This isn’t your average cheesy bread; there’s a reason our friends still call it “Liz Bread” after 25+ years. One bite and you’ll understand why this family favorite is always the first thing to disappear.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Betsy raved: Made this to accompany a big pot of Chili on our first “Snow Day” in Texas in 10 years! Very delicious. Definitely needs the garlic.
Or maybe you need a great, bread / side dish to bring to a potluck, you will be the talk of the party and you will be asked to bring it again and again, and maybe again!
The first time I had this amazing Cheesy Garlic Bread recipe was during Thanksgiving week, the second year of our marriage. We shared a house with dear family friends just a few blocks from the beach in the quaint, Carmel By-The-Sea; it was chilly, sunny, gorgeous week at the beach.
These are not just any friends, these are the pastors and their families who married my hubby and I. They are family! You all have friends like that right?
On Wednesday before Thanksgiving, as their kids were arriving from college, Liz (the family matriarch) made her famous chili and while that was simmering away, she whipped up this spread and slathered it all over a couple of loaves of soft, fresh French bread.
The golden brown bubbliness that came out of the oven was nothing short of incredible.
Whip up some of my Firecracker chili or a big pot of Zuppa Toscana soup, and stir together a few messy ingredients that are probably already in your fridge, and make this amazing bread, it’s a great appetizer or side dish!
Cheesy Garlic Bread Recipe Ingredients
- Butter – Use softened butter so it spreads easily over the bread and melts into all the nooks. I use salted butter; if using unsalted, you may need to add a little salt.
- Cheese – Parmesan cheese, grated finely for that salty, nutty flavor that melts into the topping. Or use a mix of your favorite cheeses, such as mozzarella cheese, Colby Jack, and cheddar. You get the idea.
- Green Onions – Adds a fresh, mild onion flavor; use the green and light green parts. Feel free to use other fresh herbs, like fresh parsley.
- Mayonnaise – Helps bind everything together and gives the bread its rich, creamy texture; use a good quality brand.
- French or Italian Bread – A sturdy loaf of French bread works best. Slice in half lengthwise for easy spreading and baking. You may use a baguette, but you will have extra topping, so use two.
- Fresh Garlic – Minced garlic cloves are best here, essential for flavor. Garlic powder works in a pinch, adding garlic flavor. This is my addition!
Get the full recipe in the recipe card below.
Make This Homemade Garlic Bread Spread in Advance
Absolutely, it probably even gives the cheese and mayo mixture a chance to hang out and mingle a bit.
Can you spread it ahead of time, too, so it’s ready to pop in the oven?
Yes, slather on your butter first, then the spread, place on a cookie sheet and cover lightly with plastic wrap and store in fridge until ready, probably not a day ahead put a couple of hours, would be fine!
How to make cheesy garlic bread spread
Step 1 – Make the cheesy spread
Preheat oven to 350°F (175° C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil.
Slice the bread and spread a thin layer of butter over it. Don’t argue, you’ll love it!
Mix your mayonnaise, cheese, garlic, and green onions together in a large bowl.
Schmear the cheesy mixture on top of the bread, using it all, yes! Use it all.
Step 2 – Bake it
Place your gooey bread into the oven bake it first on the middle rack for about 7 minutes.
Then watching closely, change the oven to broil and broil 4-6 inches from the top of the broiler for 1-3 minutes.
Remove and allow to cool for a few minutes, then slice with a serrated knife. Eat hot!
Cheesy Bread Variations
This cheesy garlic bread is perfect just the way it is, but if you’re feeling creative, here are a few simple ways to mix things up:
- Add some heat – Sprinkle in a pinch of red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños for a little kick.
- Go herby – Mix in fresh or dried herbs like parsley, basil, or Italian seasoning to the cheesy spread.
- Make it meaty – Crumble in some cooked bacon or mini pepperoni before baking for an extra savory bite.
- Switch the cheese – Mozzarella is classic, but try sharp cheddar, Colby Jack, provolone, or even a little blue cheese for a bold twist.
- Stuff it – Split a loaf and spread the cheesy mixture between slices (accordion-style), then bake, great for a pull-apart version!
No matter how you spin it, this bread is a guaranteed hit. Let your fridge and pantry guide you!
Tips For Baking Garlic Cheese Bread
- When it comes time to bake this delicious bread, do NOT walk away from the broiler.
- If the amounts of ingredients scare you, reduce them; this is a totally customizable bread spread. Make it yours! But try it this way at least once. This is for special occasions; we don’t eat it every night, so enjoy!
What to serve with garlic cheese bread
Tradition states in our house, you serve this with chili; however, it’s of course absolutely delicious with your favorite pasta dishes; spaghetti, lasagna, stuffed shells, Marry Me Chicken, or just dunk it into marinara sauce.
How to Store Cheesy Garlic Bread
Refrigerate: If you have leftovers (lucky you!), wrap the bread tightly in foil or store in an airtight container. It’ll keep in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freeze: This bread freezes surprisingly well! Wrap in foil and place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. For best results, freeze before baking, then bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes.
Reheat: Warm leftovers in a 350ºF oven for 10–15 minutes, or until heated through. Avoid the microwave, it can make the bread soggy.
More amazing side recipes!
- Copycat Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuit Bread <== easy and amazing!
- Cowboy Baked Beans | Crowd pleaser!!
- Super Cheesy Party Potatoes | aka Funeral Potatoes, all natural though!
- Tarragon Carrots | drool worthy, truly!
- Roasted Balsamic and honey Brussels Sprouts | the crispy kind like the restaurants!
- Best Ever Corn Pudding | Gobbled up every single time!
- Sweet Molasses Brown Bread Rolls | a little more time, but well worth it!
- Easy Yeast Rolls | really, really easy!
- Beer Bread and Beer Cheese Popovers | super easy, super great!
Like this recipe?
Don’t forget to give it a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ star rating and leave a comment below the recipe!
Video
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 loaf French bread or Italian Bread, Sliced in half
- ¼ – ½ cup butter softened, salted or unsalted
- 1 cup mayonnaise good quality, I like Chosen Foods, Avocado Oil mayo
- ½ – 1 cup parmesan cheese grated (I use a half of a cup), or favorite cheese
- ⅔ cup green onions scallions, chopped (greens to light green)
- 2 – 4 cloves garlic minced or ½ – 1 teaspoon teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350ºF (175° C) and if desired, line a half sheet pan with parchment or foil.
- In a bowl, combine the parmesan cheese, mayonnaise, garlic, and sliced scallions (green onions). Stir until combined.
- Slice the loaf of bread in half lengthwise then spread both sides with a thin layer of butter, then with the cheese mixture.
- Bake the bread for 7 minutes then, turn to broil and place it under the broiler (about 4-6 inches under) just until golden brown, about 3 minutes. Do not walk away! Keep a close eye on it!
- Cut it into slices and serve.
Notes
Nutrition
Betsy M Jones
Made this to accompany a big pot of Chili on our first “Snow Day” in Texas in 10 years! Very delicious. Definitely needs the garlic. Thanks, Cuz!
Love that you loved it! We love it both ways, probably because we started having it without the garlic, but I get it! Thank you!
Tasia ~ two sugar bugs
Wow! This bread looks so divine!! I imagine serving it up with a nice plate of charcuterie and red wine. Can’t wait to try it!
Most definitely Tasia, most definitely!! Thank you!
Bob
Awesome–we are going to tee this up for sure! Might have to call it “K’s Bread”–with all due respect to Liz????????????????!!!
Thank you, again…..