Is there anything better than the smell of warm, cheesy garlic bread fresh out of the oven? I don’t think so! This Cheesy Garlic Bread is a simple but absolutely irresistible side dish that pairs perfectly with a hearty bowl of soup or any cozy dinner you’ve got planned. The best part? It’s super easy to make, and it comes with some sneaky health benefits!And guess what? If you’re watching your calories or trying to reduce your intake of saturated fat, this recipe works just as well without the cheese. I promise, it’s still absolutely delicious. The garlic butter alone is enough to make this bread a winner!Let’s dive into why this garlicky goodness isn’t just indulgent comfort food but actually has some powerful health perks.
Preheat your oven to 400°F. Slice the sourdough loaf in half lengthwise. Line a large baking sheet with foil or parchment paper, and place the bread halves cut side up on the sheet.
1 loaf sourdough bread
In a small bowl, combine the softened vegan butter, garlic powder, dried parsley, sea salt, black pepper, and red chili flakes. Mix well until everything is evenly incorporated. Generously spread the butter mixture over the cut sides of the bread, ensuring you coat all the edges. Lightly sprinkle paprika over the buttered bread for added flavor.
½ cup vegan butter, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp dried parsley, ¼ tsp paprika, 1 tsp sea salt, 1 pinch red chili flakes, ½ tsp black pepper
Cover the bread loosely with foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 5-10 minutes, or until the bread is heated through and slightly crispy on the edges.
Remove the bread from the oven and discard the foil. Set your oven to broil. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly over the buttered bread. Place the bread back in the oven and broil, uncovered, for 1-2 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.
½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Once the cheese has melted to perfection, remove the bread from the oven. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Slice into portions and serve warm.
fresh parsley
Video
More About This Recipe
Kitchen Tools You’ll Want
Baking sheet (lined with foil or parchment for easy cleanup).
Small mixing bowl & spatula (to whip up the butter mixture).
Sharp bread knife (for slicing the sourdough cleanly).
Broiler setting (to get that bubbly golden cheese finish).
Simple Cooking Tips for the Best Garlic Bread
Now, onto the fun part—making this bread the best it can be! Whether you’re keeping it cheesy or going the lighter route, here are a few tips to ensure your garlic bread turns out perfect every time:1. Use Fresh Bread:I love sourdough for its texture and slight tang, but really, any crusty bread will work. If you want a crispier crust, opt for a day-old loaf.2. Soften Your Butter:Make sure your vegan butter is softened to room temperature before mixing in the garlic and spices. This helps it spread evenly across the bread so you get that garlic flavor in every bite.3. Broil for the Perfect Finish:If you’re using cheese, keep a close eye on the bread when broiling. It only takes about a minute or two for the cheese to melt perfectly. If you’re skipping the cheese, still broil the bread for a minute or two to get that nice golden, crispy finish.