Garlic Bread Cheese Herbs (Printable)

Crusty bread with garlic butter, melted cheese, and fresh herbs for a savory, aromatic bite.

# What goes in:

→ Bread

01 - 1 large baguette or Italian loaf

→ Garlic Butter

02 - 7 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
03 - 3 large garlic cloves, finely minced
04 - 2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
05 - 1 tbsp fresh chives, finely chopped (optional)
06 - 1/4 tsp salt
07 - 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper

→ Cheese

08 - 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
09 - 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese

# Directions:

01 - Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
02 - Slice the baguette in half lengthwise, then cut each half into 4 pieces, yielding 8 slices total.
03 - Combine softened butter, minced garlic, parsley, chives if used, salt, and pepper in a bowl until well incorporated.
04 - Spread the garlic butter evenly over the cut sides of each bread slice.
05 - Sprinkle shredded mozzarella evenly over each slice, then top with grated Parmesan.
06 - Place the bread slices cut side up on the prepared baking sheet.
07 - Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until cheese melts and turns lightly golden. Optionally, broil 1 to 2 minutes more for extra crispness, watching closely.
08 - Remove from oven, let cool slightly, and serve warm.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Ready in under 25 minutes from start to table, which feels like cheating when people act amazed.
  • The combination of mozzarella and Parmesan creates this perfect melty-crispy balance that's genuinely addictive.
  • Works as a side dish, appetizer, or honestly just a snack you eat standing at the counter.
02 -
  • Softened butter is essential—cold butter won't spread evenly, and your bread will have bare spots with no flavor.
  • Fresh, minced garlic makes a huge difference; garlic powder can give it a slightly bitter, stale taste that ruins the whole thing.
  • Don't skip the Parmesan—it adds a sharp saltiness that makes the mozzarella taste richer and more interesting.
03 -
  • Keep your butter at true room temperature—leaving it on the counter for 30 minutes before cooking makes spreading it effortless.
  • Buy pre-shredded cheese if that's what you have, but freshly grated Parmesan from a block has better flavor and texture than the pre-grated stuff.
  • If you're cooking for a crowd, you can prepare these completely in advance and just pop them in the oven when needed.

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