragu, or a comforting baked lasagna.

Tips

Feel free to make this recipe your own! Stir some dried oregano or basil into the garlic butter, or add a pinch of chilli flakes for a little kick.

A tablespoon of freshly grated parmesan cheese mixed into the butter adds a wonderful savory depth of flavor.

For the best results, don't skip the two-stage baking process. The initial low-temperature bake ensures a crispy base, which is the foundation for greatness.

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

Let's be real, leftovers are unlikely. But if you do have some, wrap it tightly in foil and keep it in the fridge for up to 2 days.

To reheat, place the foil-wrapped bread in a 180°C/350°F oven for about 10 minutes, or until warm and the cheese is soft again.

The microwave will make it soft, but the oven will help bring back some of that delightful crispness to the edges.

Fun Variations to Try

Why stop at mozzarella? Try a blend of cheeses like provolone, cheddar, or a little gouda for a more complex flavor.

For a herby twist, mix a tablespoon of pesto into your melted garlic butter before drizzling it over the bread.

You can even make individual portions by using slices of a wider ciabatta or thick baguette slices, adjusting the baking time down slightly.

The Ultimate Comfort Food

This quick cheesy garlic bread is more than just a side dish; it's a warm, cheesy, garlicky hug on a plate.

It’s the kind of simple, satisfying food that brings people together, the first thing to disappear from the dinner table, and a recipe you’ll come back to again, and again.

So go on, make it. Your soup bowl, your stew pot, and most importantly, your stomach, will thank you for it.