This 8 Clove Cheesy Garlic Bread is the ultimate in comfort food — buttery, garlicky, perfectly crisp on the edges, and loaded with melty cheese.
It’s simple to make, incredibly cozy, and guaranteed to steal the spotlight at any meal.
A mix of softened butter and cream cheese gives every bite an irresistibly rich texture, while fresh garlic, shallots, and parsley add just the right amount of flavor and freshness.
Topped with a generous layer of mozzarella and Italian cheese, this golden, bubbling loaf is the definition of comfort — perfect for serving alongside pasta, soup, or just enjoyed on its own.
Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or a holiday gathering, this cheesy garlic bread never lasts long. One slice in, and you’ll understand why.
Why you’ll love this recipe!
What ingredients do I need?
- Seeded Loaf – The base of this recipe! A seeded or rustic loaf adds hearty texture and flavor. You can also use French bread, Italian bread, or ciabatta depending on your preference.
- Unsalted Butter – Softened, creamy butter creates that rich, golden base for your garlic spread. Using unsalted butter lets you control the salt level perfectly.
- Cream Cheese – Adds a velvety, slightly tangy richness that helps the garlic butter spread smoothly and gives every bite a creamy texture.
- Garlic (8 cloves) – The star of the show! Fresh garlic brings bold, aromatic flavor — use more or less to taste.
- Shallot – Adds a subtle sweetness and depth that complements the garlic without overpowering it.
- Fresh Parsley – Brightens the flavor and adds color contrast. It’s a simple way to balance all that rich, cheesy goodness.
- Salt & Pepper – Essential seasonings that tie all the flavors together and enhance both the garlic and cheese.
- Mozzarella Cheese – Melts beautifully into stretchy, gooey perfection. It’s what gives this bread that irresistible pull-apart texture.
- Italian Cheese Mix – Adds extra depth and flavor. This blend usually includes provolone, Parmesan, and Romano — but you can substitute an extra cup of mozzarella or your favorite melty cheese.
Recipe Variations
- Spicy Garlic Bread: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or chili oil.
- Herb Lover’s: Mix in basil, oregano, or Italian seasoning for extra flavor.
- Cheddar Parmesan Blend: Swap in shredded cheddar and grated Parmesan for a sharper bite.
- Roasted Garlic: Swap raw garlic for roasted garlic cloves (about 1 bulb). It gives a sweeter, mellow flavor that’s perfect for anyone who prefers a less sharp garlic bite.
- Cheddar Jalapeño Garlic: Fold 1–2 tablespoons finely chopped jalapeños into the butter spread and top with a mix of cheddar and mozzarella. A spicy, melty favorite for game days.
- Bacon Garlic: Add ¼ cup chopped cooked bacon over the cheese layer before baking for an indulgent, savory upgrade.
Pro Tips
- Use room temperature butter and cream cheese so they mix together easily.
- Cover the bread with foil for the first part of baking to keep it soft, then uncover, or broil briefly, for that golden cheese pull.
- Want extra flavor? Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or Parmesan before baking.
- Make the garlic butter the day before for easy assembly that day!
- If you don’t have fresh parsley, you can use 1 tsp of dried parsley.
Leftovers and Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 4 days.
- Reheat in a 350°F oven for 5–7 minutes until warm and crisp again (avoid the microwave — it softens the bread).
- To freeze, wrap in foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat directly from frozen at 350°F for 10–12 minutes.
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Make sure to tag @thehomechefmomma on Instagram or Facebook, and leave a review or comment if you make these. I always get so excited to see your creations, variations of the recipe, and feedback! Just remember to be kind in your comments, there is still a person behind this screen! 🙂
8 Clove Cheesy Garlic Bread
Ingredients
- Seeded loaf cut in half
- 8 tbsp unsalted butter softened, the good stuff
- 2 oz cream cheese softened
- 8 cloves garlic
- 1 shallot
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley chopped
- Salt and pepper
- 2 c. Mozzarella cheese
- 1 c. Italian cheese mix or just sub an extra cup of mozzarella or provolone
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cut the loaf of bread in half lengthwise and open. Set aside
- Add garlic, shallots, parsley, salt and pepper to a food processor and pulse until chopped fine (or chop each ingredient up small and mix together).
- In a medium bowl, combine butter and cream cheese using a spatula. Add the garlic mixture and mix together well.
- Spread the garlic butter all over the inside of the bread. Top with cheese.
- Bake for 15 minutes, keeping it covered for the first 8 minutes (with foil or parchment paper).
- At the end of the 15 minutes, you can turn the broiler on high and broil for 1 minute to get the top a little browned.
- Allow to cool about 5 minutes, cut and enjoy!
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Nutritional Content Disclaimer
I choose not to include nutritional information with my recipes, as these values can be calculated from the ingredients provided. With my background as a pediatric nurse practitioner and my own family experience with disordered eating, I understand how focusing on numbers can affect our relationship with food. My philosophy is that all foods have a place—sweet, savory, nourishing, or indulgent. I aim to share recipes that support a healthy, joyful approach to eating. My hope is that this space also encourages a balanced, healthy relationship with food for you and your family too.