Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Cheesy garlic pizza bread is the ultimate comfort food — crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and loaded with melty cheese and buttery garlic flavor. It combines the best parts of pizza and garlic bread into one easy-to-make dish that’s perfect as an appetizer, snack, or even a quick dinner side. I once served this alongside tomato soup on a cold evening, and it completely stole the spotlight. The aroma of bubbling cheese and toasted garlic butter is simply irresistible, and the result is every bit as satisfying as it sounds. Whether you’re hosting friends, feeding the family, or just indulging in a cheesy craving, this recipe is pure, simple bliss.
Cheesy Garlic Pizza Bread: Golden, Gooey, and Irresistibly Flavorful
- Total Time: 25 mins
- Yield: 8 slices
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A deliciously cheesy garlic pizza bread with a crispy crust, gooey melted cheese, and rich garlic butter — perfect as an appetizer, side dish, or snack.
Ingredients
- 1 large pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- 3 tablespoons butter, melted
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet or pizza pan with parchment paper.
- Roll out pizza dough into a rectangle or circle about 1/2 inch thick.
- In a small bowl, mix melted butter, olive oil, minced garlic, oregano, and salt.
- Brush garlic butter mixture evenly over the pizza dough.
- Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses evenly over the top.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove from oven, garnish with chopped parsley, and slice into strips or wedges.
- Serve warm with marinara sauce or garlic dip.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of chili flakes or Italian seasoning before baking.
- Use a blend of mozzarella and cheddar for a sharper cheese flavor.
- This can also be made on a baguette for a quick alternative to pizza dough.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Pizza dough — The base of your bread; use homemade or store-bought for convenience.
Butter — Softened and mixed with garlic for a rich, golden spread.
Garlic cloves — Freshly minced for the most robust, aromatic flavor.
Mozzarella cheese — The star of the show; gooey, stretchy, and perfectly melty.
Parmesan cheese — Adds a salty, nutty punch that complements the mozzarella.
Olive oil — Brushed on the crust for a crisp finish.
Parsley — Fresh and vibrant, it brightens the richness of the cheese.
Salt and black pepper — Enhance and balance the flavors.
Red pepper flakes (optional) — For a touch of heat.
Pizza or marinara sauce (optional) — Ideal for dipping.
Directions
Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Roll out the pizza dough into a rectangle or circle on a parchment-lined baking sheet. In a small bowl, combine softened butter, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt. Spread this mixture evenly over the surface of the dough.
Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan evenly across the top, leaving a small border around the edges. Brush the edges with olive oil and season lightly with black pepper. Add red pepper flakes if desired for spice.
Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbling and slightly browned. Remove from the oven, cool slightly, and sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley. Slice into strips or wedges and serve warm with a side of marinara or pizza sauce for dipping.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes about 8–10 pieces. Preparation takes 10 minutes, baking requires 15 minutes, and total time is about 25 minutes.
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in an oven at 375°F (190°C) for 5–7 minutes or in an air fryer for 3–4 minutes until crisp again. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the bread soggy. For longer storage, freeze baked slices in a sealed bag for up to 1 month; reheat from frozen in the oven until hot.
Variations and Customizations
Four-Cheese Garlic Bread — Mix mozzarella with provolone, cheddar, and Parmesan for extra richness.
Stuffed Garlic Bread — Layer extra cheese between two sheets of dough before baking.
Spicy Jalapeño — Add sliced jalapeños on top for a bold kick.
Garlic Herb Blend — Mix in Italian seasoning, basil, or oregano into the butter spread.
Bacon Lover’s — Sprinkle cooked bacon bits over the cheese before baking.
Vegan Version — Use dairy-free cheese and vegan butter.
Mini Bites — Cut into smaller pieces before baking for party-ready appetizers.
Cheese Pull Heaven — Use fresh mozzarella chunks for gooey, dramatic cheese pulls.
Loaded Pizza Style — Top with pepperoni, olives, or mushrooms for a pizza-inspired twist.
Cheesy Dip Base — Serve alongside warm spinach-artichoke dip or marinara for dunking.
FAQs
Can I use pre-made pizza dough?
Yes, store-bought dough works perfectly and saves time.
What’s the best cheese for this recipe?
A mix of mozzarella and Parmesan gives the best flavor and melt.
Can I add toppings like pepperoni?
Absolutely — treat it like a cheesy pizza bread and top it however you like.
How do I prevent soggy bread?
Spread garlic butter evenly and bake at a high temperature to crisp the crust.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, assemble and refrigerate before baking, then cook when ready to serve.
Can I use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic?
Yes, though fresh garlic provides a stronger flavor. Use ½ teaspoon garlic powder per clove.
Can I grill this instead of baking?
Yes, cook on a pizza stone or grill tray at medium heat until golden.
How do I keep the crust soft?
Brush lightly with butter after baking for a tender finish.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, as long as you use vegetarian-friendly cheeses.
Can I serve this cold?
It’s best served warm when the cheese is gooey and aromatic.
Conclusion
Cheesy garlic pizza bread is everything you love about comfort food — warm, buttery, and loaded with cheese. It’s quick to make, crowd-pleasing, and endlessly customizable, making it perfect for any occasion. Whether you serve it as a side, appetizer, or main event, this recipe delivers that classic combination of garlic, cheese, and golden crust that’s impossible to resist. One bite and you’ll understand why this dish is always a hit at any table.