Best Cheesy Garlic Bread

This cheesy garlic bread delivers a double hit of roasted garlic flavor with a rich butter custard soaked into every bite. The rolls are bathed in a savory eggy mixture then crowned with bubbly mozzarella and broiled until golden. When I want a guaranteed party hit with nearly no leftovers I always bring this bread. It is a crowd—pleaser that makes your whole kitchen smell like a cozy bakery.

I first made this for a family birthday dinner and it vanished before we sat at the table. Now it is always my go—to for movie nights and Sunday suppers.

Ingredients

• Garlic cloves: go for big and plump bulbs for the most flavor
• Olive oil: high—quality extra virgin gives a fruitier taste to the roasted garlic
• Salt: choose pure sea salt to bring out every flavor
• Unsalted butter: real quality butter provides rich creamy notes
• Egg: fresh large eggs add structure to the custard
• Milk: use whole milk for creaminess
• Paprika: opt for smoked paprika for a little depth of flavor
• Fresh parsley: choose bright green leaves for a pop of color and freshness
• King's Hawaiian rolls: these are sweet and pillowy but you can swap for a good French baguette if preferred
• Shredded mozzarella cheese: freshly grated melts best
• Chili flakes: spark a gentle heat that lifts all the cheesy richness
• Tips on shopping: aim for fresh garlic not sprouted and soft butter that is pale and sweet smelling

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Roasted Garlic:

Begin by peeling eight to ten cloves of garlic. Place them in a small mixing bowl and toss with two tablespoons of olive oil plus a pinch of salt until every clove is dismissed with oil. Transfer the cloves to an oven safe mini pot or snugly wrap in foil. Roast in a preheated 400F oven for about twenty minutes until the garlic is soft golden and caramel smelling. Use a fork to mash the garlic into a smooth paste and set it aside

Make the Garlic Butter Custard:

Whisk together the mashed roasted garlic melted butter egg milk salt paprika and chopped parsley in a mixing bowl. Stir vigorously until everything is completely blended and the mixture looks creamy with no streaks of egg

Prepare the Bread Roll Sheets:

After roasting garlic lower your oven temperature to 350F. Without pulling apart the sheet of King's Hawaiian rolls use a sharp serrated knife to slice the sheet horizontally through the center to create two thinner slabs. Arrange the slabs cut side up on a large baking sheet and bake for eight to ten minutes until the edges have crisped up just slightly and the surfaces are a light golden brown. This step helps lock in structure so the bread does not get soggy later

Dip the Bread in Custard:

Pour the garlic butter custard into a wide shallow pan. Place the warm bread slabs into the custard one by one gently pressing to coat all surfaces especially the cut sides. Let the bread soak up the mixture for a minute or two until they feel heavy and moist not falling apart

Bake the Custard Soaked Bread:

Lift out the bread and transfer back to your baking sheet cut side up. Return to the oven for fifteen to eighteen minutes at 350F. The bread should take on a rich golden color and have a light crust forming while still very moist inside

Add the Cheese:

Heap grated mozzarella cheese across the whole surface of the bread. Turn on your oven broiler and broil for about five minutes. Watch closely so the cheese melts fully and bubbles into golden brown spots without burning

Finish and Serve:

Remove the bread and sprinkle immediately with fresh parsley and a dash of chili flakes. Let it rest for a minute to firm up before slicing with a serrated bread knife. Serve piping hot for maximum cheese pull

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My favorite part is using roasted garlic. No matter how much you use it never tastes harsh. Every time I mash it for the custard base my whole kitchen fills with the most comforting smell and my kids start peeking in asking if the bread is ready

Storage Tips

To keep leftovers fresh wrap the bread slices tightly in foil and store them in the fridge for up to three days. When reheating use the oven at 325F to crisp up the edges and re—melt the cheese instead of a microwave. The bread can also be frozen for up to three months. Thaw in the fridge and warm up as needed

Ingredient Substitutions

You can swap King's Hawaiian rolls for any soft bakery—style slab bread or even a good French baguette split lengthwise. For dairy free options use vegan butter and plant based milk. A shredded dairy free mozzarella works surprisingly well and gives a similar gooey finish. For a gluten free version look for your favorite gluten free sandwich bread sliced thick

Serving Suggestions

This bread is perfect alongside homemade soups hearty salads or even with simple pastas. When serving a party cut into squares for easy grabbing. Adding a touch of grated parmesan over the mozzarella before broiling brings an extra salty bite. For a brunch spread I like topping with poached eggs and a sprinkle of chives

Cultural and Historical Context

Cheesy garlic bread as we know it grew out of both Italian bruschetta and French cheese bread traditions but the addition of a savory custard is what sets this recipe apart. Many families in my area grew up making variations on Texas toast and this is my personal upgrade. It combines nostalgic holiday bread techniques with a modern cheesy touch that everyone loves

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Serve while hot and gooey for the best flavor. You may never want garlic bread any other way again.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What type of bread works best?

Soft King's Hawaiian rolls or a sturdy French baguette are ideal for holding the custard and melting cheese without getting soggy.

→ How do I roast the garlic correctly?

Coat cloves in olive oil and salt, bake covered at 400F until golden and tender, then mash for smoothness and depth of flavor.

→ Can mozzarella be replaced with another cheese?

Try mild provolone or a blend of mozzarella and cheddar for extra flavor and a meltier texture.

→ How do I achieve the perfect broiled cheese topping?

After adding cheese, broil for about 5 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning and to ensure golden bubbly results.

→ Can this be prepared in advance?

Bake the bread with custard ahead, add cheese and broil fresh before serving for best texture and flavor.