Absolutely Outrageous Garlic Cheese Bread

The moment this Absolutely Outrageous Garlic Cheese Bread hits your oven, your kitchen transforms with the intoxicating aroma of roasted garlic and bubbling cheese. Crispy on the outside, gloriously gooey on the inside, this isn’t your ordinary garlic bread—it’s a game-changer that elevates any meal from everyday to extraordinary. The perfect balance of rich butter, pungent garlic, and a double dose of cheeses creates an irresistible flavor explosion that will have everyone fighting for the last piece. You’ll learn how to create this showstopping side dish with simple ingredients and foolproof techniques that guarantee outrageous results every time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Absolutely Outrageous Garlic Cheese Bread deserves a permanent spot in your recipe collection for countless reasons. First, it strikes the perfect textural balance—the exterior develops a satisfying golden crunch while the interior remains delightfully tender and cheesy. The double-cheese approach (both mozzarella and parmesan) creates that Instagram-worthy cheese pull that makes mouths water before the first bite.

Beyond the incredible taste, this recipe is remarkably forgiving and adaptable. Even novice cooks can achieve spectacular results with minimal effort. The preparation takes just minutes, making it perfect for weeknight dinners yet impressive enough for entertaining guests. The foil-wrapping technique ensures the bread bakes evenly without burning while locking in all those incredible flavors.

Perhaps most importantly, this garlic cheese bread pairs beautifully with practically anything—from simple pasta dishes to elaborate holiday feasts. It’s the kind of versatile side that elevates any meal and disappears within minutes of hitting the table.

Ingredients List for the Absolutely Outrageous Garlic Cheese Bread

The magic of this bread comes from the perfect balance of high-quality ingredients that each play a crucial role in creating layers of flavor and that irresistible texture.

• 1 loaf Italian or French bread (about 400 g, cut in half lengthwise)
• ½ cup salted butter (melted)
• 6 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1.5 cup mozzarella (shredded)
• ¾ cup mayonnaise
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley (a small handful (or more, to taste), chopped)
• 1 cup parmesan (freshly grated)
• ¼ tsp red pepper flakes

Pro Tips

For truly Absolutely Outrageous Garlic Cheese Bread, these professional techniques make all the difference:

First, don’t skimp on the bread quality. A fresh bakery loaf with a sturdy crust and soft interior will produce far better results than pre-packaged options. The bread serves as the foundation for all those incredible flavors, so starting with the best possible base is essential.

Second, take the time to properly mince your garlic to near-paste consistency. This ensures the garlic flavor distributes evenly throughout the butter mixture without creating harsh, concentrated bites. For even more depth, consider roasting half the garlic cloves before mincing for a complex sweet-savory profile.

Finally, grate your parmesan cheese fresh rather than using pre-grated varieties. Pre-grated cheese contains anti-caking agents that prevent proper melting. Freshly grated parmesan melts beautifully and delivers that perfect golden, slightly crispy top that makes this garlic bread absolutely outrageous.

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat oven to 400 F. Slice loaf of bread in half lengthwise. Place one long sheet (at least 24 inches) of tin foil on a cookie sheet. Lay the two halves of bread, cut side up, on the tin foil. Melt salted butter in the microwave and add the minced garlic, red pepper flakes, and Italian seasoning to it. Set aside.

Step 2: In a mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, mozzarella, and fresh parsley. Stir well. Set aside. Using a brush or spoon, spread the melted butter on both halves of the bread. Then, using a spatula or spoon, spread the mayonnaise mixture on both halves of the bread. Make sure to spread the mixture all the way to the edges or they will burn. Pull the ends of the foil together to cover the bread. Bake 10 minutes.

Step 3: Remove from oven and open the tin foil. Sprinkle the bread with the grated parmesan cheese. Return to oven and bake uncovered for about 5 more minutes, or until the cheese is slightly golden and bubbly. For a crispier crust, broil for the last minute or two. Let sit for a few minutes, then cut into slices and serve warm.

Variations

The classic Absolutely Outrageous Garlic Cheese Bread is perfect as is, but these variations offer delicious alternatives:

For a gourmet upgrade, try a Three-Cheese Garlic Bread by adding 1/3 cup of crumbled gorgonzola or blue cheese to the mozzarella mixture. The tangy, pungent notes create a sophisticated flavor profile that pairs beautifully with steak dinners or hearty soups.

Create a Mediterranean version by adding 2 tablespoons of sun-dried tomatoes (chopped) and 1/4 cup of pitted Kalamata olives to the cheese mixture. Substitute the Italian seasoning with 1 teaspoon of dried oregano and finish with a sprinkle of crumbled feta cheese during the last 2 minutes of baking.

For a lighter option, replace the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt and reduce the butter to 1/4 cup. While slightly less decadent than the original, this version still delivers impressive flavor with fewer calories and makes an excellent garlic bread alternative for health-conscious guests.

Storage and Serving

Absolutely Outrageous Garlic Cheese Bread is at its absolute peak when served fresh from the oven, but leftover pieces (if there are any!) can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, avoid the microwave which will make the bread soggy. Instead, wrap in foil and warm in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes, then unwrap and crisp under the broiler for 1 minute.

For the perfect meal, serve this garlic bread alongside classic Italian dishes like lasagna or spaghetti with meatballs where it can soak up delicious sauces. It also makes an exceptional companion to hearty soups like minestrone or tomato basil.

For entertaining, cut the bread into smaller, bite-sized pieces and serve as an appetizer with marinara dipping sauce on the side. This presentation style is perfect for parties where guests can easily grab a piece while mingling. The bread’s impressive appearance and irresistible aroma make it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser at any gathering.

FAQs

Can I make this garlic bread ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the Absolutely Outrageous Garlic Cheese Bread up to the baking stage, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, simply follow the baking instructions, adding 2-3 extra minutes to the covered baking time.

Why use mayonnaise in garlic bread?
Mayonnaise creates an incredibly moist interior and helps the cheese melt into a smooth, creamy texture. It also adds richness without making the bread greasy or soggy, which is key to achieving the perfect garlic bread consistency.

Can I freeze this garlic bread?
Yes! After baking, let the bread cool completely, then wrap tightly in foil and freeze for up to 1 month. Reheat from frozen in a 350°F oven (still wrapped in foil) for 15-20 minutes, then unwrap and broil for 1-2 minutes to crisp the top.

What’s the best bread to use?
A fresh bakery Italian or French loaf works best for Absolutely Outrageous Garlic Cheese Bread. Look for bread with a crisp exterior and soft, slightly chewy interior. Avoid very dense artisan breads or pre-sliced sandwich bread.

Can I make this without mayonnaise?
While mayonnaise provides the best texture, you can substitute it with 3/4 cup of softened cream cheese or a mixture of ricotta and sour cream (equal parts to make 3/4 cup). The flavor profile will change slightly, but the bread will still be delicious.

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